Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

PROVERBS 13:6KJV
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Proverbs 13:6 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 13:6 mean?

Proverbs 13:6 says that living rightly protects those who are honest and sincere, but living wickedly leads to a downfall for those who persist in wrongdoing. The verse draws a clear line between the safety that comes from righteousness and the ruin that comes from sin.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering practical advice for daily life. The verse addresses anyone seeking wisdom, showing that moral choices have real consequences: uprightness acts as a safeguard, while wickedness brings destruction. The focus is not just on outward actions, but on the character that shapes a person's path.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 13:6

  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah) refers to doing what is right and just, not just following rules but living with integrity. This word highlights that true protection comes from a deep commitment to what is good.
  • "Keepeth" (נָצַר, natsar) means to guard or watch over. The idea is that righteousness acts like a guard, actively keeping a person safe on their journey.
  • "Upright" (תָּם, tam) describes someone who is blameless or sincere, emphasizing a wholeness of character rather than just outward behavior.
  • "Wickedness" (רֶשַׁע, resha) is the opposite, meaning active wrongdoing or injustice. The word suggests a pattern of behavior that leads to trouble.
  • "Overthroweth" (סָלַף, salaf) means to ruin or destroy, showing that wickedness does not just harm but completely overturns a person's life.
  • "Sinner" (חַטָּא, chatta) refers to someone who misses the mark or falls short, not just by accident but by choosing a path away from what is right.

Why Proverbs 13:6 matters

  • Proverbs 13:6 clarifies that righteousness is not just a private virtue but has real, protective effects in a person's life, countering the idea that doing right is only about following rules.
  • The verse highlights that destruction is not random but is closely tied to the choices a person makes, emphasizing personal responsibility.
  • This proverb fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly, showing that character shapes destiny.

Where else these words appear

“overthroweth” Hebrew H5557 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.
  • Job 12:19 He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.
  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

“wickedness” Hebrew H7564 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 9:4 Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.
  • Isaiah 9:18 For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
  • Ezekiel 33:19 But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

“upright” Hebrew H8537 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
  • Job 21:23 One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.
  • Psalms 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

“keepeth” Hebrew H5341 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
  • Psalms 119:33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
  • Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.