Proverbs Thirteen

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

Proverbs 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Proverbs 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

maketh himself rich. Compare 2 Corinthians 6:10.

Proverbs 13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

tree of life. Fulfilled hope, like true wisdom and righteousness, is so vitalizing as to be like the very tree of life. See notes on Proverbs 3:18.

Proverbs 13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

despiseth the word. It is a dangerous thing to despise God's Word, for men will be judged by it one day (Revelation 20:12; John 12:48).

destroyed. This is a sober warning to those who would question the Word of God. Note Matthew 7:26-27; Revelation 22:18-19.

Proverbs 13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Proverbs 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Proverbs 13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

inheritance. This “inheritance” may or may not include material substance, but the real inheritance is that of godly teaching and example, as well as answered prayer for the family.

Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

spareth his rod. Although contrary to modern humanistic child psychology, the Bible clearly teaches—especially here in the book of Proverbs—that judicious corporal punishment, if administered carefully and lovingly, as well as appropriately, is necessary in child-raising. Note also such Scriptures as Proverbs 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15, etc.

Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.