Proverbs 13

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Introduction

(Pro. 13:1-25) (Compare Pro 6:1-5; Pro 10:1, Pro 10:17).

Verse 2

shall eat--that is, obtain (Pro 12:14). transgressors--as in Pro 2:22. violence--or, "mischief" to themselves.

Verse 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 Pro 10:14.

Verse 4

(Compare Pro 12:11, Pro 12:27).

Verse 5

loathsome . . . shame--better, causeth shame and reproach (compare Pro 19:26), by slander, &c., which the righteous hates.

Verse 6

A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.

Verse 7

In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.

Verse 8

Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.

Verse 9

light . . . lamp--prosperity; the first, the greater, and it rejoiceth--burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.

Verse 10

The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.

Verse 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.

Verse 12

desire cometh--is realized. a tree of life--or, "cause of happiness."

Verse 13

the word--that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Pro 10:27; Pro 11:31).

Verse 14

(Compare Pro 10:11). fountain--or, "source of life." to depart--(compare Pro 1:2-4), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.

Verse 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: Deu 21:4; Jer 5:15).

Verse 16

dealeth--acts with foresight. a fool . . . folly--for want of caution.

Verse 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.

Verse 18

(Compare Pro 10:17; Pro 12:1).

Verse 19

Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.

Verse 20

The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.

Verse 21

(Compare Pro 11:31). good . . . repaid--or, "He (God) will repay good."

Verse 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 Pro 28:8; Psa 37:18, Psa 37:22, Psa 37:26, &c.).

Verse 23

The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.

Verse 24

spareth--or, "withholds." rod--of correction. hateth--or, acts as if he hated him (compare Pro 3:12; Pro 8:36). chasteneth . . . betimes--or, "diligently seeks for him all useful discipline."

Verse 25

The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted. Next: Proverbs Chapter 14