Proverbs 13:18

18 Poverty and shame shall be [to] him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Proverbs 13:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 13:18

Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth
instruction
Of parents, masters, and ministers of the word; the instruction of wisdom, the instruction of the Gospel, in things relating to their present spiritual peace, and to their eternal welfare: such generally come to poverty and disgrace in this life, and to everlasting shame and contempt in another; see ( Proverbs 5:11 Proverbs 5:12 ) ; but he that regardeth reproof;
the reproof of the word, and of the ministers of it, and of all good men, and takes it kindly, and acts according to it, shall be honoured;
with riches and reputation; if not with the riches of this world, yet with the riches of grace and glory; and shall have honour among the saints, and from the Lord himself; who will honour those that honour him, as they do who regard the reproof and instruction of his word, ( 1 Samuel 2:30 ) .

Proverbs 13:18 In-Context

16 Every prudent [man] acteth with knowledge; but the foolish layeth open [his] folly.
17 A wicked messenger falleth into evil; but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame shall be [to] him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; but it is abomination to the foolish to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with wise [men] becometh wise; but a companion of the foolish will be depraved.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Properly 'keeps' or 'observe' so ch. 15.5.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.