Proverbs Chapter 13

Pro 13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Some people will not receive correction and they neither repent to turn around to walk in the right direction. Those that are wise will receive instruction and live by it.

Pro 13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

Those that live by violence usually end up being destroyed by violence.

Pro 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Watch what we say, write and get involved in. Our tongues can get us into worse trouble than we could ever imagine. Here is one of my favorite verses on that subject.

Colosians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Pro 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

We can want, desire and crave but if we are like the sluggards who do not work or take responsibility we shall have nothing in the long run. He that is diligent and careful does not end up in poverty.

Pro 13:5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.

This is true in every sense of the word. We reap what we sow in life.

Pro 13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Right living keeps us from getting into trouble and suffering ruin.

Pro 13:7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.

I like this verse for it reminds us that true riches are not what the world thinks are riches. We can be rich in this world's goods and have nothing that really counts. We can be poor as far as the things in this life but be rich spiritually and right with God. In the long run, we are rich and the rich are actually the poor.

Pro 13:8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.

The spiritually poor does not hear correction and rebuke.

Pro 13:9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

In the end when Christ sets up His kingdom, the wicked will perish. Evil, death and suffering will cease.

Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Most of our dissatisfaction, strife and trouble actually comes from pride.

Pro 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.

If we work hard for a living we will prosper but if we get rich by deception, cheating and scheme that are questionable, we will suffer loss.

Pro 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Pro 13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

It grieves my heart to see so many despise the word. I see it constantly. Here is a few examples.

1. Taking the word lightly. Making light of the word by acknowledging that there is good in it but its not the final authority. They may see it as a book of good advice but not necessary for everyday living.

This is a mistake many are making. By not fearing the word and fearing to break the word, we are living on dangerous ground and could face God's judgment.

2. Making fun of the word. Some go so far as to poke fun at those that believe in the word as the word of God. They call us fundamentalists with an attitude that to be fundamental is some evil thing to be avoided.

We are warned that the godly in Christ will suffer persecution. The name of Jesus brings offense. That is why there is a blessing given by Jesus Himself, "Blessed are they that are not offended in me." He warned that His name would cause many to be offended. It is an offense to tell someone that they are sinners in need of salvation. The death on the cross offends many also. The death on the cross was a horrible humiliating way to die.

3. Ignoring the word. Some just take the word lightly also by ignoring the word. They don't read, they don't listen and don't take the time to find out what God has to say to us.

If we had a pot of gold buried in our back yards and knew about it, I doubt that we would ignore it yet the word of God is of more value than that pot of gold. In fact the gold is not worthy to be compared to God's word.

Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

I could also say, "What profit is it to gain the highest education and land the best paying job, if you lose your soul?"

We strive to see our children get good grades, go to the best colleges, and seek the highest paying jobs but do we stress the greatest need and that is to get our souls right with God? What profit is it to go to college, earn a degree, land a perfect job, buy a beautiful home, and drive a fancy car if we neglect the salvation offered to us through faith in Jesus Christ. All the above will be lost at the point of death and all will go to someone else. The only thing that really counts in this life is the thing we neglect the most. The word of God.

Pro 13:14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Pro 13:15 Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Actually to live a life of sin and live in ignorance of God's word is a hard life to live. Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Pro 13:16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
Pro 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

Don't trust someone who is unreliable with an important message.

Pro 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.

If we are doing something wrong and receive correction when someone points it out, we are wise but to those that refuse correction, it leads to poverty, loss of salvation.

We warn so much to our kids about the peril of dropping out of school but in reality, it would be better to be known as a high school drop out than one who loses the soul for eternity. Think about it. We stress education more than the word of God.

Pro 13:19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Pro 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

We become like those we associate with.

Pro 13:21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid.

The law of reaping and sowing affects everyone whether Christian of not.

Pro 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Those that gain by greed or deceit will end up leaving it all to the just. In eternity the sinner will have nothing. All will belong to the righteous.

Pro 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
Pro 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him quickly.

We must correct children to guide them on the right path. To allow them to make their own way is a mistake. We are all born into rebellion and need to be shown the right way.

Pro 13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.


The whole message is the those that pursue evil will lose in the long run. There is no way they can win.

PROVERBS 14