Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Original Language Analysis
צְ֭דָקָה
Righteousness
H6666
צְ֭דָקָה
Righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
1 of 7
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
תִּצֹּ֣ר
keepeth
H5341
תִּצֹּ֣ר
keepeth
Strong's:
H5341
Word #:
2 of 7
to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
תָּם
him that is upright
H8537
תָּם
him that is upright
Strong's:
H8537
Word #:
3 of 7
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
דָּ֑רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
דָּ֑רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
4 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Proverbs 11:3The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.Psalms 25:21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.Psalms 26:1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.Psalms 140:11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.Psalms 15:2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.Proverbs 21:12The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites understood righteousness (tsedaqah) as covenant faithfulness—living according to God's commands. Such obedience brought divine protection, while wickedness brought judgment. Israel's history demonstrated this principle—righteousness preserved the nation, wickedness led to exile. The proverb applies both individually and corporately: righteous people and nations enjoy stability, wicked ones face overthrow.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways have you experienced righteousness 'keeping' you from harm or dangerous paths?
- How does trusting in Christ's righteousness (rather than your own) provide ultimate security and preservation?
- What sins might currently be 'overthrowing' you or undermining your stability and peace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb presents righteousness and wickedness as protective versus destructive forces. "Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way" shows virtue as guardian. Tsedaqah (צְדָקָה, righteousness) titsor (תִּצֹּר, guards, preserves, keeps) the one who is tom-darekh (תָּם־דָּרֶךְ, blameless of way, upright in path). Righteousness acts as protective barrier, keeping the upright person on the right path and shielding from danger.
"But wickedness overthroweth the sinner" reveals the self-destructive nature of evil. Rish'ah (רִשְׁעָה, wickedness) tesallef (תְּסַלֵּף, overthrows, perverts, subverts) the chatta'th (חַטָּאת, sinner, sin offering). Wickedness doesn't protect—it destroys. The sinner's own evil overthrows them like a city overthrown in judgment.
The proverb establishes moral physics: righteousness preserves, wickedness destroys. This isn't arbitrary divine preference but reflects reality's structure. God designed the universe so that virtue leads to flourishing and vice to ruin. Psalm 18:30 declares: "As for God, his way is perfect." Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous tree planted by water with wicked chaff blown away. Jesus taught that wise builders construct on rock, fools on sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Only Christ's imputed righteousness ultimately keeps believers—their own righteousness is filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but His perfect righteousness preserves eternally.