Proverbs 13
Read Proverbs 13 (WEB)+
1A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke. 2By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence. 3He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 4The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied. 5A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace. 6Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth. 8The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. 9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. 10Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom. 11Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow. 12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. 13Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded. 14The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death. 15Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard. 16Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly. 17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing. 18Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored. 19Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. 20One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. 21Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous. 22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous. 23An abundance of food is in poor people’s fields, but injustice sweeps it away. 24One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him. 25The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."”
Proverbs 13:3
Summary
Proverbs 13 is a collection of sayings attributed to Solomon that focuses on the contrast between wisdom and foolishness, righteousness and wickedness. The chapter highlights how the wise are characterized by their prudent speech and diligence, while fools reveal their folly through impulsiveness and laziness. Key themes include the value of accepting discipline, which leads to life and growth, and the ruin that results from ignoring correction. The importance of integrity is emphasized, showing how it preserves one’s way, while treachery leads to destruction. Theological significance is found in the idea that a person’s words and actions are a reflection of their heart, and that the pursuit of wisdom aligns with God's will for a righteous life.
Key Themes
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