Proverbs 13:16-25

16 Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy courier [brings] healing.^[a]

18 Poverty and disgrace [come to] those who ignore instruction, but the one who accepts rebuke will be honored.^[b]

19 Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but fools hate to turn from evil.^[c]

20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

21 Disaster pursues sinners, but good rewards the righteous.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his^[d] grandchildren, but the sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.^[e]

23 The field of the poor yields abundant food, but without justice, it is swept away.

24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.^[f]

25 A righteous man eats until he is satisfied, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 25:13
• [b] Pr 5:12-14; 12:1; 15:31-33
• [c] Pr 16:22; 29:27
• [d] Or inheritance: his
• [e] Pr 28:8; Jb 27:13-17; Ec 2:26
• [f] Pr 22:15; 23:13-14; Heb 12:5-7