16 A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness [hath] a sure reward.
19 He that is stedfast in righteousness [shall attain] unto life; And he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death.
20 They that are perverse in heart are an abomination to Jehovah; But such as are perfect in [their] way are his delight.
21 [Though] hand [join] in hand, the evil man shall not be unpunished; But the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 [As] a ring of gold in a swine's snout, [So is] a fair woman that is without discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good; [But] the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 11:16-23
Commentary on Proverbs 11:16
(Read Proverbs 11:16)
A pious and discreet woman will keep esteem and respect, as strong men keep possession of wealth.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
(Read Proverbs 11:17)
A cruel, froward, ill-natured man, is vexatious to those that are, and should be to him as his own flesh, and punishes himself.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:18
(Read Proverbs 11:18)
He that makes it his business to do good, shall have a reward, as sure to him as eternal truth can make it.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:19
(Read Proverbs 11:19)
True holiness is true happiness. The more violent a man is in sinful pursuits, the more he hastens his own destruction.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:20
(Read Proverbs 11:20)
Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:21
(Read Proverbs 11:21)
Joining together in sin shall not protect the sinners.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:22
(Read Proverbs 11:22)
Beauty is abused by those who have not discretion or modesty with it. This is true of all bodily endowments.
Commentary on Proverbs 11:23
(Read Proverbs 11:23)
The wicked desire mischief to others, but it shall return upon themselves.