Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Proverbs Chapter 13 mean?

The prior chapter contained several lessons on lifestyle and speech. The early part of chapter 13 echoes statements from the middle part of chapter 12, with an emphasis on speech. Advice is given to take control of one’s words, for the sake of self and for the sake of others (Proverbs 13:1–3).

Solomon also explains proper attitudes towards honesty and godliness, especially as those connect with worldly success. These lessons echo other comments from the book of Proverbs on the natural consequences of sin. Much is made of the risks sin brings. Likewise, hard work presents growth while laziness leads to disaster (Proverbs 13:4–11).

The last segment of this chapter includes references to companionship, taking advice, justice, and additional references to the consequences of sin. Solomon notes the difficult experience of unrealized hopes. Good sense, coming from godly wisdom, tends to lead to a good reputation and better success. Parallel to that, befriending godly people is much better than the risks of associating with those who reject God. Discipline, both from God, and towards one’s own children, is a good thing when done properly. In all these things, contentment is a sign of godliness (Proverbs 13:12–25).

Chapter Context
Starting in chapter 10, the book of Proverbs records a long series of wise sayings from Solomon. These continue for several chapters. Through chapter 15, a major focus is on issues such as godly living, mostly given in contrast with examples of ungodliness. This chapter emphasizes themes such as work ethic, honesty, and discipline.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. A wise son hears his father ‘s instruction,but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

A recurring theme in the book of Proverbs is the value of taking good advice (Proverbs 1:7–8; 8:33). The person defined as a “scoffer” is one who sneers or laughs at knowledge instead of learning from it (Proverbs 1:22). Learning from our own mistakes is part of life; choosing to learn from the mistakes of others is especially wise. When a father, or other worthy figure, offers their perspective, it’s a good idea to take them seriously (Proverbs 12:1, 15).

Some people carry a superior attitude; they think they know more than the people who try to correct them. If someone goes through life thinking he is beyond reproach, he will face a rude awakening. Pride precedes destruction, according to Proverbs 16:18. In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul tells Timothy a recent convert should not become an overseer because “he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6). Proverbs 29:1 affirms, “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”

Context Summary
Proverbs 13:1–3 once again addresses the subject of speech. Solomon contrasts wise talk with foolish talk. He insists that it is prudent to take good advice but reckless to reject it. Also, it is desirable to be careful about what one says, and foolish to blabber.

Verse 2. From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.

Solomon observes that speaking productive words to others tends to lead to good things in return. The general case principle is that if a person speaks kind words, others will speak kindly to him. If he blesses others with his words, they will bless him in return. His positive words will bring positive words back to him. The word, “good,” in this context, means what is pleasant to taste and smell. This echoes the concept that a person reaps what they sow: those who “sow” goodness and godliness can expect to harvest more of the same (Galatians 6:7).

Those who strongly desire to hurt others will also receive reciprocal treatment. Solomon uses the word “violence” to indicate what treacherous people crave and get. In the food-related context of this proverb, the term used here describes what is crude and unripe. Those who crave violence want to harm their neighbor, yet will find violence backfiring on themselves.

This verse closely resembles Proverbs 12:14, which also points out how a person’s words and actions have natural consequences.

Verse 3. Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Few things are more difficult, yet more important, than learning how to control one’s words. Doing so can keep a person out of trouble and may even save his life. This is a repeated lesson of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 10:8, 14; 12:18).

Those who threaten or revile other people open themselves to revenge and backlash. In modern English, a common description for those who talk too much is that they have “loose lips.” That echoes the imagery given here by Solomon. The person who speaks without thinking, or without control, may make rash promises that he does not keep. He may insult others or lie or tell secrets or offer unsound advice. He may gossip or criticize others unjustly. His careless, harsh language will rebound to harm him.

Another English phrase related to these sentiments is a person who must “eat his words.” This applies when someone’s statements have come back to accuse him or condemn him. Knowing this is possible is yet another reason to be sure that any words we speak are “edible,” so to speak (Proverbs 12:2). It is wise to pray as David did: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Verse 4. The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

This verse depicts something common enough to be both stereotype and sad truth. An idle person often daydreams about what they want, or what they wish to accomplish. Yet they never attain those goals because they are too lazy to work for them.

On the other hand, a hardworking person is much more likely to achieve their goals, because they work hard to get them. Proverbs 20:4 offers a companion statement about the lazy person. It observes: “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.” Every farmer knows he must work his land, often from dusk to dawn, to enjoy a good harvest. Laziness may be easy, but it produces nothing except destitution. Even in the garden of Eden before sin entered the human race, God gave Adam the responsibility to work. Genesis 2:15 tells us, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Work is both therapeutic and rewarding.

Other statements in the book of Proverbs echo this contrast between hard work and idleness (Proverbs 6:6; 10:4; 12:11).

Context Summary
Proverbs 13:4–11 observes key differences between the rich and poor, the testimony of the righteous and the dismal end of the wicked, the insolence of the wicked and the willingness of the wise to accept advice. This continues the pattern of contrast and comparison used in this section of the book.

Verse 5. The righteous hates falsehood,but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.

According to this verse, godly people have a natural distaste for lies and deception. In contrast, immoral people often deal in dishonesty, which brings consequences. This reinforces other statements about the danger of lies (Proverbs 11:3; 21:28) and the association between honesty and godly wisdom (Proverbs 10:32; 12:17, 22).

Falsehood includes more than verbal lying. Hypocrisy is a form of falsehood that Jesus condemned in the religious leaders of his day. He instructed: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others” (Matthew 6:16). He warned: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). The hypocrite lies by pretending to believe one thing while doing something else.

Ananias and Sapphira brought not only shame and disgrace on themselves but also death (Acts 5:1–11). They falsely suggested they had given the full sales amount of a piece of property. Tragically, this was an unnecessary lie. They were not obligated to give anything, but they wanted to be highly regarded for their feigned generosity. The same man who pronounced their judgment, Peter, later admonishes in 1 Peter 2:1 to “put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”

Verse 6. Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,but sin overthrows the wicked.

This observes two contrasting results. “Righteousness” means a sincere seeking of God’s will and obedience to His commands (Proverbs 1:7). Those who follow godliness and sound wisdom have a much better chance of happiness and success (Proverb 3:6; 12:28). Those who ignore God open themselves to all sorts of worldly troubles (Proverbs 1:32; 15:10; 18:6–7), not to mention condemnation in eternity (Proverbs 11:7).

Because a righteous person leads an upright life that no one can legitimately fault, he leaves no room for others to blame him for his life. Joseph is an example of a person whose life was void of legitimate faultfinding. His trust in the Lord remained steadfast, and the harm his brothers tried to impose on him resulted in his good. He told them, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Daniel is another good example of a person whose life was beyond fault. When his enemies trumped up an occasion that led to his confinement in a den of hungry lions, God protected him. The lions did not hurt him, and the king ordered his release from the lions’ den. However, the wicked men who were responsible for Daniel’s confinement ended up in the same lions’ den and died at the teeth of the hungry lions before they reached the bottom of the den. Their sin overtook them (Daniel 6). As this proverb notes, the sin of Daniel’s enemies wound up becoming their own ruin.

Both examples demonstrate the Bible’s complete understanding of human suffering. A “proverb” is a general statement of common sense. Scripture notes that even good people can suffer in a fallen world. However, the expected pattern in most cases is that “doing good” leads to someone “experiencing” good.

Verse 7. One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

The original language of this verse leads to subtle differences in how it can be interpreted. An extremely literal presentation of the Hebrew would read something like, “One enriching has nothing at all, impoverishing great wealth.” This seems to play on the idea of those who put on an appearance of being wealthy when they have nothing, while others make themselves out to be poor when they have plenty (Proverbs 11:26; 16:19; 22:9). Another possible meaning is that those who focus on material wealth are spiritually poor, while those less concerned with worldly wealth are spiritually rich (Proverbs 11:24, 28; 22:1). Either view has support from Scripture; both lessons are supported elsewhere in the book of Proverbs.

The hypocritical boaster who has no wealth is insecure; to boost his self-esteem he pretends to be wealthy. The rich farmer in Jesus’ parable boasted about his bumper crops, but he was spiritually bankrupt. When demanding his soul, God called such a person a fool and reminded him that material goods would not accompany him beyond the grave (Luke 12:20). The church at Laodicea boasted about its affluence, but it lacked true wealth. Jesus told the church: “You say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). The apostle Paul assumed a sincerely humble posture. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:10 that he was poor yet made many rich and had nothing but possessed everything. It is better to be spiritually rich than to feign material wealth.

Verse 8. The ransom of a man ‘s life is his wealth,but a poor man hears no threat.

This proverb uses an unexpected twist to uncover a hidden advantage of poverty. A rich person can “ransom” themselves. This might mean to buy themselves out of trouble, but in this context, it means a more literal ransom. This is the fee demanded by someone to return a captured or kidnapped person, or to free a slave. The rich person is subject to ransom demands because of their wealth. No one will make such threats against a poor person because they have no riches to give. Threats to wealth, property, or money are powerless against someone who has none of those things.

Material wealth does, in fact, come with downsides. That includes the risk of being robbed or kidnapped or murdered for one’s money. Further, a rich man may wonder whether his “friends” are truly friends or simply pretending to be his friends to get something from him. Wealth at best is only temporal, whereas “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Timothy 6:6–7). Hebrews 13:5 provides the right perspective on what is truly important. It reads: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

Verse 9. The light of the righteous rejoices,but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Solomon points out the common-sense observation that godliness tends to keep a person from danger (Proverbs 1:7, 32–33, while sin brings risks that lead to an early death (Proverbs 6:32–33; 11:5, 21; 12:21).

The reference to a “lamp” in this verse alludes to the illumination a person in the ancient Middle East had in his tent. His oil lamp did not stay lit throughout the entire night, and when it went out, everything became completely dark. Similarly, the life of the wicked—his lamp—will not stay lit forever. Shortly, it will be extinguished, and the wicked person will die and be surrounded by utter darkness (Proverbs 11:7). The life of the righteous—his light—will extend not only for a long time on earth but also throughout eternity (John 8:12). Whereas hell is described as a place of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12), heaven is described as a place of brilliant, dazzling light. In heaven, the Lord will be the light of the righteous, and there will be no night or any need for the light or lamp of the sun (Revelation 22:5).

Verse 10. By insolence comes nothing but strife,but with those who take advice is wisdom.

The word translated “insolence” comes from a Hebrew verb literally meaning “to boil.” This suggests a kind of inward, bubbling pride that refuses to learn anything from anybody (Proverbs 1:22; 12:15; 13:1). An insolent person is a contentious, know-it-all, egotistical individual with a superior attitude. He is quick to quarrel and unwilling to agree with anyone with a different view. Such persons create a great deal of drama but accomplish little else (Titus 3:9–11).

The philosophers at Mars Hill who rejected the apostle Paul’s message about Jesus were insolent. They called Paul a babbler (Acts 17:18). Some of those who heard Paul preach about the resurrection made fun of him (Acts 17:32). Paul advised young Timothy to receive advice. He writes in 2 Timothy 1:13: “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” He also offered good counsel in Romans 12:16: “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

Verse 11. Wealth gained hastily will dwindle,but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

In this verse Solomon observes the difference between wealth acquired suddenly and wealth gained slowly but honestly. The implications of this proverb involve both money that is brought in greedily, or through questionable means, and that which is simply gained instantly. Those who dishonestly seek wealth, by taking advantage of others or by engaging in schemes, can expect their wealth to disappear just as quickly as it arrived.

One modern parallel to this is known as the “lottery curse.” Participating in a small gamble with the hope of winning a huge prize is a common vice in many modern nations. Sadly, many who receive the “big prize” find themselves worse off financially, after many years, than they were before they won the money. Since they didn’t earn that money, they often have no experience with how to use it, protect it, or manage it.

The other kind of wealth implied here is that seized suddenly and dishonestly. This is money which may have been taken by robbery, stealing, swindling, cheating, or in some other dishonest way. Achan grabbed wealth dishonestly. The Lord had commanded the people of Israel not to take from Jericho what was devoted to him (Joshua 6:17–19), but Achan took a beautiful cloak, 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels and hid them in the ground inside his tent (Joshua 7:21). However, what he gained hastily dwindled quickly. His sin was found out, and the people of Israel put him to death by stoning (Joshua 7:24–25). It is far better to acquire wealth gradually but honestly as Solomon points out here.

Eternity provides another contrast in how we accumulate wealth. Material resources can be gained quickly, but as soon as we leave this life, they are entirely left behind (Proverbs 11:7; Luke 12:16–21; 1 Corinthians 3:15). Spiritual rewards, earned over time by service to God, will last forever (Matthew 6:19–20; 10:42).

Verse 12. Hope deferred makes the heart sick,but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

Something “deferred” is put off, delayed, or suspended. The longer a person goes without seeing their hope realized, the more likely they are to become discouraged. Seeing one’s hopes coming to pass is uplifting. Many passages in Scripture are pleas to God, asking Him to bring about promises which seem to have been deferred (Habakkuk 1:2–4; Psalm 89:46).

Of course, if hope is something which will never happen, it is false hope. That can only lead to grief. When a person comes to believe his hope is meaningless, he may become depressed. False teachers who claim those who pray and donate money will be rich and healthy are selling false hope. Others, who promote salvation by works instead of by grace, corrupt the hopes of people who believe they will go to heaven by doing good deeds. Those hopes are false, however. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Paul was so incensed by the false teaching that religious works were necessary for salvation that he commanded the Galatian believers, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). “Accursed” means devoted to destruction.

The hope of heaven that believers have is a sure hope (John 10:28–29). It is sure because it is founded on a perfect, sinless God (Hebrew 4:15; Titus 3:5; 1 Timothy 2:5).

Context Summary
Proverbs 13:12–25 emphasizes the value of wisdom as true wealth. Solomon writes that whoever reveres God’s Word will be rewarded, and he describes how wisdom obtained from the Word applies to several areas of life.

Verse 13. Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

Ever the teacher, Solomon instructs his readers to hold their instructors’ lessons. Doing so brings reward or blessing. The person who laughs off such teaching brings ruin on himself. This is a recurring theme in the book of Proverbs. Those who follow good advice, coming from godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), put themselves on a path to success (Proverbs 10:17). The person who “despises” instruction is the scoffer depicted in other verses as a fool (Proverbs 9:7–12; 13:1).

Various translations use the phrase “the word,” “instruction,” or “advice” here. The Hebrew term is dā’bār, which implies a message, commandment, or instruction. This is not an explicit reference to Scripture, though what’s written in the Bible is certainly included in the wisdom that a godly person will pursue (Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 1:1–2).

Blessing for following wisdom, versus ruin for disobedience, appears in Jesus’ story about two builders. A wise builder constructed his house on a rock, and it survived heavy winds, torrential rains, and rising floods. A foolish man built his house on sand, and it collapsed under strong wind, heavy rain, and swirling floods. Jesus compared the wise builder to whoever hears and obeys His words and the foolish builder to whoever hears His words but fails to obey them. (Read Matthew 7:24–27). In Luke 8:18 we find this exhortation given by Jesus: “Take care then how you hear.” When Jesus addressed the churches of Asia Minor, He commanded, “He who has an ear, let him hear,” and He included a promise for obedient hearing (Revelation 2:11, 17, 26–29; 3:5–6, 12–13, 20–22).

Verse 14. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,that one may turn away from the snares of death.

In this verse, we learn the crucial importance of heeding wise teaching. This is a primary theme of the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 1:7; 10:17; 13:6). Closely related is the fact that ignoring godly wisdom leads to both earthly and eternal consequences (Proverbs 9:7–12; 11:7; 13:15).

A fountain offers refreshment and sustains life. When Jesus spoke with a woman at Jacob’s well, He told her that whoever drank from Jacob’s well would thirst again, but whoever drank the water He offered would never thirst. He added that it would be a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13–14). Jesus emphasized the benefit of responding appropriately to His teaching. John wrote, “For he whom God has sent utters the words of God…Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:34, 36).

The word “snares” here alludes to traps which spring shut when unsuspecting animals enter them. Jesus offers salvation that keeps those who believe on Him safe from the eternal death that suddenly comes upon unbelievers (Proverbs 29:1; Revelation 20:11–15).

Verse 15. Good sense wins favor,but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

This verse applauds those who have good sense or good understanding. As defined in the book of Proverbs, those with understanding follow God’s truth (Proverbs 1:7). They walk in the light of God’s Word that is a lamp to their feet and a light for their path (Psalm 119:105). This godly path keeps them from many of the natural consequences of sin (Proverbs 9:7–12; 11:7; 13:14). A “treacherous” person is one who is unfaithful, rejecting the wisdom of their own Creator (Proverbs 13:1).

Those who seek righteousness (Matthew 7:7–8) will find it in Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Seekers of truth follow Jesus (John 10:4) and reject the way of darkness. Consequently, they enjoy God’s favor. This may not always translate to earthly wealth and prosperity (John 16:33), but it guarantees eternal life and reward (John 3:16–18). In general, those who act with wisdom and goodness gain a positive reputation in the world (Proverbs 22:1).

The treacherous lead a calloused life in opposition to God. They harden their hearts toward God and incline them toward evil. Thoroughly entrenched in their wicked ways, they refuse correction and remain unrepentant. Jesus wept over unrepentant Jerusalem that had consistently rejected God’s prophets. He said, “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37). He spoke of the judgment Jerusalem would experience for her treacherous ways, “See, your house is left to you desolate” (Matthew 23:38).

Verse 16. Every prudent man acts with knowledge,but a fool flaunts his folly.

The term “prudent” here means the same thing as what Jesus commended in Matthew 10:16. The term “shrewd” sometimes comes with negative implications, but the literal meaning is just common sense and effectiveness. A “prudent” person weighs options carefully before acting. Wise people base each decision on their knowledge of a situation. Such a wise person is discerning and acts according to God’s will. That wisdom is also reflected in an ability to restrain their speech (Proverbs 13:3).

In contrast, a fool (Proverbs 9:7–12) rushes into situations without any thought to what is right or what the consequences will be. He is full of self-confidence and makes decisions without consulting the Lord (Proverbs 13:10). Their irrationality becomes obvious thanks to these poor choices.

The apostle James warns us not to boast about what we will do. He writes: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:13–15). The uncertainty and brevity of life compel a wise person to consult the Lord before making decisions.

Verse 17. A wicked messenger falls into trouble,but a faithful envoy brings healing.

An earlier proverb noted the trouble that comes to those who don’t fulfill their assigned tasks (Proverbs 10:26). An “envoy” is something like an ambassador. When such a person is reliable, their work is valuable and of great benefit to others (Proverbs 25:13).

While the literal terms of this proverb apply to those carrying messages, the basic principle can be applied to any person employed or tasked by others. The person who “slacks off,” accomplishing little, is something like a “wicked messenger.” He may spend hours lounging at fellow employees’ stations or hanging around the coffee machine or taking an extended lunch break. This translates to a lack of productivity that hurts his employer, and others who work in that environment. This may lead to his getting fired.

By contrast, those who diligently accomplish what’s expected contribute to everyone’s success and safety. A trustworthy employee fulfills his assignments, exceeds his employer’s expectations, and makes wise use of his time and resources (Colossians 3:23). He contributes to the health of the company he works for and enjoys a respectful relationship with his employer. When the employer is fair, this can lead to many benefits.

Verse 18. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

The term “reproof” refers to correction, emphasized by the contrast with those who “ignore instruction.” Solomon repeatedly warns about the hardships brought on by being hard-headed—by ignoring good advice (Proverbs 1:7; 9:7–12; 12:15). In general, those who refuse to be corrected put themselves on a path to failure. This is partly in terms of their reputation, but also applies to their wealth and employment.

The ability to accept teaching—to “heed reproof”— is an asset in one’s education, job performance, and spiritual development. No employer wants to keep an untrainable employee on the company’s payroll. No one wants to hire a know-it-all (Proverbs 13:1). Furthermore, by ignoring instruction a person never learns how to accomplish a task, and therefore goes through life as a failure. He disgraces himself in the eyes of those who know him. A person who willingly receives correction and instruction (Proverbs 12:1) performs each task successfully and advances in his employment. His employer is more likely to reward him with praise, or other benefits.

Paul urges Timothy to “preach the word, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Verse 19. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

All people feel a sense of accomplishment when they achieve a goal. There is a deep satisfaction which comes when a desire has been realized. This connection between hopes and happiness was mentioned earlier in this passage (Proverbs 13:12). A contrast with those who insist on pursuing evil puts that concept into unique context. Part of the implication is that only godly desires are truly fulfilled (1 Corinthians 3:15; Matthew 6:20). Sinful urges can only lead to ruin and disappointment (Proverbs 11:7).

In contrast to those who seek godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:7–12), foolish people are disgusted at the idea of setting aside their sins. That attitude feeds itself, with sin leading to even deeper rejection of God (Romans 1:28–32). Rather than recognize what’s evil and turn to what’s good (Proverbs 3:7; 16:17), they choose to remain in sin (John 5:39–40; 8:24). Sin, like anything else earthly, never fully satisfies (John 4:13–14; Proverbs 11:6). And, so, those who insist on sin are damned to eternal disappointment (Luke 13:27–28; Romans 6:20–23).

The apostle Paul set the goal of fulfilling the commission the Lord had given him to preach the gospel. He told King Agrippa, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). At the end of his life, Paul enjoyed the soul satisfaction of having attained his goal. He writes in 2 Timothy 4:6–7: “The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He looked forward to receiving from the Lord the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8).

Verse 20. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

This is an often-cited biblical proverb, for good reason. It is extremely important to choose one’s friends wisely. The people we choose to associate with will influence our decisions and our outlook on life. Their choices can affect our lives. Many sad stories involve those who were “caught in” or “caught in the middle of” violence and crime committed by their so-called friends.

Caution with friendship is especially critical when considering how the book of Proverbs defines terms like “wisdom” and “foolishness.” A “wise” person seeks God and godly knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 8:33–36). A “fool” is the one who rejects God and pursues his own path (Proverbs 9:7–12; 12:15). Choosing to associate with wise people causes a person to become wise. However, whoever chooses the companionship of fools harms himself. That harm can certainly be earthly (Proverbs 10:27), but it also can be eternal (Proverbs 11:7).

In Psalm 119:63 David testifies that he made a good choice. He writes: “I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.” Peer pressure is strong, and its influence can be either good or bad. Godly friends exert a positive pressure on one another to be godly, but ungodly friends exert a negative pressure on one another to do wrong. Exodus 23:2 commands: “You shall not fall in with the many to do evil.” The Jewish council that arraigned Peter and John knew they were common, uneducated men, but Peter and John’s testimony astonished the council. The council recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Being in the company of Jesus had given the apostles amazing wisdom and courage.

Verse 21. Disaster pursues sinners,but the righteous are rewarded with good.

Solomon contrasts what generally happens to those who disobey God versus those who honor Him. Those who pursue evil encounter God’s wrath, as well as the natural consequences of things like deceit, greed, and violence (Proverbs 12:13; 13:5). Scripture acknowledges that such people may seem to thrive, for a while (Psalm 73:2–3), but there is a terrible end for their rebellion (Proverbs 11:7; Revelation 20:11–15). Romans 6:23 assures us that “the wages of sin is death,” and Isaiah 48:22 declares, “‘There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked.’”

However, the righteous enjoy God’s peace. The psalmist testifies: “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). Retribution awaits those who pursue an evil life, but rewards await those who lead a righteous life. Galatians 6:8 teaches that “the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Knowing this principle of reciprocity, Paul encourages the Galatians not to “grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

While godly, righteous people may experience pain and suffering in the world (John 16:33), that is not the end of their story (Romans 8:18). In general, doing good leads to good outcomes, and sin brings natural, negative consequences. The person who lives an evil life will be forever running from the results of their own actions.

Verse 22. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children ‘s children,but the sinner ‘s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Material wealth is not guaranteed in this life, even for those who are moral and godly (John 16:33). A proverb, such as this, is not meant as a universal declaration, but a general statement of common sense. The important lesson in this type of statement is in the contrast being presented. Here, the point is about how righteousness and evil typically result in different outcomes, especially when it comes to lasting success. Those who obtain wealth honestly have a better chance of retaining it, and passing it down, than the person who lives by sin and evil.

A good man handles money and goods wisely, according to godly principles like prudence and generosity (Proverbs 1:7; 11:25; 19:17). He doesn’t spend according to the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, or the pride of life; he spends as a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to him. A person who is content with what he has does not feel pressured to spend more than he sensibly should (Proverbs 13:25; 1 Timothy 6:6). He considers all that the Lord has blessed him with as the Lord’s and not exclusively his money and goods. He wisely lives within his means, saves as consistently as possible, and has material goods and money to leave to his children and grandchildren.

In contrast, the foolish person rejects God (Psalm 10:4). This makes them more likely to waste or lose their wealth, or have it taken as punishment for their crimes.

Verse 23. The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,but it is swept away through injustice.

Many statements in the book of Proverbs refer to the general rule of godly wisdom: doing good usually results in good (Proverbs 3:21–23). For the most part, following biblical principles and obeying the Lord gives a person greater success than pursuing sin (Proverbs 2:3–8). At the least, godly conduct avoids the negative consequences of dishonesty and crime (Proverbs 5:22; 11:5). However, Scripture is also honest about how evil people can take prosperity away from those who are righteous. An especially heinous form of evil is when those who are rich take advantage of those who are poor.

A poor man may work his land and obtain enough food to put on the table, but he may lose it quickly. An unjust person or persons may steal what the land produces. Unfair or unwise orders from a landowner may severely limit what the crop produces. The apostle James took unscrupulous rich farmers to task for keeping their workers poor. They were unjust and cared only about increasing their wealth so they could live in luxury. He writes in James 5:4–6: “Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”

Verse 24. Whoever spares the rod hates his son,but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

This is the origin of the controversial English phrase “spare the rod, spoil the child.” That paraphrase is usually quoted in defense of corporal punishment: the use of spanking or other physical means of discipline. In literal terms, this verse is a reference to corporal punishment. It is not, however, only about physical discipline. Nor is it meant to justify forms of discipline that cross the line into abuse.

The primary purpose of this statement is to endorse loving discipline. This is correction based on godly principles (Proverbs 1:7). A person who truly loves a child will provide discipline (Proverbs 3:11–12), to keep the child from developing evil habits. Without that, the natural tendency of human beings is to greater and greater sin (Proverbs 19:18). Lack of discipline also leads to life-destroying habits such as laziness and dishonesty (Proverbs 12:19, 24; 13:4). Because everyone inherits a sin nature, everyone needs discipline to reinforce the fact that sinning has consequences.

Christian discipline, physical or otherwise, must not be administered in anger, nor should it be given without just provocation. A father who disciplines his child shows that he loves him and wants to shape him into a responsible adult who loves and serves God (Proverbs 22:6). That kind of discipline builds character. Abusive, unfair, or harsh responses only frustrate the child and make them more resistant to truth (Ephesians 6:4).

Some parents do little to discipline their children at all. Such is not loving, or caring, or supportive. Rather, failure to correct misbehavior is a sign of cowardice and selfishness. Only a negligent, uncaring parent fails to discipline their child.

Hebrews 12:5–6 exhorts believers not to take God’s correction lightly. He disciplines those He loves. Hebrews 12:11 assures us, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Verse 25. The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

Godly people may not eat as scrumptiously as some wicked people, but what they eat satisfies their appetite. The wicked may eat fine food, but they are not satisfied; they always want something more. The real meaning of this proverb goes beyond food. This idea of contentment is crucial to one’s happiness in life, and it applies in all circumstances (1 Timothy 6:6). Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). It takes more than food to satisfy an individual. If he feasts on God’s Word, he finds true satisfaction. He is at peace with God, and he has the satisfaction of knowing his life pleases God (Matthew 6:20).

The wicked reject the Word of God and the God of the Word (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 10:4), therefore they do not experience either peace with God or the peace of God. They are always craving something that might satisfy their soul, but they cannot obtain it (Ecclesiastes 5:10; Hebrews 13:5). The wicked resemble the prodigal who longed to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:16). They hope something—anything—from the evil world system will satisfy their hunger, but their hope is vain.

End of Proverbs 13

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