◄ Proverbs 29:6 ►
An evil man is caught by his own sin, but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
Study Bible
An evil man
The Hebrew word for "evil" is "רָע" (ra), which denotes something that is morally wrong, wicked, or harmful. In the context of Proverbs, an "evil man" is someone who consistently chooses to live in opposition to God's commandments and wisdom. This phrase sets the stage for a contrast between two types of people: those who live in sin and those who live in righteousness. Historically, the wisdom literature of the Bible often contrasts the outcomes of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing the moral order established by God.

is caught
The Hebrew verb "נָקַשׁ" (naqash) means to be ensnared or trapped. This imagery suggests that sin is not merely a moral failing but a trap that ensnares the sinner. The idea of being caught implies a lack of freedom and autonomy, highlighting the deceptive nature of sin. In the ancient Near Eastern context, traps were often used for hunting, and this metaphor would resonate with an audience familiar with the dangers of being ensnared.

by his own sin
The phrase "by his own sin" underscores personal responsibility. The Hebrew word for "sin" is "חֵטְא" (chet), which refers to an offense or a missing of the mark. This indicates that the consequences faced by the evil man are a direct result of his own actions. Theologically, this reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where one's actions inevitably lead to corresponding outcomes. The personal nature of the sin implies that the evil man cannot blame external circumstances for his downfall.

but a righteous man
In Hebrew, "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), which refers to someone who is just, lawful, and in right standing with God. The "righteous man" is one who aligns his life with God's will and commandments. This phrase introduces the contrast to the evil man, highlighting the different outcomes for those who live according to God's wisdom. In the biblical narrative, righteousness is often associated with blessings, peace, and divine favor.

sings and rejoices
The Hebrew words for "sings" (רָנַן, ranan) and "rejoices" (שָׂמַח, samach) convey a sense of joy and celebration. This expression of joy is not merely an emotional response but a reflection of the inner peace and contentment that comes from living a life aligned with God's will. In the historical context of Israel, singing and rejoicing were often associated with worship and thanksgiving, indicating that the righteous man's joy is rooted in his relationship with God. This joy stands in stark contrast to the entrapment of the evil man, emphasizing the freedom and fulfillment found in righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Evil Man
Represents those who live in sin and rebellion against God's commandments. Their actions lead to their own downfall.

2. Righteous Man
Symbolizes those who live according to God's will, experiencing joy and freedom as a result.

3. Sin
The transgressions and moral failings that trap and ensnare individuals, leading to spiritual and sometimes physical consequences.

4. Rejoicing
The expression of joy and freedom experienced by those who live righteously.

5. Snare
A metaphor for the traps and consequences of sin that entangle the wicked.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin is not just a moral failing but a trap that ensnares and leads to destruction. Recognize the seriousness of sin and its potential to entangle your life.

The Joy of Righteousness
Living righteously brings joy and freedom. Pursue a life that aligns with God's will to experience true happiness and peace.

Self-Reflection and Repentance
Regularly examine your life for areas where sin may be ensnaring you. Confess and turn away from these sins to avoid their destructive consequences.

The Importance of Godly Living
Strive to live a life that reflects God's righteousness. This not only brings personal joy but also serves as a testimony to others.

Encouragement in Community
Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage righteous living and rejoicing in the Lord. Community support is vital in maintaining a life free from the snares of sin.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of a "snare" help us understand the nature of sin and its impact on our lives?

2. In what ways can we actively pursue righteousness to experience the joy and freedom mentioned in Proverbs 29:6?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt ensnared by sin. What steps did you take, or can you take, to break free from that snare?

4. How can the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, be applied to our daily decisions and actions?

5. What role does community play in helping us avoid the snares of sin and encouraging us to live righteously? How can you contribute to such a community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 7:15-16
This passage speaks about the wicked falling into the pit they have made, similar to the snare mentioned in Proverbs 29:6.

Galatians 6:7-8
Discusses the principle of sowing and reaping, where those who sow to please their sinful nature will reap destruction, while those who sow to please the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Romans 6:23
Highlights the wages of sin being death, but the gift of God being eternal life, contrasting the outcomes of living in sin versus righteousness.

James 1:14-15
Describes how each person is tempted by their own evil desires, which lead to sin and ultimately death, paralleling the concept of being ensnared by sin.

Philippians 4:4
Encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, reflecting the joy and freedom of the righteous mentioned in Proverbs 29:6.
Sermons
Private Morality and the Public WealE. Johnson Proverbs 29:1-7
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Ensnared, Evil, Gets, Glad, Net, Quickly, Rejoice, Rejoices, Righteous, Sin, Sing, Sings, Snare, Snared, Steps, Transgression, Upright
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 29:6

     5589   trap

Library
An Obscured vision
(Preached at the opening of the Winona Lake Bible Conference.) TEXT: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18. It is not altogether an easy matter to secure a text for such an occasion as this; not because the texts are so few in number but rather because they are so many, for one has only to turn over the pages of the Bible in the most casual way to find them facing him at every reading. Feeling the need of advice for such a time as this, I asked a number of my friends who …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

Two Ancient Proverbs
A Sermon (No. 3080) Published on Thursday, February 20th, 1908. Delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Lord's Day evening, March 29th, 1874. "The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso puteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." --Proverbs 29:25. We have two ancient proverbs here; each of them is true as a separate proverb, and they are equally true when linked together. The independent proposition, that the fear of man bringeth a snare, is a truth which experience …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents.
We have gone "to the Law and to the Testimony" to find out what the nature and benefits of Baptism are. We have gathered out of the Word all the principal passages bearing on this subject. We have grouped them together, and studied them side by side. We have noticed that their sense is uniform, clear, and strong. Unless we are willing to throw aside all sound principles of interpretation, we can extract from the words of inspiration only one meaning, and that is that the baptized child is, by virtue …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

But Sometimes a Peril to Eternal Salvation Itself is Put Forth against Us...
40. But sometimes a peril to eternal salvation itself is put forth against us; [2466] which peril, they cry out, we by telling a lie, if otherwise it cannot be, must ward off. As, for instance, if a person who is to be baptized be in the power of impious and infidel men, and cannot be got at that he may be washed with the laver of regeneration, but by deceiving his keepers with a lie. From this most invidious cry, by which we are compelled, not for a man's wealth or honors in this world which are …
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Little Sarah Howley.
MISS SARAH HOWLEY, when she was between eight and nine years old, was carried by her friends to hear a sermon, where the minister preached upon Matt. xi, 30, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light;" in the applying of which scripture the child was mightily awakened, and made deeply sensible of the condition of her soul, and her need of Christ: she wept bitterly to think what a case she was in; went home, retired into a chamber, and upon her knees she wept and cried to the Lord as well as she could, …
John Wesley—Stories of Boys and Girls Who Loved the Saviour

For, Concerning False Witness, which is Set Down in the Ten Commands of The...
36. For, concerning false witness, which is set down in the ten commands of the Law, it can indeed in no wise be contended that love of truth may at heart be preserved, and false witness brought forth to him unto whom the witness is borne. For, when it is said to God only, then it is only in the heart that the truth is to be embraced: but when it is said to man, then must we with the mouth also of the body bring forth truth, because man is not an inspector of the heart. But then, touching the witness …
St. Augustine—On Lying

Palm Sunday
Text: Philippians 2, 5-11. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

It Remains Then that we Understand as Concerning those Women...
33. It remains then that we understand as concerning those women, whether in Egypt or in Jericho, that for their humanity and mercy they received a reward, in any wise temporal, which indeed itself, while they wist not of it, should by prophetical signification prefigure somewhat eternal. But whether it be ever right, even for the saving of a man's life, to tell a lie, as it is a question in resolving which even the most learned do weary themselves, it did vastly surpass the capacity of those poor …
St. Augustine—Against Lying

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
1. Manifest formality in religious exercises. A stereotyped, formal way of saying and doing things, that is clearly the result of habit, rather than the outgushing of the religious life. This formality will be emotionless and cold as an iceberg, and will evince a total want of earnestness in the performance of religious duty. In prayer and in religious exercises the backslider in heart will pray or praise, or confess, or give thanks with his lips, so that all can hear him, perhaps, but in such a …
Charles G. Finney—The Backslider in Heart

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
Rom. xi. 36.--"Of him and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever." And 1 Cor. x. 31--"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." All that men have to know, may be comprised under these two heads,--What their end is, and What is the right way to attain to that end? And all that we have to do, is by any means to seek to compass that end. These are the two cardinal points of a man's knowledge and exercise. Quo et qua eundum est,--Whither to go, and what way to go. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 10.) Differently to be admonished are the impatient and the patient. For the impatient are to be told that, while they neglect to bridle their spirit, they are hurried through many steep places of iniquity which they seek not after, inasmuch as fury drives the mind whither desire draws it not, and, when perturbed, it does, not knowing, what it afterwards grieves for when it knows. The impatient are also to be told that, when carried headlong by the impulse of emotion, they act in some …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is, …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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