1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 13
Commentary on Proverbs 13 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 13
Pr 13:1-25.
1. (Compare Pr 6:1-5; 10:1, 17).
2. shall eat—that is, obtain (Pr 12:14).
transgressors—as in Pr 2:22.
violence—or, "mischief" to themselves.
3. He … mouth … life—because evil speeches may provoke violence from others.
he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction—On last clause, compare Pr 10:14.
4. (Compare Pr 12:11, 27).
5. loathsome … shame—better, causeth shame and reproach (compare Pr 19:26), by slander, &c., which the righteous hates.
6. A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.
7. In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.
8. Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.
9. light … lamp—prosperity; the first, the greater, and it
rejoiceth—burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.
10. The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.
11. by vanity—or, "nothingness," that is, which is vain or useless to the public (as card playing or similar vices).
gathereth … labour—(Compare Margin), little by little, laboriously.
12. desire cometh—is realized.
a tree of life—or, "cause of happiness."
13. the word—that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Pr 10:27; 11:31).
14. (Compare Pr 10:11).
fountain—or, "source of life."
to depart—(compare Pr 1:2-4), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.
15. Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning.
hard—or, "harsh" (compare Hebrew: De 21:4; Jer 5:15).
16. dealeth—acts with foresight.
a fool … folly—for want of caution.
17. A wicked—or, "unfaithful"
messenger falleth into mischief—or, "by mischief," or "evil," and so his errand fails. Contrasted is the character of the faithful, whose faithfulness benefits others.
18. (Compare Pr 10:17; 12:1).
19. Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.
20. The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.
21. (Compare Pr 11:31).
good … repaid—or, "He (God) will repay good."
22. wealth … just—While good men's estates remain in their families, God so orders that the gains of sinners enure to the just (compare Pr 28:8; Ps 37:18, 22, 26, &c.).
23. The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.
24. spareth—or, "withholds."
rod—of correction.
hateth—or, acts as if he hated him (compare Pr 3:12; 8:36).
chasteneth … betimes—or, "diligently seeks for him all useful discipline."
25. The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.