The integrity of the upright guides themIntegrity refers to moral and ethical uprightness, a consistent adherence to a set of values. In the biblical context, integrity is often associated with righteousness and a heart aligned with God's will. The upright are those who live according to God's commandments and principles. This phrase suggests that integrity acts as a guiding force, leading individuals in the right path. In
Psalm 25:21, integrity and uprightness are seen as protective forces. The concept of integrity is exemplified in the life of Job, who maintained his integrity despite severe trials (
Job 2:3). The guidance provided by integrity is akin to the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord, as seen in
Proverbs 9:10.
but the perversity of the faithless destroys them
Perversity here refers to a deliberate deviation from what is right or good. It implies a moral corruption and a willful turning away from truth. The faithless are those who lack faith in God and His ways, often choosing their own path over divine guidance. This phrase highlights the destructive nature of living without faith and integrity. The consequences of such a lifestyle are ruin and destruction, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Saul, whose disobedience led to his downfall (1 Samuel 15:23). The contrast between the upright and the faithless is a recurring theme in Proverbs, emphasizing the blessings of righteousness and the perils of wickedness. This destruction is not only physical but also spiritual, as seen in the eternal separation from God described inMatthew 7:23.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The UprightRefers to individuals who live righteously and with integrity, aligning their actions with God's standards.
2.
The FaithlessThose who lack faith and moral integrity, often leading to destructive behavior.
3.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, emphasizing wisdom and moral living.
5.
The Path of LifeA metaphorical concept representing the journey of life and the choices one makes.
Teaching Points
Integrity as a GuideIntegrity serves as a moral compass, helping believers make decisions that honor God.
Consequences of PerversityA lack of integrity leads to destruction, both spiritually and relationally.
The Role of FaithFaith in God strengthens integrity, providing the foundation for righteous living.
Wisdom in Decision-MakingSeeking God's wisdom is crucial for maintaining integrity in complex situations.
Community and AccountabilitySurrounding oneself with fellow believers can encourage and uphold integrity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:3?
2.How does integrity guide us according to Proverbs 11:3 in daily decisions?
3.What are the consequences of "duplicity" mentioned in Proverbs 11:3?
4.How can we cultivate integrity as described in Proverbs 11:3?
5.Connect Proverbs 11:3 with another verse about integrity's importance.
6.How can Proverbs 11:3 influence our interactions with others?
7.How does Proverbs 11:3 define integrity in a modern context?
8.What role does integrity play in Christian leadership according to Proverbs 11:3?
9.How can Proverbs 11:3 guide ethical decision-making in business?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11?
11.How can integrity guide your business dealings?
12.How should Christians live and lead with integrity?
13.How can integrity guide your business dealings?
14.What defines a biblical proverb?What Does Proverbs 11:3 Mean
The integrity of the upright guides them• Integrity is wholeness—living so that thoughts, words, and actions line up with God’s revealed standards.Proverbs 10:9 says, “He who walks in integrity walks securely,” reinforcing the idea that moral consistency becomes a compass.
• “Guides them” highlights active direction, not passive drift.Psalm 25:21 echoes, “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.”
• Practical outworking:
– Decision-making simplifies; the upright need not juggle competing loyalties.
– Relationships gain trust; others know where the upright stand.
– Future hope grows firm;Proverbs 20:7 notes, “The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.”
but the perversity of the faithless destroys them• “Perversity” pictures twisted motives and actions that stray from God’s straight path.Proverbs 13:6 warns, “Righteousness guards the blameless, but wickedness brings down the sinner.”
• The “faithless” refuse covenant loyalty to God; their lack of reverence leaves them vulnerable.Proverbs 11:5 shows the pattern: “The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.”
• Destruction is self-inflicted:
– Deceptive choices boomerang (Proverbs 26:27: “He who digs a pit will fall into it”).
– Character erodes; trust evaporates; opportunities close.
– Eternal judgment looms (Galatians 6:7-8: “Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return”).
summaryProverbs 11:3 draws a clear contrast: live in integrity and enjoy God-given guidance and security, or pursue crooked, faithless ways and face inevitable ruin. Integrity isn’t optional window dressing; it is the Spirit-empowered path that safeguards life now and forever.
(3)
The perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.--Fraudulent persons (literally,
those who "cover" a matter up) pervert the truth, thereby ruining their own characters (inasmuch as in time they can hardly distinguish right from wrong), and losing the favour of Almighty God.
Verse 3. -
The integrity - the simple straightforwardness
- of the upright shallguide them in the right way, and give them success in their undertakings with the blessing of God (comp. ver. 5). Septuagint, "the perfection of the straightforward" (
Proverbs 10:9).
The perverseness (
seleph); (
Proverbs 15:4, and there only. Vulgate,
supplantatio; Septuagint,
ὑποσκελισμός, "the tripping up," making others fall, putting a stumbling block in others' way.
Transgressors; treacherous and deceitful. Such persons shall be caught in their own net (
Psalm 35:8); they not only bring punishment on themselves when their evil designs are discovered and frustrated, but they ruin their moral nature, lose all sense of truth and right, and are rejected of God. This clause and the following verse are omitted in the Vatican and some other manuscripts of the Septuagint.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The integrityתֻּמַּ֣ת(tum·maṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8538:Innocenceof the uprightיְשָׁרִ֣ים(yə·šā·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477:Straight, rightguides them,תַּנְחֵ֑ם(tan·ḥêm)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5148:To guide, to transportbut the perversityוְסֶ֖לֶף(wə·se·lep̄)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5558:Crookedness, crooked dealingof the faithlessבּוֹגְדִ֣ים(bō·wḡ·ḏîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 898:To cover, to act covertly, to pillagedestroys them.יְשָׁדֵּֽם׃(yə·šād·dêm)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7703:To deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide (Prov. Pro Pr) 
