Proverbial Hump Day: Proverbs 13:6

Righteousness guards the man of integrity

At first glance, Proverbs 13:6 seems pretty straightforward. Be righteous and it will guard your integrity, but is that what the verse is really saying?

Let’s take a look at this word “integrity.” What does it mean?

The Hebrew word used in the text for “man of integrity” is tom. Strong’s Concordance gives it the definition of “completeness.” It can also be used to reference the high priest’s breastplate.

Source: Pexels

Two things about that:

1. You are likely familiar with the armor of God in Ephesians, chapter 6. A part of that armor is the breastplate of righteousness.

2. In Hebrews 4:14, we are encouraged to hold firmly to our profession of faith because our great high priest is none other than Jesus Christ, who has passed through the heavens.

We cannot be righteous on our own. In fact, Jesus Christ is our righteousness. He is also our holiness and our redemption. He has become for us “wisdom from God.”

Our only hope is through Jesus Christ. It is His righteousness that guards the man of integrity. To be a man of integrity is to put on that breastplate hold firmly to our profession of faith. Jesus Christ completes us.

Wickedness Undermines the Sinner

By contrast, the unrepentant sinner is undermined by their own wickedness. We would be undermined too if were not for our faith. It is faith in none other than Jesus Christ that keeps us from being undermined. Never think that you are working for your own salvation. Jesus Christ has secured that for you.

Allen Taylor is the author of I Am Not the King.