Proverbs 13:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Righteousness protects him whose way is honest, but wickedness brings down the sinner.

Berean Standard Bible:

Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.

American Standard Version:

Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Righteousness^{H6666} keepeth^{H5341} him that is upright^{H8537} in the way^{H1870}: but wickedness^{H7564} overthroweth^{H5557} the sinner^{H2403}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 13:6

Proverbs 13:6 is a verse from the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible, which reflects the ethical and practical teachings of ancient Israelite sages. The book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David and the third king of Israel, though it likely had multiple authors and editors over time. This particular proverb encapsulates a fundamental principle of the moral universe as understood in the biblical wisdom tradition: the contrasting outcomes of righteousness and wickedness.

The verse succinctly states that righteousness, which refers to living in accordance with moral and divine law, acts as a protective force for the individual who maintains integrity ("him that is upright in the way"). The metaphor of being kept or guarded suggests that righteousness provides stability and guidance, helping the individual to stay on the right path in life. Conversely, wickedness—a term denoting actions that violate moral and divine standards—is depicted as leading to ruin or downfall for the sinner. The use of the word "overthroweth" implies a dramatic and destructive end to the wayward life of the unrighteous.

In its historical context, Proverbs 13:6 would have served as both a moral compass and a practical guide for the ancient Israelites, emphasizing the importance of living a life marked by righteous deeds and personal integrity. The verse reflects the broader Deuteronomistic theology of the Hebrew Bible, which often links adherence to God's law with prosperity and well-being, while associating disobedience with calamity and suffering. This principle of retributive justice, where righteousness is rewarded and wickedness punished, was a cornerstone of Israelite ethical thought and is a recurring theme throughout the wisdom books of the Bible.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6666
   There are 150 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צְדָקָה
   Transliteration: tsᵉdâqâh
   Pronunciation: tsed-aw-kaw'
   Description: from צָדַק; rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity); justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness).
   
2. Strong's Number: H5341
   There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָצַר
   Transliteration: nâtsar
   Pronunciation: naw-tsar'
   Description: a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.); besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man).
   
3. Strong's Number: H8537
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תֹּם
   Transliteration: tôm
   Pronunciation: tome
   Description: from תָּמַם; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence; full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See תֻּמִּים.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1870
   There are 627 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דֶּרֶךְ
   Transliteration: derek
   Pronunciation: deh'-rek
   Description: from דָּרַךְ; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb; along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever).
   
5. Strong's Number: H7564
   There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רִשְׁעָה
   Transliteration: rishʻâh
   Pronunciation: rish-aw'
   Description: feminine of רֶשַׁע; wrong (especially moral); fault, wickedly(-ness).
   
6. Strong's Number: H5557
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סָלַף
   Transliteration: çâlaph
   Pronunciation: saw-laf'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to wrench, i.e. (figuratively) to subvert; overthrow, pervert.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2403
   There are 272 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חַטָּאָה
   Transliteration: chaṭṭâʼâh
   Pronunciation: khat-taw-aw'
   Description: or חַטָּאת; from חָטָא; an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender; punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).