Proverbs 29.6
“An evil man is ensnared in his transgression, but a righteous man sings and rejoices.”
The point of this proverb is that sin complicates life, and it sets traps that end up ensnaring the sinner. On the other hand, the person who commits to right behavior lives a life of joy.
The problem, of course, is that wrong behavior is sometimes attractive and pleasurable (at least in the beginning). Additionally, there is almost always social support for and peer group pressure to engage in wrong behavior. This proverb issues the warning not to fall for the trap of things that are attractive but wrong.
Chapter 22 had a similar warning: “Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.” (Proverbs 22.5)
In other words, the way of life that crooked people follow is plagued with all kinds of obstacles and problems. These are self-inflicted difficulties that Proverbs describes as “thorns and snares.” They are traps because at first they don’t appear to be a problem, but eventually they will ensnare you. If you don’t protect yourself and avoid the traps, they will hook you and hold you.
Wise people are those who “guard their souls.” They recognize the danger of the thorns and snares, and they “keep far from them.” The wise also stay far away from people who are caught in the traps.
It’s been true from the very beginning: People often get ensnared because they associate with the wrong people. Kids that hang out with the wrong crowd put themselves at great risk of getting caught up in dangerous, addictive behavior.
So again, guard your heart and protect your soul. Recognize the thorns and snares of life and keep far from them. Remember that the ultimate trap isn’t bad situations; the ultimate trap is bad decisions. You are not defined by your circumstances; you are defined by your choices.
