Proverbs 13

CHAPTER 13

Proverbs of Solomon, Continued (13:1–25)

1–25 Verse 2: The unfaithful have a craving for violence; they seek to obtain by violence what does not belong to them. Those who speak good things will obtain good things—without violence (see Proverbs 12:14).

Verse 7: The person who pretends to be something he is not shows a lack of integrity. A person of integrity, a wise person, is the same on the outside as he is on the inside. To pretend to be something different is simply being dishonest.

Verse 8: There is a disadvantage to being wealthy: a rich man may be held for ransom. The poor man receives no such threat!

Verse 11: This proverb warns against trying to get rich by rash or questionable means; such riches, if obtained, are likely to “dwindle away.”

Verse 12: Hope deferred for a long time results in discouragement and cynicism. But a longing fulfilled brings renewal and revival; it is like a tree of life.

Verse 13: See Proverbs 1:29–31.

Verse 14: The teaching of the wise is like a fountain of life (see Proverbs 3:18; 4:22; 10:11).

Verse 16: A prudent man acts out of knowledge, out of wisdom. By our acts (and our words) we reveal whether we are wise or foolish (see Matthew 7:17,20).

Verse 18: See Proverbs 5:11–14.

Verse 19: A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul (see verse 12); but a fool will not turn from evil—even to obtain such sweetness.

Verse 20: This proverb teaches the importance of choosing our friends wisely (see Proverbs 12:26). The more we associate with godly people, the more godly we’ll become.

Verse 21: As a general rule, prosperity is the reward of the righteous (see Proverbs 3:1–2 and comment). Misfortune comes to the sinner. The book of Proverbs teaches the common truth: “In life we get what we deserve.”

Verse 23: This proverb reflects God’s concern for the poor, as well as His hatred of injustice. The proverb implies that there would be abundant food for everyone if human beings would only eliminate “injustice”—selfishness, exploitation, hardheartedness.

Verse 24: Neglecting to discipline our children is equivalent to “hating” them, for we are with holding from them that which is essential to their well-being (see Proverbs 3:11–12). We parents need to remember that we too require “discipline,” God’s discipline; when God disciplines us, He is showing us not His hatred but His love (see Hebrews 12:5–11).

Verse 25: The righteous eat and are content (see Philippians 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:6). The wicked are never content, but always go hungry; whatever they have, they crave even more.