11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will make straight their way, 1
but the wicked person will fall by his own wickedness. 2
13:6 Righteousness 3 guards the one who lives with integrity, 4
but wickedness 5 overthrows the sinner.
1 tn Heb “his way.”
2 sn The righteous will enjoy security and serenity throughout life. Righteousness makes the path straight; wickedness destroys the wicked.
3 sn Righteousness refers to that which conforms to law and order. One who behaves with integrity will be safe from consequences of sin.
4 tn Heb “blameless of way.” The term דָּרֶךְ (darekh) is a genitive of specification: “blameless in respect to his way.” This means living above reproach in their course of life. Cf. NASB “whose way is blameless”; NAB “who walks honestly.”
5 sn Righteousness and wickedness are personified in this proverb to make the point of security and insecurity for the two courses of life.