11:3

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

3a The integrity of the upright guides them,

3b but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.

11:3a

The integrity of the upright guides them: This Hebrew word for integrity is a different form of the noun that is used in 10:29a. (See the note there.) There is little or no difference in meaning between them. Both refer to a person who consistently does what he knows is right.

Several English versions translate integrity by the word “honesty.” For example:

The honest have their own honesty for guidance (New Jerusalem Bible)

To some English speakers, the word “honesty” refers primarily to telling the truth and not deceiving or cheating other people. The Hebrew word has a broader range of meaning. It refers to a person who leads a consistently blameless life.

integrity…guides them: In some languages, it may not be possible to say that an abstract character trait, such as integrity, guides someone. What this line means is that the actions of an upright person will be based on his consistently blameless character. It is implied that the person with such a character will know how to make good, correct, beneficial decisions. Another way to translate this line is:

The decisions of an upright person are based on his faultless character.

upright: An upright person is someone whose conduct is right and just and straightforward. (See the note on 2:7a.) Such a person is also righteous and has integrity.

11:3b

the perversity of the faithless destroys them: The word perversity refers to the words or deeds of a person who twists the truth. He says or does things that contradicts what is true. Some other ways to translate this line are:

the deviousness of the treacherous leads them to ruin (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy (New Century Version)
-or-
People who can’t be trusted are destroyed by their own dishonesty. (Good News Translation)

the faithless: The word faithless refers to someone who acts treacherously or breaks an agreement. It can apply to a marriage relationship, property rights, a treaty or general conduct. Some other ways to translate this word are:

the treacherous (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
People who can’t be trusted (Good News Translation)

This word last occurred in 2:22b.

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