Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Thirteen
We will now look at Proverbs chapter thirteen:
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 (NASB)
Children of the same parents can have different temperaments. There is great hope of those that have a reverence for their parents, and are willing to be advised and admonished by them. “A wise son” hears his father’s instruction. But there is little hope of those that will not listen. How can those mend a fault when they will not be told of listen?
2 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. Proverbs 13:2 (NASB)
A good heart produces good fruit – just as a bad heart produces bad fruit. Jesus said:
"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” Luke 6:45 (NASB)
The question each of us should be asking is: “What is in my heart?”
3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. Proverbs 13:3 (NASB)
You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, "The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness" (James 3:6). If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body.
4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat. Proverbs 13:4 (NASB)
We often hear many religious people expressing a desire to have more of a holy life – yet it never happens. Why is this? The reason is that their desire does not stir them to action. They are always learning the Bible but never putting it into practice. They become fat with the knowledge of the Word – but have not learned to apply it to their lives. [O Lord – how much have I done the same thing.]
5 A righteous man hates falsehood, But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. Proverbs 13:5 (NASB)
God hates sin and falsehood. When a righteous person puts on God’s character – they hate sin and falsehood too. A wicked person has no moral sense – therefore they act disgustingly and shamefully. Can we expect anything less?
6 Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness subverts the sinner. Proverbs 13:6 (NASB)
We all have influence on others – either for good or for evil. Every choice for good sets into motion other opportunities for good. Evil choices follow the same pattern, but in the opposite direction. Each decision you make to obey God’s Word will bring a greater sense of order to your life, while each decision to disobey will bring confusion and destruction. The right choices you make reflect your integrity and character. Obedience brings the greatest safeguard and security. Would it not be a good thing to live a blameless life?
7 There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7 (NASB)
Humility – even when one is wealthy – is a great virtue. Humility is not thinking less of yourself – but thinking of yourself – less. I can put on “heirs” yet have nothing. But to have something – and yet treat others with kindness and compassion – displays great wealth.
8 The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. Proverbs 13:8 (NASB)
We are prone to judge of men’s “blessedness” – according to his world’s goods – but Solomon here shows what a gross mistake that is. Those that are rich – by some are respected for their riches – yet, by others they are envied and made a target. The rich man must lock his door at night for fear that robbers will enter. If he is kidnapped – he may be able to buy his way out – but who wants to live in fear of being kidnapped? The poor man does not have to worry about loosing his riches – for he has none. Wesley has said:
“Riches enable a man to redeem his life when it is in greatest danger, and poverty preserves a man from many injuries.”
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked goes out. Proverbs 13:9 (NASB)
The light of the righteous is like the sun. Even though it may be a cloudy day – if you can rise above the clouds – the sun is shining.
Note also the distinction between the “light” and the “lamp.” The righteous ones have the true light in them. That which belongs to the wicked is only temporary – it shall be extinguished before long.
10 Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. Proverbs 13:10 (NASB)
"I was wrong" or "I need advice" are difficult phrases to utter because they require humility. Pride is an ingredient in every quarrel. It stirs up conflict and divides people. Humility, by contrast, heals. Guard against pride. If you find yourself constantly arguing, examine your life for pride. Be open to the advice of others, ask for help when you need it, and be willing to admit your mistakes.
11 Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it. Proverbs 13:11 (NASB)
There is nothing wrong with good honest work – no matter what the position. I worked many years as a janitor while I was working my way through seminary. I cleaned toilets. But the work was honest – and I have nothing to be ashamed of.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 (NASB)
When something has to be put off for a period of time – it is difficult. But when it comes to pass it is a joy. How much sweeter is the treasure that is desired – when waited for and finally fulfilled.
13 The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 (NASB)
God created us – knows us – and loves us. It only makes sense, to listen to His instructions and do what He says. The Bible is His unfailing word to us. It is like an owner’s manual for a car. If you obey God’s instructions, you will "run right" and find His power to live. If you ignore His word – you will have breakdowns, accidents, and failures.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14 (NASB)
True wisdom leads to life. To turn away from wisdom – leads to death.
15 Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. Proverbs 13:15 (NASB)
If we compare not only the end – but the way we find the end we see that God’s way is ultimately pleasant and agreeable. The way of sinners is rough and uneasy. It is hard. The servant of God becomes free – but the servant of sin becomes a slave to sin.
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. Proverbs 13:16 (NASB)
The Message Bible translates this verse:
“A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness.” Proverbs 13:16 (MSG)
17 A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing. Proverbs 13:17 (NASB)
When this was written a king had to rely on messengers for information about his country. These messengers had to be trustworthy. Inaccurate information could lead to bloodshed. Reliable information is still vital. If the message received is different from the message sent, marriages, businesses, and diplomatic relations can break down. It is important to choose your words well and to avoid reacting until you clearly understand what the other person means.
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. Proverbs 13:18 (NASB)
If you don’t listen to sound advice – what good is it? He who listens to constructive criticism – and heeds it as good advice will do well.
19 Desire realized is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil. Proverbs 13:19 (NASB)
Whether a "dream come true" is good or bad depends on the nature of the dream or desire. It is pleasant to achieve worthwhile goals, but not all goals are worth pursuing. When you set your heart on something, you may lose your ability to assess it objectively. With your desire blinding your judgment, you may proceed with an unwise relationship, a wasteful purchase, or a poorly conceived plan. Faithfulness is a virtue, but stubbornness is not.
20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 (NASB)
There is an old saying: "A rotten apple spoils the whole barrel". Over time – it will! We all have an influence on those around us. Our friends and associates affect us, sometimes profoundly. Be careful whom you choose as your closest friends. Spend time with people you want to be like because you and your friends will surely grow to resemble each other.
When most people need advice, they go to their friends first because friends accept them and usually agree with them. But that is why they may not be able to help them with difficult problems. Our friends are so much like us that they may not have any answers we haven’t already heard. Instead, we should seek out older and wiser people to advise us. Wise people have experienced a lot in life—and have succeeded. They are not afraid to tell the truth. Who are the wise, godly people who can warn you of the pitfalls ahead?
21 Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. Proverbs 13:21 (NASB)
In the first part of the verse Numbers chapter thirty two is fulfilled:
"You have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 (NASB)
“But” is the largest word in the Bible. “But” changes all things. Disaster is coming “but” God has the power to change it.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22 (NASB)
A good man leaves behind a legacy. What are you leaving behind?
23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice. Proverbs 13:23 (NASB)
The poor are often victims of an unjust society. A poor man’s soil may be good, but unjust laws may rob him of his own produce. This proverb does not take poverty lightly or wink at injustice; it simply describes what often occurs. We should do what we can to fight injustice of every sort. Our efforts may seem inadequate; but it is comforting to know that in the end God’s justice will prevail.
24 He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. Proverbs 13:24 (NASB)
This verse is not talking about beating your child in anger – but disciplining your child in love. It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary. The greatest responsibility that God gives parents is the nurture and guidance of their children. Lack of discipline puts parents’ love in question because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children. Disciplining children averts long-range disaster. Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and with little direction to their lives. Don’t be afraid to discipline your children. It is an act of love. Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise; they can only encourage your children to seek God’s wisdom above all else!
25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need. Proverbs 13:25 (NASB)
Contentment is not spoken of much today – especially in a “want more – have more” society. It is a good thing to find satisfaction – in the blessings that already surround you.
