What does Proverbs 29:6 mean?

The prior proverb noted that lying—through flattery (Proverbs 29:5)—sets the liar up to be caught in his own scheme. Lies create a complex "web" of dishonesty which eventually collapses, and the liar is caught in their dishonesty. The lesson here is a broader statement of the same idea. Other proverbs noted that wicked people are often ruined by their own choices (Proverbs 13:15; 19:13; 22:5). Sometimes, that's as direct as suffering the exact fate they arranged for others (Proverbs 28:10; Esther 7:9–10).

In contrast, a person who follows godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 3:33–35; 8:34–36) has a clear conscience. His heart is free to sing in happiness; his life is typically free from the natural consequences of sin (Proverbs 3:1–2; 11:19). Jesus promised joy to the righteous. He told His disciples: "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:10–11).

An evil person unsuccessfully looks for happiness in sin. A God-honoring person finds joy in obeying the Lord. Paul writes in Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Righteous and joy are linked, but evil and joy are mutually exclusive. Eventually, sin always leads to death (Romans 6:23; John 3:16–21).