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Proverbs 13

World English Bible

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 wisdom is with people who take advice. 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, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 13 presents a series of wise sayings that contrast the behaviors and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of heeding instruction and the value of wisdom. A wise son listens to his father's teaching, while a scoffer does not take correction seriously (#wisdom, #instruction). This sets the tone for the chapter, which highlights the blessings that come from living a life aligned with God's principles and the consequences of foolishness and sin. The righteous are depicted as enjoying the fruits of their labor, while the wicked face ruin and destruction (#righteousness, #wickedness).

The chapter also addresses the significance of speech and its impact on relationships. It states that the one who guards their mouth preserves their life, while those who open wide their lips come to ruin (#speech, #relationships). This underscores the biblical principle that our words have power and can lead to either life or death. Additionally, the chapter concludes with a reminder that wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it, reinforcing the value of diligence and patience in our endeavors (#wealth, #diligence). Overall, Proverbs 13 serves as a guide for living wisely, encouraging readers to embrace righteousness, practice self-control, and seek the counsel of the Lord.

Study

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Referenced by

  1. Deuteronomy 21:18-21v24Deuteronomy 21:18-21 prescribes the punishment for a rebellious son, emphasizing discipline. Proverbs 13:24 highlights the importance of discipline in child-rearing.
  2. Job 18:5v9Job 18:5 speaks of the light of the wicked being put out, which is echoed in Proverbs 13:9, where the light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
  3. Job 20:15v22Job 20:15 speaks of the wicked swallowing riches only to vomit them up, which aligns with Proverbs 13:22 where the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
  4. Ecclesiastes 2:26v22Ecclesiastes 2:26 speaks of God giving wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him, while sinners gather wealth for the righteous, similar to Proverbs 13:22 where the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

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