Proverbs chapter 13

The collection of Solomon’s 375 proverbs continues.

 


 

THE COLLECTION OF SOLOMON’S PROVERBS CONTINUES

 

VERSE 1. A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke.

listens. Wisdom is gained by listening. We listen to wise people.

But what is wisdom? It is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight.

 

VERSE 2. By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence.

the fruit of his lips. That is, talking. We speak words with our mouth.

good things. A wise person speaks positively and uses words to help other people.

crave violence. Foolish people use violent words and deeds in order to harm people.

 

VERSE 3. He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

The Bible calls us to use our words to uplift other people. However, many Christians use their words to tear down other people. They should say nothing. Read more »

 

VERSE 4. The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.

the sluggard. To be called a sluggard is a great biblical insult. Solomon often writes about the sluggardly person. Read more »

 

VERSE 5. A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.

 

VERSE 6. Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

guards. Wise living has a protective element.

 

VERSE 7. There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.

 

VERSE 8. The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.

 

VERSE 9. The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

In ancient days, a candle burned in the Tent of Meeting. But in our day, the light is to shine from within us. How can you let your light shine? Read more »

 

VERSE 10. Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.

 

VERSE 11. Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.

 

VERSE 12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

tree of life. A life of godliness is fed by the tree of life. Read more »

 

VERSE 13. Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.

 

VERSE 14. The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.

 

VERSE 15. Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.

favor. The Hebrew word is khein. It means grace or graciousness.

 

VERSE 16. Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.

 

VERSE 17. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.

wicked. That is, bad, or lazy, or dishonest.

 

VERSE 18. Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.

 

VERSE 19. Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

 

VERSE 20. One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

NAB translation: Walk with wise men and you will become wise, but the companion of fools will fare badly.

Walk with wise men. Pick your friends wisely! You become like the people you associate with. Do you have a spiritual friend who is wise?

 

VERSE 21. Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

 

VERSE 22. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

 

VERSE 23. An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields, but injustice sweeps it away.

injustice sweeps it away. In the Old Testament era, some people said if you are holy, God will make you rich. In our day, this view is growing in popularity among professing Christians. Read more »

 

VERSE 24. One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.

spares the rod. Everywhere else, Solomon condemns violence. But he recommends violence within households.

 

VERSE 25. The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

 


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PROVERBS

CHAPTERS: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

RESOURCES: SummaryOutline, Memorize, Sluggard, Tree of Life, Misogynism

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.