11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, 1
but the crookedness of the unfaithful destroys them. 2
11:4 Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, 3
but righteousness delivers from mortal danger. 4
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, 5
but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. 6
11:6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, 7
but the faithless will be captured 8 by their own desires. 9
1 sn This contrasts two lifestyles, affirming the value of integrity. The upright live with integrity – blamelessness – and that integrity leads them in success and happiness. Those who use treachery will be destroyed by it.
2 tc The form is a Kethib/Qere reading. The Qere יְשָׁדֵּם (yÿshadem) is an imperfect tense with the pronominal suffix. The Kethib וְשַׁדָּם (vÿshadam) is a perfect tense with a vav prefixed and a pronominal suffix. The Qere is supported by the versions.
3 sn The “day of wrath” refers to divine punishment in this life (R. N. Whybray, Proverbs [CBC], 67; e.g., also Job 21:30; Ezek 7:19; Zeph 1:18). Righteousness and not wealth is more valuable in anticipating judgment.
4 tn Heb “from death.”
5 tn Heb “his way.”
6 sn The righteous will enjoy security and serenity throughout life. Righteousness makes the path straight; wickedness destroys the wicked.
7 sn The contrast is between being rescued or delivered (נָצַל, natsal) and being captured (לָכַד, lakhad). Righteousness is freeing; [evil] desires are enslaving.
8 tn Heb “taken captive” (so NRSV); NIV, TEV “are trapped.”
9 tn Heb “but by the desire of the faithless are they taken captive.”