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Proverbs chapter 13

English Standard Version

1A wise son hears his father 's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. 3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. 5The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace. 6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked. 7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. 8The ransom of a man 's life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat. 9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 10 By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. 11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. 12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 13Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. 14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. 15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin. 16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. 17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. 18Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. 19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. 20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 21 Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children 's children, but the sinner 's wealth is laid up for the righteous. 23The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice. 24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. 25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
New International Version

1A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
2From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
3Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
4A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
6Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
15Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.
16All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.
17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
20Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
21Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
22A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.
24Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. 25The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
New American Standard Bible

1A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2From the fruit of a person’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. 3One who guards his mouth protects his life; One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. 4The soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made prosperous. 5A righteous person hates a false statement, But a wicked person acts disgustingly and shamefully. 6Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness brings the sinner to ruin. 7There is one who pretends to be rich but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. 8The ransom of a person’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. 9The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked goes out. 10Through overconfidence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. 11Wealth obtained from nothing dwindles, But one who gathers by labor increases it. 12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. 13One who despises the word will do badly, But one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. 14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. 15Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is their own disaster. 16Every prudent person acts with knowledge, But a fool displays foolishness. 17A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful messenger brings healing. 18Poverty and shame will come to one who neglects discipline, But one who complies with rebuke will be honored. 19Desire realized is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil. 20One who walks with wise people will be wise, But a companion of fools will suffer harm. 21Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. 22A good person leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, And the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous. 23Abundant food is in the uncultivated ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice. 24He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. 25The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need.
Christian Standard Bible

1A wise son responds to his father’s discipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.
2From the fruit of his mouth, a person will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
4The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.
5The righteous hate lying, but the wicked bring disgust and shame.
6Righteousness guards people of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.
7One person pretends to be rich but has nothing; another pretends to be poor but has abundant wealth.
8Riches are a ransom for a person’s life, but a poor person hears no threat.
9The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is put out.
10Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.
11Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labor will multiply it.
12Hope delayed makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13The one who has contempt for instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
14A wise person’s instruction is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.
15Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes.
16Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity.
17A wicked envoy falls into trouble, but a trustworthy courier brings healing.
18Poverty and disgrace come to those who ignore discipline, but the one who accepts correction will be honored.
19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but to turn from evil is detestable to fools.
20The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
21Disaster pursues sinners, but good rewards the righteous.
22A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23The uncultivated field of the poor yields abundant food, but without justice, it is swept away.
24The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently. 25A righteous person eats until he is satisfied, but the stomach of the wicked is empty.
New Living Translation

1A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction.
2Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.
3Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.
4Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.
5The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace.
6Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.
7Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor.
8The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.
9The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
10Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.
11Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time.
12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.
13People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.
14The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.
15A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.
16Wise people think before they act; fools don’t — and even brag about their foolishness.
17An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.
18If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.
19It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
20Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
21Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous.
22Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.
23A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away.
24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
25The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
King James Version

1A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
5A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
8The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
New King James Version

1A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 2 A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence. 3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. 4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. 5A righteous man hates lying, But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. 6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, But wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. 8The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke. 9The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 10By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. 11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. 12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. 13He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. 15Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard. 16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly. 17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health. 18Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. 19A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. 21 Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid. 22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. 23 Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, And for lack of justice there is waste. 24 He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. 25 The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, But the stomach of the wicked shall be in want.

What does Proverbs chapter 13 mean?

The prior chapter contained several lessons on lifestyle and speech. The early part of chapter 13 echoes statements from the middle part of chapter 12, with an emphasis on speech. Advice is given to take control of one's words, for the sake of self and for the sake of others (Proverbs 13:1–3).

Solomon also explains proper attitudes towards honesty and godliness, especially as those connect with worldly success. These lessons echo other comments from the book of Proverbs on the natural consequences of sin. Much is made of the risks sin brings. Likewise, hard work presents growth while laziness leads to disaster (Proverbs 13:4–11).

The last segment of this chapter includes references to companionship, taking advice, justice, and additional references to the consequences of sin. Solomon notes the difficult experience of unrealized hopes. Good sense, coming from godly wisdom, tends to lead to a good reputation and better success. Parallel to that, befriending godly people is much better than the risks of associating with those who reject God. Discipline, both from God, and towards one's own children, is a good thing when done properly. In all these things, contentment is a sign of godliness (Proverbs 13:12–25).
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