Proverbs Monthly
Chapter 13
The Light of the Righteous Shines Brightly[a]
1 A wise son listens to his father’s correction,
but a mocker will not accept any rebuke.[b]
2 A good man derives nourishment from the fruit of his words,
but one who is treacherous craves violence.
3 He who guards his mouth makes his life secure,
but one who talks excessively ensures his own downfall.[c]
4 The idler[d] craves for food and remains unsatisfied,
but the appetite of the diligent is fully sated.
5 The righteous man hates words that are deceitful,
but the evildoer slanders and defames.
6 Righteousness stands guard over one who is honest,
but sin brings about the ruin of the wicked.
7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor,[e] yet has great wealth.
8 A wealthy man pays a ransom to save his life;[f]
a poor man never has to worry about such threats.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp[g] of the wicked is extinguished.
10 An ignorant man causes strife by his insolence,
but wisdom is found with those who take advice.
11 Wealth hastily acquired will dwindle away,
but when amassed little by little, it will increase.
12 Hope deferred sickens the heart,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 One who refuses to accept advice is headed for destruction,
but he who respects a command will be rewarded.[h]
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life
enabling one to avoid the snares of death.[i]
15 Good sense wins favor,
but the way of the faithless leads to their destruction.
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge,
but a fool proudly parades his folly.
17 An unreliable messenger engenders trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace befall one who ignores discipline,
but one who takes correction is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
while fools regard turning from evil as an abomination.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but he who mingles with fools will suffer harm.[j]
21 Misfortune afflicts the sinful,
but good fortune is the reward of the upright.
22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
23 The fields of the poor may yield much food,
but it is stolen from them through injustice.
24 He who spares the rod[k] hates his son,
but one who loves his son will take care to discipline him.
25 The righteous man has enough food to appease his hunger,
but the belly of the wicked man is empty.
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