Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:6, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
American Standard Version
Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
World English Bible version
Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Proverbs 13:6 Meaning & Commentary
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked. Proverbs 13:6 (ESV)
Righteousness, or doing the right thing, guards and protects us. However, when we do the wrong thing or don’t do what we know we should do – we potentially find ourselves in trouble or being “overthrown,” as Proverbs 13:6 says.
Think of it in a very basic sense – doing the right thing at work, school, or society keeps us safe from getting into trouble. However, it goes a lot deeper than that. Take, for example, the businessman who may be tempted to cut a corner but knows it is not right. Or the Pastor who knows that his “privileges” as a Pastor will allow him to get away with something. This is where righteousness acts as a “guard” and protects us. When we set our hearts and minds to serving Jesus Christ and living life on “his terms,” he backs us up and takes care of us:
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
This is a popular portion of scripture, as it holds a great promise that we will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. However, this promise is tied to us dwelling in His shelter. We cannot fully expect God’s protection over our lives when we choose not to “dwell” or walk with Him and in His ways! Sin or life outside of God makes us more vulnerable when life happens.
So, when God tells us to walk in righteousness or holiness or to put away sin or the works of the flesh – it is not to kill our “fun.” Instead, it is to protect us and keep us safe! There is no good road at the end of sin, but the path of the righteous is light:
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 13:6 to our lives?
The verse comes down to walking with God and putting Him first in everything we do. We can be a “Christian” but not have God at the center of our lives. But, when we seek His Kingdom in everything that we do and commit our lives to Him – we will experience God’s hand, blessing, provision, and protection over our lives:
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
When we seek The Kingdom of God – His way of living and doing things by applying His word – we will see that he meets all our needs. God is more than able to meet all of our needs through His Grace:
Philippians 4: 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
We tend to think of needs as only material possessions. However, it is much more than that – it can be protection, guidance, wisdom – anything we “need.” So, in doing what is right and setting our hearts to follow God and turn away from any form of sin, we walk securely – and “righteousness” guards us. When we choose the path of integrity, we walk securely and need not fear what could be waiting around the corner:
Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
We need to go back to The Bible as our standard for everything. The culture around us tries to dictate what is right and wrong, or what is sin and what is not, but God’s Word is our standard for life – and should always be. Yet, God has also given us His Holy Spirt to guide and lead us into all truth and help us live for Jesus:
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your word. I choose today to raise my standard of living to Your word – not what the culture or the world tells me. Thank You that as I apply Your word to my life and follow the leading of Your Spirit, you will guide, protect, and cause me to walk securely.
Although troubles may come, I know that when I put you first, I cannot be defeated. Thank You that you always lead me in victory through Christ Jesus. Amen!
