Proverbs 15:11 (DBY)

Passage

Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

Nearby Context

Proverbs 15:9 The way of a wicked [man] is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth righteousness he loveth.

Proverbs 15:10 Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.

Proverbs 15:11 Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.

Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "sheol", "destruction", "before", "jehovah", "much", "hearts", and "children". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "sheol" and "destruction", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 10's "Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh..." into verse 12's "A scorner loveth not one that reproveth...", so "sheol" and "destruction" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "sheol" and "destruction" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.