Proverbs 12:13

KJV

¶ The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wicked {H7451} is snared {H4170} by the transgression {H6588} of his lips {H8193}: but the just {H6662} shall come out {H3318} of trouble {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wicked is trapped by his own sinful speech, but the righteous finds a way out of trouble.

Berean Standard Bible

An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

American Standard Version

In the transgression of the lips is a snare to the evil man; But the righteous shall come out of trouble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 12:13 presents a striking antithesis, characteristic of wisdom literature, illustrating the divergent consequences of speech and character. It asserts that the wicked are entrapped by their own deceitful or rebellious words, which lead to their downfall and trouble. In stark contrast, the righteous, characterized by integrity and truthfulness, are divinely preserved and delivered from the adversities that ensnare the ungodly, highlighting the protective power of a life lived in accordance with God's moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 12 is part of the larger collection of "Proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-22), which primarily consists of two-line antithetical proverbs. These proverbs often juxtapose the "righteous" (or "just") with the "wicked," highlighting the contrasting outcomes of their respective paths. Verse 13 specifically follows a series of proverbs that emphasize the value of diligence and integrity (e.g., [Proverbs 12:11-12](/proverbs/12-11 "Proverbs 12:11-12 - Diligence and Righteousness")), and precedes verses that continue to explore the power of the tongue and the consequences of speech (e.g., [Proverbs 12:14](/proverbs/12-14 "Proverbs 12:14 - The Fruit of One's Mouth")). This verse, therefore, serves as a pivotal statement on the self-inflicted nature of trouble for the wicked and the divinely-granted deliverance for the just, particularly as it relates to verbal conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which valued practical wisdom for daily living, often rooted in a fear of the Lord. In ancient Israel, speech held immense power; words were not merely sounds but were believed to carry inherent creative or destructive force, capable of shaping reality. Oaths, blessings, curses, and testimonies had significant legal and social weight. Therefore, "transgression of his lips" would have been understood not just as careless talk, but as deliberate acts of deceit, slander, or false witness that could have profound societal repercussions, including legal penalties or social ostracism. The concept of "trouble" (Hebrew *tsârâh*) often encompassed various forms of distress, including legal entanglement, social disgrace, or divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 12:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living"). Primarily, it underscores the **power of the tongue**, a recurring motif throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue")). It vividly illustrates how words can be instruments of self-destruction for the wicked and a means of preservation for the righteous. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine retribution and justice**, where actions (especially verbal ones) have inherent consequences, reflecting God's moral order. The wicked's self-inflicted snare and the just's deliverance are not accidental but are outcomes consistent with their character and conduct. Finally, the verse reinforces the fundamental **contrast between the righteous and the wicked**, a foundational dichotomy in Proverbs, demonstrating that a life of integrity, rooted in righteousness, ultimately leads to security and salvation, even amidst adversity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **snared (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** This word (H4170) literally refers to a "noose" or "trap" used for catching animals. Its use here is highly metaphorical, indicating that the wicked's downfall is not external happenstance but a direct, often inescapable, consequence of their own actions, particularly their words. It implies a self-laid trap, where their deceitful speech (like a hidden snare) ultimately catches them.
* **transgression (Hebrew, _peshaʻ'_):** This term (H6588) is stronger than a mere mistake or error. It denotes a "revolt," "rebellion," or "trespass" against a moral or divine law. Applied to "lips," it signifies a deliberate, willful act of sin committed through speech, such as lying, slandering, bearing false witness, or making rebellious statements against God or authority. This emphasizes the intentional and serious nature of the wicked's verbal misdeeds.
* **just (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** This word (H6662) describes someone who is "righteous," "upright," or "lawful." In the biblical context, a *tsaddîyq* is not merely innocent but actively conforms to God's standards of justice and morality in all their dealings, including their speech. Their righteousness is a holistic quality that encompasses their character, actions, and words, setting them apart from the wicked.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips":** This clause reveals the mechanism of the wicked's downfall. The "wicked" (H7451, *raʻ*, meaning "evil" or "bad") are those whose character and actions are contrary to God's will. Their "lips" (H8193, *sâphâh*, referring to speech or language) become the very instrument of their entrapment. The "transgression" (H6588, *peshaʻ*) committed through their words—be it lies, slander, false promises, or rebellious speech—acts as a self-laid trap (H4170, *môwqêsh*), leading to their exposure, disgrace, legal trouble, or other forms of self-destruction. This highlights the inherent justice in the universe, where one's own evil words rebound upon them.
* **"but the just shall come out of trouble":** This contrasting clause offers hope and assurance for the righteous. The "just" (H6662, *tsaddîyq*), characterized by integrity and truthfulness, are not immune to "trouble" (H6869, *tsârâh*, meaning "tightness," "distress," or "adversity"). However, their righteous character and truthful speech serve as a means of deliverance. The verb "come out" (H3318, *yâtsâʼ*) implies emergence, escape, or being brought forth. While the wicked are ensnared *by* their words, the just are delivered *through* their integrity, often manifested in their truthful testimony or blameless conduct which allows them to navigate and ultimately escape difficult situations.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 12:13 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. The verse is structured into two contrasting lines, where the first line describes the fate of the wicked and the second describes the fate of the just, highlighting their opposing destinies. This device serves to emphasize the stark difference between righteousness and wickedness and their respective outcomes. Furthermore, the use of **Metaphor** is prominent, particularly in "snared by the transgression of his lips." The "snare" vividly depicts the entrapment as if by a hunter's trap, making the abstract concept of consequence tangible and impactful. The "lips" are also a **Synecdoche**, representing the entirety of one's speech and verbal conduct. This concise and evocative imagery reinforces the proverb's central message about the profound power of words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 12:13 profoundly underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, particularly concerning the spoken word. It reveals that God's moral order ensures that one's character, expressed through speech, directly influences their destiny. The wicked's self-inflicted snare is a testament to the inherent consequences of rebellion and deceit, while the deliverance of the just highlights divine favor and protection for those who walk in integrity. This proverb serves as a powerful reminder that our words are not neutral; they are moral acts with spiritual and practical repercussions, reflecting the heart from which they spring.

* [Proverbs 18:7](/proverbs/18-7 "Proverbs 18:7 - The Mouth of a Fool is His Destruction")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous")
* [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Accountability for Every Idle Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb calls us to profound introspection regarding the integrity of our speech. In a world saturated with misinformation, gossip, and careless words, Proverbs 12:13 stands as a timeless warning and a comforting promise. It compels us to consider whether our words are instruments of truth and edification or vehicles for deceit and destruction. Living truthfully, even when it is difficult, is not merely a moral obligation but a practical pathway to peace and deliverance. Our commitment to integrity in speech builds trust, preserves reputation, and aligns us with God's character, ensuring that even when troubles arise, we have a foundation of truth that allows us to "come out" of them, rather than being ensnared by them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own words be "snaring" me or others, perhaps unintentionally?**
* **How does the concept of "transgression of his lips" challenge me to be more intentional and truthful in my daily conversations?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate more righteous and truthful speech in my life?**
* **How does trusting in God's character encourage me to speak truthfully, even when it seems to put me at a disadvantage?**

### FAQ
**Does "snared by the transgression of his lips" mean that every lie I tell will immediately lead to my downfall?**

Answer: While the proverb highlights a direct correlation between deceitful speech and negative consequences, it describes a general principle rather than an immediate, one-to-one, instantaneous retribution for every single lie. The "snare" often refers to the cumulative effect of a pattern of dishonest or rebellious speech, which erodes trust, damages reputation, leads to legal or social repercussions, and ultimately entraps the speaker in a web of their own making. It emphasizes that a life characterized by such "transgression" will inevitably lead to trouble, even if not every isolated instance results in immediate exposure.

**What kind of "trouble" does the just person come out of?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "trouble" (H6869, *tsârâh*) is broad, encompassing various forms of distress, adversity, anguish, or affliction. For the just, this trouble could include false accusations, social persecution, economic hardship, or even physical danger. The proverb suggests that while righteous individuals are not immune to life's difficulties, their integrity, truthfulness, and alignment with God's ways provide a means of escape or resilience. This deliverance often comes through divine intervention, the trustworthiness built by their character, or simply the clarity and peace that truth provides in navigating complex situations, echoing the promise found in [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 12:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "just" one and reveals the true nature of the "wicked." While the wicked are snared by the transgression of their lips, Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), never spoke a deceitful or rebellious word. His lips uttered only truth, grace, and life, even when facing persecution and false accusations. He was the [righteous Servant](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Righteous Servant"), who, despite facing the ultimate "trouble" of the cross, "came out" of it victoriously through His resurrection, demonstrating God's ultimate deliverance for the truly just. Our salvation is not achieved by our own perfect speech but by faith in Him whose words were always pure and whose sacrifice redeems our own "transgressions of lips." Through Christ, believers are declared righteous, and though we still struggle with our words, we are empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth") to speak truth in love, finding deliverance from the snares of sin and experiencing the freedom promised to the just in [Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus").

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

Proverbs 21:23

¶ Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Psalms 64:8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

Proverbs 11:8

¶ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Proverbs 6:2

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Proverbs 18:6

¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 18:7

A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.