Proverbs 11:6

KJV

The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in [their own] naughtiness.

KJV (with Strong's)

The righteousness {H6666} of the upright {H3477} shall deliver {H5337} them: but transgressors {H898} shall be taken {H3920} in their own naughtiness {H1942}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteousness of the upright rescues them, but the treacherous are trapped by their own intrigues.

Berean Standard Bible

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.

American Standard Version

The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:6 encapsulates a foundational principle of divine justice within the wisdom tradition, starkly contrasting the destinies of the righteous and the wicked. It asserts that a life characterized by integrity and moral uprightness, lived in alignment with God's standards, will ultimately lead to deliverance and preservation. Conversely, those who choose a path of rebellion and deceit will find themselves ensnared and undone by the very wickedness they practice, illustrating a powerful self-retributive consequence inherent in their actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11:6 is situated within the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs, particularly those employing **antithetical parallelism**, a hallmark literary device of the book. This verse presents a clear "either/or" scenario, contrasting "the righteousness of the upright" with "transgressors" and their respective outcomes. The chapter itself is rich with similar contrasts, juxtaposing the blessings of integrity (e.g., [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright")) with the ruin of dishonesty (e.g., [Proverbs 11:5](/proverbs/11-5 "Proverbs 11:5 - The Righteous Path Made Straight")). This consistent structure serves to reinforce the wisdom teaching that moral choices have predictable and often self-inflicted consequences, guiding the reader toward virtuous living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects the ancient Israelite worldview, where wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but practical skill in living righteously before God and humanity. In the ancient Near East, the concept of **retributive justice** was prevalent, suggesting that good deeds were rewarded and evil deeds punished, often within one's lifetime. While not always immediate or simplistic, this proverb articulates a deeply ingrained cultural understanding that a moral order undergirds the cosmos. The "upright" (yashar) were those who walked a "straight" path, adhering to covenantal standards, while "transgressors" (bagad) were seen as breaking faith, often with destructive consequences for themselves and their community.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the wisdom literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice**, affirming that God's moral order ensures that righteousness leads to flourishing and wickedness to ruin. It highlights the **Two Ways**, a pervasive motif (seen powerfully in [Psalm 1](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Two Ways")) that distinguishes between the path of the righteous, which is blessed, and the path of the wicked, which perishes. The verse also underscores the **Intrinsic Consequences of Action**, suggesting that "naughtiness" (havvâh) is not merely punished externally but often becomes the very trap that ensnares the transgressor, illustrating a self-destructive quality inherent in sin. This aligns with the broader message that wisdom leads to life, while folly leads to death (e.g., [Proverbs 10:27](/proverbs/10-27 "Proverbs 10:27 - The Fear of the Lord Prolongs Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** From H6666, this term signifies "rightness" in various senses—abstractly (rectitude), subjectively (moral uprightness), objectively (justice), morally (virtue), or figuratively (prosperity). In Proverbs 11:6, it refers to the moral and ethical integrity of the upright, encompassing their just conduct, virtuous character, and alignment with divine standards, which ultimately serves as their protection and source of deliverance.
* **Transgressors (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** From H898, this primitive root means "to cover (with a garment)," but figuratively, "to act covertly," and by implication, "to pillage." It describes those who "deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully)," "offend," or "transgress." In this context, "transgressors" are individuals characterized by treacherous, unfaithful, or rebellious behavior, implying a deliberate breaking of moral or covenantal trust.
* **Naughtiness (Hebrew, _havvâh'_):** From H1942, this word derives from a root implying "eagerly coveting and rushing upon," and by implication, "falling." It denotes "desire," but also "ruin," "calamity," "iniquity," "mischief," or "very wickedness." Here, "naughtiness" refers to the destructive nature, malevolent intent, or calamitous outcome of the transgressor's own evil deeds, which ultimately ensnare them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:"** This clause posits a direct, positive correlation between righteous living and preservation. "Righteousness" (tsᵉdâqâh) refers to a holistic uprightness—moral integrity, just actions, and adherence to divine truth. This quality is attributed to the "upright" (yâshâr), those whose path is straight and uncorrupted. The verb "deliver" (nâtsal) implies being rescued, snatched away from danger, or preserved from harm, suggesting that integrity provides a form of divine safeguarding or inherent protection.
* **"but transgressors shall be taken in [their own] naughtiness."** This contrasting clause presents the grim fate of the wicked. "Transgressors" (bâgad) are those who act treacherously, unfaithfully, or rebelliously against moral and divine law. The phrase "shall be taken" (lâkad) signifies being caught, snared, or captured, often in a trap. Crucially, they are caught "in their own naughtiness" (havvâh), meaning their own destructive desires, mischievous schemes, or inherent wickedness become the very instrument of their downfall, a self-inflicted snare.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 11:6 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This structure presents two contrasting lines or ideas, where the second line expresses the opposite thought of the first, thereby emphasizing the moral truth being conveyed. Here, the positive outcome of "righteousness" (deliverance) is set against the negative consequence of "transgression" (being ensnared by one's own "naughtiness"). This sharp contrast effectively highlights the distinct and inevitable destinies resulting from divergent moral paths. Additionally, there is a subtle form of **Personification** or **Metonymy**, where abstract concepts like "righteousness" are depicted as having agency ("shall deliver"), and "naughtiness" as having the power to ensnare ("shall be taken in"). This imbues these moral qualities with active roles in determining human destiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 11:6 articulates a core tenet of biblical theology: God's moral order is intrinsically woven into the fabric of creation, ensuring that actions bear consequences. It is not merely a human observation but a divine decree that righteousness leads to life and security, while wickedness leads to ruin. This proverb underscores the principle of **retributive justice**, where one's conduct directly impacts their experience, reflecting God's unwavering character as a righteous judge who upholds justice in the world. While the fulfillment of this principle may not always be immediate or fully apparent in every circumstance, the wisdom literature consistently points to its ultimate certainty, affirming that moral integrity is not just ethically good, but pragmatically wise, aligning one with the very flow of God's providential governance.

* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Righteousness Delivers from Death")
* [Proverbs 5:22](/proverbs/5-22 "Proverbs 5:22 - The Wicked Ensnared by Their Sins")
* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Two Ways: Righteous and Ungodly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:6 offers a timeless and profound challenge for contemporary living, urging us to consider the long-term consequences of our character and choices. In a world that often prioritizes expediency, personal gain, or superficial appearances, this proverb reminds us that true security and flourishing are rooted in genuine integrity and moral uprightness. It calls us to cultivate a heart that seeks justice and righteousness, not merely as a set of rules, but as a way of life that aligns with divine wisdom. Conversely, it serves as a sobering warning against the deceptive allure of unethical shortcuts, deceitful practices, or rebellious attitudes, revealing that such "naughtiness" ultimately becomes a self-made trap, leading to personal and relational ruin. Embracing the wisdom of this verse means trusting in God's moral order, even when it seems counter-cultural, and committing to a life of consistent righteousness, knowing that it is the sure path to deliverance and lasting well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this proverb challenge modern notions of success or security that might be built on compromise or unethical means?**
* **In what specific areas of your life—personal, professional, or relational—can you intentionally cultivate greater "uprightness" and "righteousness"?**
* **Considering the self-destructive nature of "naughtiness," what temptations or compromises might you need to re-evaluate in light of this verse?**
* **How does this proverb deepen your trust in God's ultimate justice, even when immediate outcomes in the world do not always seem to align with its principles?**

### FAQ
**Does "deliverance" in this verse imply immediate, material prosperity or protection from all harm?**

Answer: While the wisdom literature often connects righteousness with tangible blessings and protection, the "deliverance" (H5337, _nâtsal_) spoken of in Proverbs 11:6 should not be understood as a guarantee of immediate, unbroken material prosperity or absolute immunity from all suffering in this life. Rather, it points to a deeper, more fundamental preservation and rescue. This deliverance can manifest as protection from the self-destructive consequences of sin, guidance through difficult circumstances, the preservation of one's reputation and integrity, and ultimately, spiritual and eternal security. The book of Job, for instance, explores the complexities of righteous suffering, demonstrating that God's justice operates on a timeline and in ways often beyond human comprehension, yet His ultimate deliverance for the upright is certain (see [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "Job 42:10 - Job's Restoration")).

**How does the concept of "transgressors being taken in their own naughtiness" reconcile with the biblical emphasis on grace and forgiveness?**

Answer: Proverbs 11:6 describes a natural, inherent consequence of living apart from God's wisdom, where the destructive nature of "naughtiness" (H1942, _havvâh_) becomes a snare for the one who practices it. This principle highlights God's justice and the reality of sin's self-destructive power. However, it does not negate the profound biblical emphasis on grace and forgiveness. The Bible consistently presents God as merciful and willing to forgive those who repent and turn from their "naughtiness" (e.g., [Psalm 103:10-12](/psalms/103-10 "Psalm 103:10-12 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness") or [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon")). While sin has inherent consequences, God's grace offers a way out of the snare, providing redemption and a new path of righteousness through faith. The proverb speaks to the general principle of divine order, while grace speaks to God's redemptive intervention for those who seek it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "upright" one, whose "righteousness" (cf. [Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")) is not merely a quality but the very essence of His being. His life of perfect obedience and sinlessness is the epitome of the "righteousness" that "delivers." Indeed, it is through His perfect righteousness, imputed to believers, that we are delivered not just from temporal calamities but from the ultimate snare of sin and death (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Conversely, the "naughtiness" (H1942, _havvâh_) of humanity, our collective transgression and rebellion against God, led to the cross. Yet, in a profound paradox of divine wisdom, the "transgressors" who sought to "take" and destroy the Righteous One were ultimately ensnared by their own wickedness, leading to their spiritual undoing, while Christ's death became the means of our deliverance. The cross, though seemingly a defeat, was the ultimate triumph over sin and death, turning the "naughtiness" of humanity into the path of salvation for all who believe (cf. [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, the proverb points to the profound truth that while human "naughtiness" leads to self-destruction, God, through Christ, offers a way of escape, inviting us to walk in the "righteousness" that delivers eternally (cf. [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness from God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 10:8

He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Proverbs 5:22

His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

1 Samuel 12:3

Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

1 Samuel 12:4

And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.

Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

1 Kings 2:44

The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head;