משלי, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ו׳

Choosing a life of wrongdoing carries a built-in mechanism of self-destruction, while following a path of integrity invites divine protection and a life filled with joy. This sharp contrast highlights how God's justice operates in the world.

The primary approach among commentators is that the very act of sinning acts as a trap for the wrongdoer, ultimately bringing harm to both his body and his soul [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, the destructive nature of evil often extends beyond the individual. A person's wrongdoings can create dangerous obstacles that cause many people in his surrounding community to stumble as well [רלב״ג]. Furthermore, while a person's downfall might appear to be the result of external factors, such as the deceptive flattery of others, these are merely catalysts. The root cause of being caught in a trap is always the person's own sin against God [אלשיך].

In stark contrast, the righteous person experiences a constant state of joy and song. Commentators offer several reasons for this happiness. First, the righteous person rejoices in the knowledge that he avoided the path of evil. By clinging to the right way and relying on God's providence, he is rescued from hidden traps and achieves success [רש״י, רלב״ג, מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי]. This joy is also deeply connected to the downfall of the wicked. When a wrongdoer is caught in his own trap, God's justice is clearly revealed. This revelation brings joy to the righteous, as it serves as a powerful moral lesson that deters others from doing evil [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Finally, this constant happiness stems from a deep sense of security. The righteous person trusts that God will never abandon him or allow deceitful people to mislead him. Therefore, he can fully appreciate the respect he receives from others without any fear of hidden dangers [אלשיך].