Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:6, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
American Standard Version
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.
World English Bible version
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
Proverbs 11:6 Meaning & Commentary
An upright man dwells securely and walks in constant victory; although they may find themselves in trouble, they will be delivered out of it. In understanding Proverbs 11:6, there are a few things to remember. Our righteousness is not our own. We are made righteous through Christ Jesus and have peace with God because of our right standing with God: Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible says that righteous people may face many afflictions, but that The Lord delivers us out of them all: Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Because we are in The Lord and desire to live godly for Jesus Christ, we will likely face persecution from other non-believers who will not understand our conviction to live for Jesus Christ: 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. This godly life speaks of our walk with God and of always doing the right thing, which is sometimes looked down upon in a world where wickedness and sin are often accepted as “normal.”
The treacherous, however, are taken captive by their lust, as Proverbs 11:6 says. The treacherous (our ungodly) person is taken captive by their lust because lust is something that can never be satisfied. How many people have we seen throughout history who had a lust or a craving for power or money? The problem is that there is never a point where that craving is ever satisfied. The lust for more money and power grows and is a vicious circle with no end. The Bible compares that ongoing pursuit to being taken captive!
Application
We need to work at maintaining our relationship with God. Although Jesus’s sacrifice for us did not cost us anything other than to accept it, we need to work to develop and grow our relationship with God: James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Because we are also God’s representatives on earth, we are to walk in a manner that is pleasing to Him, but also in a way that will represent Christ well to others. We should be a beacon of hope, joy, integrity, and honesty and resemble Jesus Christ to those around us in this world. As we purposely choose to live this way, we will walk in victory in Christ throughout life in every circumstance and situation.
There is often a temptation that comes our way in life to take matters into our own hands. This could manifest in several different ways. For example, if we feel someone has done us wrong, we could be tempted to act out in anger or from a place of bitterness. This is stepping out from under God’s righteousness and not walking in integrity and uprightness. This is dangerous because if we choose not to walk with God and follow His right way of doing things and living, we cannot be sure of His protection.
This is why Proverbs 11:6 talks about righteousness and being upright in Christ Jesus (As His righteousness) and walking uprightly at all times. As we do this and obey God’s Word, we will no longer be taken away by the same passions, lusts, and desires that the world is caught up in, and God will deliver us out of every situation which threatens to overwhelm us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you today, and I thank you that because I am in right standing with you, I know that you are with me wherever I go. Help me to walk with you all the days of my life and follow you wherever you may lead me. As I do this, I know that you will deliver me from every situation I encounter. I ask for a greater hunger for you and ask this all in Jesus’s name. Amen!
