16 A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
18 Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.
19 Godly people find life; evil people find death.
20 The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.
21 Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.
22 A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.
23 The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment.
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.