What does Proverbs 13:20 mean?
ESV: Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
NIV: Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
NASB: One who walks with wise people will be wise, But a companion of fools will suffer harm.
CSB: The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.
NLT: Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
KJV: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
NKJV: He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
Verse Commentary:
This is an often-cited biblical proverb, for good reason. It is extremely important to choose one's friends wisely. The people we choose to associate with will influence our decisions and our outlook on life. Their choices can affect our lives. Many sad stories involve those who were "caught in" or "caught in the middle of" violence and crime committed by their so-called friends.
Caution with friendship is especially critical when considering how the book of Proverbs defines terms like "wisdom" and "foolishness." A "wise" person seeks God and godly knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 8:33–36). A "fool" is the one who rejects God and pursues his own path (Proverbs 9:7–12; 12:15). Choosing to associate with wise people causes a person to become wise. However, whoever chooses the companionship of fools harms himself. That harm can certainly be earthly (Proverbs 10:27), but it also can be eternal (Proverbs 11:7).
In Psalm 119:63 David testifies that he made a good choice. He writes: "I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts." Peer pressure is strong, and its influence can be either good or bad. Godly friends exert a positive pressure on one another to be godly, but ungodly friends exert a negative pressure on one another to do wrong. Exodus 23:2 commands: "You shall not fall in with the many to do evil." The Jewish council that arraigned Peter and John knew they were common, uneducated men, but Peter and John's testimony astonished the council. The council recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Being in the company of Jesus had given the apostles amazing wisdom and courage.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 13:12–25 emphasizes the value of wisdom as true wealth. Solomon writes that whoever reveres God's Word will be rewarded, and he describes how wisdom obtained from the Word applies to several areas of life.
Chapter Summary:
This chapter of Proverbs continues Solomon's wise sayings. He counsels his readers to be sensible and hardworking, as well as honest. This allows a person to be content with what they have, to enjoy life, and to bless their descendants. Laziness leads to trouble and ruin, as does a lack of discipline.
Chapter Context:
Starting in chapter 10, the book of Proverbs records a long series of wise sayings from Solomon. These continue for several chapters. Through chapter 15, a major focus is on issues such as godly living, mostly given in contrast with examples of ungodliness. This chapter emphasizes themes such as work ethic, honesty, and discipline.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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