Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner. RighteousnessThe Hebrew word for "righteousness" is "צְדָקָה" (tsedaqah), which conveys a sense of justice, rightness, and moral integrity. In the context of Proverbs, righteousness is not merely about legalistic adherence to rules but embodies a life aligned with God's will and character. Historically, righteousness was seen as a protective force, a divine attribute that guards and guides those who pursue it. In a conservative Christian perspective, righteousness is achieved through faith in Christ, who imparts His righteousness to believers, enabling them to live in a way that honors God. guards
The term "guards" in Hebrew is "נָצַר" (natsar), meaning to watch over, preserve, or protect. This word suggests an active, vigilant safeguarding, much like a watchman over a city. In the biblical context, it implies that righteousness acts as a sentinel for the believer's life, keeping them from harm and guiding them away from sin. The imagery here is of a divine protection that is both proactive and reactive, ensuring that the path of the righteous is secure. the man of integrity
"Integrity" in Hebrew is "תֹּם" (tom), which refers to completeness, simplicity, and moral innocence. A man of integrity is one whose life is whole and undivided, consistently reflecting God's truth and values. In ancient Israel, integrity was a prized virtue, often associated with wisdom and favor from God. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, integrity is a fruit of the Spirit, cultivated through a relationship with Christ and a commitment to living out one's faith authentically and transparently. but wickedness
The Hebrew word for "wickedness" is "רֶשַׁע" (resha), denoting evil, guilt, and moral corruption. Wickedness is portrayed as the antithesis of righteousness, leading individuals away from God's path. In the biblical narrative, wickedness is often associated with rebellion against God and results in spiritual and sometimes physical destruction. For Christians, wickedness is a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. undermines
"Undermines" is translated from the Hebrew "סָלַף" (salaph), meaning to overthrow, subvert, or pervert. This word paints a picture of something being turned upside down or corrupted from within. In the context of Proverbs, it suggests that wickedness has a corrosive effect, eroding the foundation of a person's life and leading to eventual ruin. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes the destructive power of sin and the importance of repentance and transformation through the Holy Spirit to avoid such a fate. the sinner
The term "sinner" in Hebrew is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or fall short of a standard. In the biblical sense, a sinner is one who deviates from God's laws and purposes. Historically, sin was understood as a breach of covenant with God, requiring atonement and reconciliation. For Christians, the concept of sin underscores the need for a Savior, and through Jesus Christ, believers are offered forgiveness and the power to overcome sin, restoring their relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God. 3. The RighteousThose who live according to God's laws and principles, embodying integrity and moral uprightness. 4. The WickedIndividuals who live contrary to God's commands, often characterized by deceit and moral corruption. 5. The Path of IntegrityA metaphorical journey representing a life lived in accordance with God's will and moral principles. Teaching Points Guardianship of RighteousnessRighteousness acts as a protective barrier for those who walk in integrity. Living a life aligned with God's principles provides safety and guidance. Consequences of WickednessWickedness inherently leads to downfall and destruction. It undermines the sinner, leading to instability and moral decay. Integrity as a LifestyleIntegrity should be a consistent and deliberate choice. It involves aligning one's actions with God's truth, even when faced with challenges. The Importance of ChoiceEvery decision reflects either righteousness or wickedness. Believers are called to choose the path that honors God. Reflecting Christ's CharacterAs Christians, we are called to reflect the character of Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and integrity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of righteousness in Proverbs 13:6 relate to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ? 2. In what ways can we guard our path of integrity in today's world, where moral standards are often challenged? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the protective nature of righteousness in your life. How did it guide you? 4. How can the consequences of wickedness, as described in Proverbs 13:6, serve as a warning for our daily choices? 5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the integrity and righteousness that Proverbs 13:6 encourages? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 1This Psalm contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked, similar to Proverbs 13:6, emphasizing the blessings of living a righteous life. Matthew 7:13-14Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates, paralleling the concept of choosing the path of righteousness over wickedness. Galatians 6:7-8Paul discusses sowing to the Spirit versus sowing to the flesh, echoing the idea that righteousness leads to life, while wickedness leads to destruction. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Blameless, Error, Evil-doers, Guardeth, Guards, Integrity, Keepeth, Keeps, Offering, Overthroweth, Overthrows, Overturned, Perfect, Preserveth, Righteousness, Safe, Sin, Sinner, Subverts, Upright, Wicked, WickednessDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 13:6 8486 spiritual warfare, armour Library The Tillage of the Poor
'Much food is in the tillage of the poor.'--PROVERBS xiii. 23. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to prevent the acquisition of large estates by any Israelite. The consequence, as intended, was a level of modest prosperity. It was 'the tillage of the poor,' the careful, diligent husbandry of the man who had only a little patch of land to look after, that filled the storehouses of the Holy Land. Hence the proverb of our text arose. It …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Poor Rich and the Rich Poor
'There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.'--PROVERBS xiii. 7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, that of a man who lives like a pauper and is rich. The latter character, that of a man who hides and hoards his wealth, was, perhaps, more common in the days when this collection of Proverbs was put together, because in all ill-governed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Practical Methods of Studying the Old Testament
[Sidenote: The various methods of approach] The Old Testament may be studied as literature, as history, as the record of an important stage in the evolution of religion, as the revelation of God to the race, or as a practical aid to the individual in living the true life. Each angle of approach calls for different methods and yields its correspondingly rich results. Studied in accordance with the canons of modern literary investigation, a literature is disclosed of surpassing variety, beauty, and …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament The Song of the Redeemed
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou ... hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation ... T he extent, variety, and order of the creation, proclaim the glory of God. He is likewise, ^* Maximus in Minimis . The smallest of the works, that we are capable of examining, such for instance as the eye or the wing of a little insect, the creature of a day, are stamped with an inimitable impression of His wisdom and power. Thus in His written Word, there …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Second Sunday after Easter
Text: First Peter 2, 20-25. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not; but committed …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory Not," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not," &c. It is a common evil of those who hear the gospel, that they are not delivered up to the mould and frame of religion that is holden out in it, but rather bring religion into a mould of their own invention. It was the special commendation of the Romans, that they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine into which they were delivered, (Rom. vi. 17) that they who were once servants, or slaves of sin, had now …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 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 Links Proverbs 13:6 NIVProverbs 13:6 NLTProverbs 13:6 ESVProverbs 13:6 NASBProverbs 13:6 KJV
Proverbs 13:6 Commentaries
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