16 A gracious woman retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
19 As righteousness [tendeth] to life, so he that pursueth evil [doeth it] to his own death.
20 The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in [their] way are his delight.
21 Hand for hand! an evil [man] shall not be held innocent; but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 A fair woman who is without discretion, is [as] a gold ring in a swine's snout.
23 The desire of the righteous is only good; 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.