Proverbs · chapter 13 of 31
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Proverbs 13 gathers sayings about the son who listens, guarding the tongue, diligent work versus empty desire and wealth gathered little by little. It teaches that hope deferred makes the heart sick, that companions shape a person and that whoever loves his son disciplines him in time.
Proverbs 13 continues Solomon's sayings with a series of contrasts that turn on teaching and its results: the son who listens, diligence and laziness, money, hope and friendships. It is a chapter of practical observations that help us think about everyday life in the light of wisdom, and it is best read by topic.
The chapter begins with the family: a wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke (v. 1). From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence (v. 2). Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin (v. 3). The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied (v. 4). The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace (v. 5).
A group of sayings on money and hope follows. One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth (v. 7). The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out (v. 9). Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it (v. 11). Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (v. 12). Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded (v. 13). The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death (v. 14).
Verses 18 to 25 touch on correction, friendships and inheritance. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored (v. 18). Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm (v. 20). Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good (v. 21). A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous (v. 22). Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him (v. 24). The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want (v. 25).
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens his lips too wide comes to ruin. Many wounds and problems are born from words spoken without thought, and restraining them protects one's own life.
Wealth gained in a hurry dwindles, but whoever gathers little by little increases it. The proverb recommends steady, patient work over shortcuts that promise quick riches.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. The text realistically recognizes the pain of waiting, and also the joy that comes when what was hoped for arrives.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Friendships shape us, and choosing them well is a decision of wisdom.
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
Answer: He hears it; the scoffer does not listen to rebuke. — Proverbs 13:1
Answer: His life. — Proverbs 13:3
Answer: The first dwindles; the one gathered by labor increases. — Proverbs 13:11
Answer: Hope deferred makes the heart sick; a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. — Proverbs 13:12
Answer: The first becomes wise; the companion of fools will suffer harm. — Proverbs 13:20
Answer: He is diligent to discipline him. — Proverbs 13:24
Proverbs 13 encourages us to think about words, money and friendships. With words, it reminds us that not everything we think has to be said, and that a guarded mouth protects the one who keeps it. With money, it values patience and steady work, which encourages us to distrust promises of quick gain.
The verse about hope deferred is a word for those waiting for something that does not come, such as a job, a child or a reconciliation. It does not minimize the pain but encourages us to keep waiting on God. And on the discipline of children, the text speaks of correcting in love and in time, as an expression of affection and not of anger. In a group you can talk about how to do it with balance and how to choose friendships that bring us closer to God.
Proverbs 13 shows that words, work, patience and companions form the course of a life. In chapter 14 the collection continues with sayings about the home, the way that seems right, temperament and compassion for the poor.
It honestly describes the suffering of waiting for something good that is slow to arrive. The proverb does not condemn someone who feels that way but recognizes that a desire fulfilled brings life. For the believer it is also an invitation to keep trusting God while waiting.
The verse uses the image of the rod to speak of parental discipline. Interpreters understand it in different ways, from moderate physical correction to firm guidance in general. All agree that the center is the love of a father who corrects in time, not anger or abuse, which Scripture condemns.