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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 11:15–21

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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7 selected · 3 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

34 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 15

  1. Proverbs 17:18Rank 1 from verse 15
    Open

    18A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

  2. Proverbs 6:1–5Rank 2 from verse 15
    Open

    1MY son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,

    2Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

    3Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.

    4Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

    5Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

  3. Proverbs 20:16Rank 3 from verse 15
    Open

    16Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

  4. Proverbs 22:26–27Rank 4 from verse 15
    Open

    26Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

    27If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

From verse 16

  1. Proverbs 31:30–31Rank 1 from verse 16
    Open

    30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

    31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

  2. Luke 10:42Rank 2 from verse 16
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    42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

  3. Acts 16:14–15Rank 3 from verse 16
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    14¶ And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

    15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

  4. 1 Samuel 25:32–33Rank 4 from verse 16
    Open

    32¶ And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

    33And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.

  5. Acts 9:39Rank 5 from verse 16
    Open

    39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

From verse 17

  1. Matthew 5:7Rank 1 from verse 17
    Open

    7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

  2. James 2:13Rank 2 from verse 17
    Open

    13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

  3. Matthew 25:34–40Rank 3 from verse 17
    Open

    34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

    35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

    36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

    37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

    38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

    39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

    40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

  4. 2 Corinthians 9:6–14Rank 4 from verse 17
    Open

    6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

    7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

    9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

    10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

    11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

    12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

    13Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

    14And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

  5. Daniel 4:27Rank 5 from verse 17
    Open

    27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

From verse 18

  1. Galatians 6:8–9Rank 1 from verse 18
    Open

    8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

    9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

  2. Ecclesiastes 10:8Rank 2 from verse 18
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    8He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

  3. Hosea 10:12–13Rank 3 from verse 18
    Open

    12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

    13Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

  4. James 3:18Rank 4 from verse 18
    Open

    18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  5. Proverbs 22:8Rank 5 from verse 18
    Open

    8He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

From verse 19

  1. Proverbs 10:16Rank 1 from verse 19
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    16The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.

  2. Proverbs 12:28Rank 2 from verse 19
    Open

    28In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

  3. Proverbs 19:23Rank 3 from verse 19
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    23The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

  4. Romans 2:8–9Rank 4 from verse 19
    Open

    8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

    9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

  5. Proverbs 1:16–19Rank 5 from verse 19
    Open

    16For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

    17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

    18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

    19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

From verse 20

  1. Psalms 119:1Rank 1 from verse 20
    Open

    1BLESSED are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

  2. 1 Chronicles 29:17Rank 2 from verse 20
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    17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

  3. Proverbs 21:29Rank 3 from verse 20
    Open

    29A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

  4. Psalms 140:13Rank 4 from verse 20
    Open

    13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

  5. Proverbs 6:14Rank 5 from verse 20
    Open

    14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

From verse 21

  1. Psalms 112:1–2Rank 1 from verse 21
    Open

    1PRAISE ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

    2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

  2. Acts 2:39Rank 2 from verse 21
    Open

    39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

  3. Jeremiah 32:39Rank 3 from verse 21
    Open

    39And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

  4. Psalms 37:26Rank 4 from verse 21
    Open

    26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

  5. Proverbs 16:5Rank 5 from verse 21
    Open

    5Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:15

COMBINED MEANING

surety

↗

1. A person who undertakes responsibility or gives a guarantee for another or for an obligation. 2. In the phrase ‘of a surety’: certainly or assuredly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

smart

↗

To suffer pain, grief, or an unpleasant consequence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

suretiship

↗

The state of being surety; the obligation of a person to answer for another, and make good any debt or loss which may occur from another's delinquency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

surity

↗

1. A person who undertakes responsibility or gives a guarantee for another or for an obligation. 2. In the phrase ‘of a surety’: certainly or assuredly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:16

COMBINED MEANING

gracious

↗

Showing favour, mercy, compassion, kindness, patience, or goodness; pleasant, acceptable, or benevolent in word or action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

retaineth

↗

Third-person singular present form of retain (to hold or keep in possession; not to lose or part with or dismiss).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

honour

↗

Sense 1: Esteem, respect, dignity, glory, distinction, or exalted standing. Sense 2: To esteem, respect, acknowledge, reward, or adorn.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

strong

↗

Having great power, might, firmness, courage, capacity, influence, defence, health, intensity, or ability to act, endure, resist, overcome, or support.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

retain

↗

To hold or keep in possession; not to lose or part with or dismiss.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:17

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

soul

↗

Sense 1: A living person or creature; a life or self. Sense 2: The inward self distinguished from the body. Sense 3: The seat of desire or appetite.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

cruel

↗

Disposed to inflict pain or suffering; without pity or compassion; fierce or severe.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

flesh

↗

Sense 1: The soft substance of the body. Sense 2: The body, human nature, kindred, or mankind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:18

COMBINED MEANING

worketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of work, meaning to labour, act, operate, perform, make, produce, accomplish, or bring about.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

work

↗

Sense 1: Labour, occupation, an assigned task, or service. Sense 2: An action, deed, operation, effect, product, thing made, or manner of workmanship. Sense 3: To labour, act, operate, perform, make, produce, accomplish, or bring about.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

soweth

↗

Sense 1: Third-person singular present form of sow, meaning to scatter or plant seed. Sense 2: Figuratively, to spread what will produce a result.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

reward

↗

Sense 1: A benefit, payment, honour, punishment, or recompense given or received. Sense 2: As a verb, to give such a return.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:19

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:20

COMBINED MEANING

froward

↗

1. Perverse or turned aside from what is right. 2. Contrary or opposed in conduct or response.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

abomination

↗

Sense 1: A person, thing, act, practice, creature, or condition regarded as detestable or loathsome. Sense 2: An idol or idolatrous thing so regarded.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

upright

↗

1. Honest, just, or morally right; also a person so characterized. 2. Straight, erect, or standing up.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

delight

↗

Sense 1: To take or give great pleasure or satisfaction. Sense 2: A high degree of pleasure or satisfaction of mind; joy.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 11:21

COMBINED MEANING

hand

↗

Sense 1: The part of the body at the end of the arm. Sense 2: Figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

join

↗

To bring or come together; connect, unite, associate, or enter into the relationship named.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

seed

↗

Sense 1: The reproductive substance of a plant or creature, especially what is sown to produce after its kind. Sense 2: Offspring, descendants, or lineage. Sense 3: A beginning, source, or thing sown that produces a result.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

righteous

↗

Sense 1: Right, just, equitable, or in accord with truth, justice, or the will of God. Sense 2: Upright or innocent in a matter. Sense 3: Made or regarded as right. Sense 4: As a noun, persons so described.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

delivered

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of deliver. Sense 1: To rescue, save, free, or bring safely out of danger or bondage. Sense 2: To hand over, give up, or place into another's power or possession. Sense 3: To bring forth, convey, declare, or commit something to another. Sense 4: To give birth or be delivered of a child.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

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Surrounding Verses

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14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.

15He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

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16A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.

Selected passage

17The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Selected passage

18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Selected passage

19As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.

Selected passage

20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

Selected passage

21Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Selected passage

22As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

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