Proverbs Chapter 13
From The Open Bible Project
13:1 A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence.
- (a) If he uses his tongue to God’s glory, and the profit of his neighbour, God will bless him.
13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
- (b) He always desires, but takes no pains to get anything.
13:5 A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.
- (c) For his poverty, he is not able to escape the threatenings, which the cruel oppressors use against him.
13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
- (d) When as every man contends to have preeminence, and will not give place to another.
13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
- (e) That is, goods evil gotten.
- (f) That is, with his own labour.
13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
- (g) Meaning the word of God, by which he is admonished of his duty.
13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
13:15 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
- (h) Brings many inconveniences both to himself and to others.
13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
- (i) As he is partaker of their wickedness, and bears with their vices, so will he be punished alike as they are.
13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
- (k) Read (Job 27:16,17).
13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice sweeps it away.
- (l) God blesses the labour of the poor, and consumes their goods who are negligent, because they think they have enough.
13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
