Proverbs 29:6 kjv

In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

Proverbs 29:6 nkjv

By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.

Proverbs 29:6 niv

Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

Proverbs 29:6 esv

An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.

Proverbs 29:6 nlt

Evil people are trapped by sin,
but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

Proverbs 29 verses

Proverbs 29 6 Meaning

An evil man is inevitably caught and entangled by the very rebellion and sin he commits, leading to a state of entrapment. In stark contrast, a righteous person, who walks in uprightness according to God’s ways, experiences deep internal gladness and expresses outward joy and celebration.

Proverbs 29 6 Context

Proverbs 29 continues the didactic contrasts common in the book, focusing on the outcomes of righteous and wicked conduct, especially within leadership and societal dynamics. This chapter frequently contrasts justice and injustice, wisdom and folly, pride and humility. Verse 6 specifically draws a clear distinction between the inner and outer states of those who defy God's standards and those who adhere to them. In the ancient Near East, wisdom literature like Proverbs sought to observe universal moral truths, reflecting the divine order embedded in creation. The immediate historical context is that of a society striving to understand and apply ethical principles within their daily lives and national governance, often with an emphasis on immediate, observable consequences, though always acknowledging the broader framework of God's justice. There's an underlying polemic against the notion that one can disregard moral boundaries without suffering negative repercussions, challenging any belief in a detached or indifferent cosmos.

Proverbs 29 6 Word analysis

• An evil man (אִישׁ רָשָׁע, 'ish rasha'): "Ish" denotes a man or male, emphasizing humanity. "Rasha'" describes a wicked, evil, or guilty person, often one who defies God's laws and standards, implying a lifestyle or characteristic state rather than an isolated act.
• is ensnared (בְּפֶשַׁע נִיקוֹשׁ, b'fesha' niqosh): "Niquosh" is a Niphal participle from the root "yaqosh" (יקש), meaning "to set a snare, to catch by a bait, to ensnare." It suggests being trapped unexpectedly or irresistibly, like prey caught in a hunter's trap. The passive voice highlights the inevitability of the snare catching the transgressor, often through his own actions.
• by transgression (בְּפֶשַׁע, b'fesha'): "Pesha'" (פשע) is a strong term for sin, often implying rebellion, revolt, or a deliberate breaking of a covenant or relationship. It's not merely a mistake but an active defiance. This word clarifies that the snare isn't random misfortune but a direct consequence stemming from willful wrongdoing.
• but (וְ, w', 'and' or 'but'): The conjunction marks a sharp contrast, introducing the antithetical second clause characteristic of Proverbs.
• a righteous man (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): "Tsaddiq" (צדיק) denotes someone who is just, righteous, upright, blameless, acting in accordance with divine and human law. It refers to one whose life is consistently aligned with God's will and covenant requirements.
• sings (וְרָנָן, w'ranan): "Ranan" (רנן) means "to shout for joy, to exult, to ring out, to triumphantly declare joy." This verb emphasizes an outward, audible, and enthusiastic expression of gladness, often associated with praise or celebration.
• and rejoices (וְשָׂמֵחַ, w'sameach): "Sameach" (שמח) means "to be glad, to rejoice, to be joyful." This complements "ranan" by focusing on the inner state of joy and happiness that accompanies the outward expression.
• An evil man is ensnared by transgression: This phrase connects the active rebellion (pesha') of the wicked with its passive consequence (niqosh), demonstrating a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The wicked person doesn't merely encounter trouble but becomes entrapped by the very nature of their sinful path; their transgressions become their bondage. This "snare" can manifest as legal consequences, societal isolation, internal guilt, or a deepening cycle of self-destructive behaviors.
• a righteous man sings and rejoices: This phrase describes a joyful, unburdened existence. The "sings and rejoices" part indicates a profound, authentic joy that flows from a clear conscience, a right standing with God, and the peace found in walking in integrity. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep, resilient gladness regardless of external circumstances, born from inner peace and divine favor.

Proverbs 29 6 Bonus section

The imagery of the "snare" for the wicked resonates deeply with the hunting practices of ancient times, making the consequence concrete and easily understood by the original audience. It emphasizes that divine justice often involves the wicked being caught by the devices they set for others or by the very nature of their own chosen sin. The Proverbs generally teach a form of equitable retribution: behavior has predictable outcomes in a moral universe. The righteous person's joy isn't necessarily about material wealth or external prosperity, but often refers to inner peace, contentment, and the blessing of God, which is truly priceless. The phrase "sings and rejoices" indicates an exuberant, overflowing happiness, a stark contrast to the fear and desperation of being trapped. This verse can also be viewed through the lens of spiritual freedom and bondage: righteousness liberates, while evil enslaves the soul.

Proverbs 29 6 Commentary

Proverbs 29:6 presents a vivid and enduring contrast fundamental to biblical wisdom: the ultimate destinations and emotional states of the wicked versus the righteous. The "evil man" (rasha') is bound by their chosen path. His "transgression" (pesha')—a deliberate act of rebellion or breaking covenant—acts as the very mechanism that ensnares him. This entrapment isn't always an immediate external event, but often an internal spiritual bondage where sin becomes its own consequence, a self-perpetuating trap of guilt, fear, and escalating disobedience. Sin’s nature is to reduce freedom, to bind the will, and to complicate life, often leading to hidden turmoil or exposure. Conversely, the "righteous man" (tsaddiq) finds profound joy. This joy is not a passive absence of trouble but an active, overflowing gladness, described by two strong verbs: "sings" (ranan) and "rejoices" (samach). This suggests a life lived in harmony with divine order, free from the entangling snares of transgression, leading to a vibrant inner peace and external expression of happiness that even life’s trials cannot extinguish. Their joy stems from their peace with God, their secure standing, and the fruit of walking in truth and integrity. For practical application: consider a person caught in habitual lying—each lie deeper embeds them in deceit and fear of exposure (the snare). Contrast this with someone who lives honestly, experiencing freedom, clarity, and genuine relationships (the joy).