Proverbs 13
Proverbs 13 emphasizes the contrast between the wise and the foolish, especially in the way they live, speak, and handle discipline. It highlights the importance of receiving instruction, the consequences of rejecting wisdom, and the value of diligence and righteousness. This chapter reminds us of the long-term benefits of righteous living versus the destructive consequences of foolishness.
Proverbs 13:1 (NKJV)
1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
A wise son values the counsel of his father, which reflects the general importance of being open to guidance and correction. Wisdom is demonstrated by a willingness to learn, while the scoffer, marked by arrogance, refuses to listen to rebuke. This verse highlights how one's attitude toward correction determines whether they grow in wisdom or remain foolish.
Proverbs 13:2 (NKJV)
2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
The words a person speaks can lead to prosperity and peace, as positive and wise speech brings favorable outcomes. In contrast, the unfaithful or treacherous speak words that lead to destruction and violence. The verse emphasizes the power of speech in shaping one’s life and future, contrasting the peaceful life of the righteous with the turmoil faced by the wicked.
Proverbs 13:3 (NKJV)
3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Being careful with one’s words leads to safety and peace, while speaking recklessly can bring about destruction. This proverb highlights the importance of self-control in speech, warning that carelessness in what we say can lead to severe consequences, such as broken relationships or conflict.
Proverbs 13:4 (NKJV)
4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
Laziness leads to unfulfilled desires, as the sluggard wants success but is unwilling to work for it. In contrast, the diligent person, through consistent effort and hard work, reaps rewards and prosperity. The verse underscores the biblical principle of diligence leading to abundance and laziness resulting in lack.
Proverbs 13:5 (NKJV)
5 A righteous man hates lying, But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
A righteous person has a strong aversion to falsehood, valuing truth and integrity. In contrast, the wicked man is not only deceitful but also disgusting in his actions, which eventually lead to shame. This verse highlights the moral divide between those who love truth and those who thrive in dishonesty.
Proverbs 13:6 (NKJV)
6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, But wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Living righteously provides protection and security, as a blameless life shields one from many dangers. On the other hand, wickedness leads to the downfall of the sinner, who brings destruction upon himself through immoral choices. This proverb emphasizes the protective nature of righteousness and the self-destructive nature of sin.
Proverbs 13:7 (NKJV)
7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
This verse speaks to the paradox of material wealth versus spiritual or relational richness. A person may accumulate wealth but still feel empty, lacking in deeper, meaningful things. Meanwhile, someone who sacrifices or appears poor may be rich in love, integrity, or other non-material treasures. It teaches that true wealth is not always visible.
Proverbs 13:8 (NKJV)
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke.
Wealth can protect a person by providing ransom in dangerous situations, but the poor, not having riches, are less likely to face the same kind of threats or demands. The verse suggests that riches, while useful in some situations, also bring their own risks and pressures, while poverty has its own set of challenges.
Proverbs 13:9 (NKJV)
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
Righteousness is like a light that shines brightly, bringing joy, life, and direction. In contrast, the life of the wicked is temporary, and their light will eventually be extinguished. This verse emphasizes the enduring nature of righteousness versus the fleeting success of the wicked.
Proverbs 13:10 (NKJV)
10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.
Pride leads to conflict because the proud are unwilling to compromise or receive correction. On the other hand, those who seek advice and are open to instruction demonstrate wisdom, which leads to peace and resolution of conflicts. The verse contrasts the destructive nature of pride with the constructive power of humility and wisdom.
Proverbs 13:11 (NKJV)
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
Ill-gotten wealth tends to vanish because it is not built on a solid foundation of hard work and integrity. In contrast, wealth that is earned through honest labor grows steadily and securely. This verse highlights the value of honest work and warns against the fleeting nature of wealth gained through deceit.
Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV)
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
When hopes and expectations are delayed or unfulfilled, it leads to emotional distress and discouragement. However, when desires are realized, it brings joy and life, likened to a tree of life that refreshes the soul. This verse emphasizes the emotional impact of waiting and the deep satisfaction that comes when hopes are fulfilled.
Proverbs 13:13 (NKJV)
13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
Those who reject wisdom or instruction will face ruin, as ignoring truth leads to destructive consequences. In contrast, those who respect and follow God’s commandments will receive blessings and rewards. This verse underscores the importance of heeding wisdom and obeying God’s word for a fruitful life.
Proverbs 13:14 (NKJV)
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
The teaching and guidance of the wise serve as a source of life, offering protection from the dangers that lead to death. Wisdom provides not only life-giving principles but also helps avoid the traps that can bring harm and destruction. This verse shows the life-preserving power of wisdom.
Proverbs 13:15 (NKJV)
15 Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.
Those who exhibit wisdom and understanding find favor with others, leading to opportunities and blessings. In contrast, the unfaithful or treacherous face a difficult and harsh life because their choices lead them into trouble. The verse teaches that wisdom leads to favor and ease, while folly leads to hardship.
Proverbs 13:16 (NKJV)
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly.
A wise and prudent person makes decisions based on knowledge and careful thought. On the other hand, a fool exposes his lack of wisdom by acting impulsively, revealing his foolishness to others. The verse contrasts the cautious, thoughtful approach of the wise with the reckless behavior of the foolish.
Proverbs 13:17 (NKJV)
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health.
A messenger who is untrustworthy and wicked causes trouble, either through deceit or carelessness, whereas a faithful ambassador brings peace, reconciliation, and well-being. This proverb highlights the importance of integrity in communication and the positive effects of trustworthiness.
Proverbs 13:18 (NKJV)
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
Rejecting correction leads to poverty and disgrace, as a person who refuses to be corrected misses opportunities to grow and improve. However, those who listen to rebuke and change their ways will be honored and respected, as they learn from their mistakes and become better.
Proverbs 13:19 (NKJV)
19 A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Fulfilling a long-held desire brings deep satisfaction and joy to the heart. However, fools find it repulsive to turn away from evil, preferring to continue in their destructive ways. This verse highlights the contrast between the joy of achieving good goals and the stubbornness of fools who cling to wrongdoing.
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Associating with wise people leads to growth in wisdom, as their influence shapes one’s thinking and actions. However, keeping company with fools leads to destruction, as their reckless behavior and poor decisions bring harm. This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing companions wisely.
Proverbs 13:21 (NKJV)
21 Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.
Sinners cannot escape the consequences of their actions, as evil follows them closely and eventually catches up with them. In contrast, righteousness leads to rewards and blessings. This verse reinforces the idea that people reap what they sow, with evil bringing destruction and righteousness bringing reward.
Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV)
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
A righteous person plans not only for the present but also for future generations, leaving a lasting legacy. In contrast, the wealth accumulated by a sinner will ultimately be transferred to the righteous, either through divine justice or life circumstances. This verse highlights the enduring value of righteousness and the futility of ill-gotten gain.
Proverbs 13:23 (NKJV)
23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, And for lack of justice there is waste.
Even unused or uncultivated land can produce abundance, but the poor often suffer due to injustice that prevents them from fully utilizing their resources. This proverb points to the potential within every situation, but also recognizes that oppression and unfairness can rob people of their ability to thrive.
Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV)
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Discipline, when administered with love, is a sign of genuine care for a child’s well-being. Failure to discipline a child is seen as neglect, which can lead to the child’s harm in the long run. This verse emphasizes the importance of corrective action to guide children toward a righteous path and ensure their proper development.
Proverbs 13:25 (NKJV)
25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.
The righteous are content with what they have, finding satisfaction in both their spiritual and material needs. In contrast, the wicked are always in want, never truly satisfied despite their efforts to accumulate more. This final verse contrasts the contentment of the righteous with the constant hunger and dissatisfaction of the wicked, illustrating the fulfillment that comes from living according to God's ways.