Which other Proverbs emphasize the protective nature of righteousness? A Shield of Integrity—Proverbs 13:6 “Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undoes the sinner.” Echoes throughout Proverbs • Proverbs 2:7 — “He reserves success for the upright and is a shield to those who walk with integrity.” • Proverbs 2:8 — “to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.” • Proverbs 10:2 — “Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.” • Proverbs 11:3 — “Integrity guides the upright, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.” • Proverbs 11:6 — “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped.” • Proverbs 12:28 — “In the path of righteousness there is life, but another path leads to death.” • Proverbs 14:26 — “He who fears the LORD is secure, and His children shall have a place of refuge.” • Proverbs 18:10 — “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” • Proverbs 21:21 — “He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor.” • Proverbs 28:18a — “He who walks with integrity will be kept safe.” • Proverbs 30:5 — “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” Patterns We Notice • Righteousness functions as armor—guard, shield, strong tower. • Protection covers both present danger (“are safe”) and ultimate outcomes (“life… honor”). • The danger is often self-inflicted for the wicked; righteousness spares us from our own downfall. Linked Voices outside Proverbs • Psalm 5:12 — “For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with favor like a shield.” • Ephesians 6:14 points to the “breastplate of righteousness,” showing the same protective theme in spiritual warfare. • 1 Peter 3:12 assures that the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous, underscoring divine oversight and care. Putting the Truth to Work • Stay on the righteous path in daily choices; integrity today prevents calamity tomorrow. • Treasure Scripture as your shield—its flawless words guide decisions and deflect deception. • Lean on the Lord’s name as your strong tower; run to Him in temptation rather than trusting self-defense. • Pursue righteousness actively—sow loving devotion, honesty, and justice, and enjoy the promised safety God builds around such a life. |
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