Bible Strands
Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses the book’s readers with a wisdom maxim contrasting two conduct patterns. The saying appears within a sequence of practical instructions on security, kindness, and their consequences.
The words — חֵן (chen) denotes grace or graciousness, while עֹֽשֶׁר ('O.sher) denotes wealth. The text presents these as the respective objects pursued by the two groups.
The thread — The tension between lasting character and transient or selfish gain runs through Proverbs 31:30, Luke 10:42, and Acts 16:14. Each reference tracks the same pattern of prioritizing enduring spiritual value over temporary advantage.
Why it lands — The verse demands a clear choice between cultivating gracious character and chasing ruthless gain. It requires the reader to evaluate which pursuit yields true standing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
- Luke 10:42 But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.”
- Acts 16:14 Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
- 1 Samuel 25:32 Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day!
- Acts 9:39 So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
- 2 Samuel 20:16 a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.”
- Esther 9:25 But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
- Matthew 26:13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
- Luke 8:3 Joanna the wife of Herod’s household manager Chuza, Susanna, and many others. These women were ministering to them out of their own means.
- Luke 11:21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure.