King James Version
Proverbs 13
25 verses with commentary
Proverbs on Discipline and Wealth
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses responsiveness to parental instruction: 'A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.' The wise son actively listens (shama—hears with intent to obey) to fatherly instruction (musar). This reflects the fifth commandment to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) and the wisdom tradition's emphasis on parental teaching (Proverbs 1:8, 6:20). The 'scorner...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**XIII.**
(1) **A wise son heareth his father’s instruction.**—Or, *is his father’s instruction, i.e., *the result and embodiment of it.
**A scorner.**—See above on Proverbs 1:22.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 127 Psa 127:1-5. The theme of this Psalm, that human enterprises only succeed by the divine blessing, was probably associated with the building of the temple by Solomon, its author. It may have been adopted in this view, as suited to this series especially, as appropriately expressing the sentiments of God's worshippers in relation to the erection of the second temple.
1-2. suggest the view...
Read full commentary →A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses consequences of speech—both wholesome and violent. "A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth" establishes the principle of verbal harvest. <em>Mipperi pi-ish yokhal tov</em> (מִפְּרִי פִי־אִישׁ יֹאכַל טוֹב, from the fruit of a man's mouth he eats good). Speech produces fruit that one consumes—kind words, truthful testimony, wise counsel return blessing to the speaker.<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth.**—See above on Proverbs 12:14.
**Shall eat violence.—**Comp. Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 26:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 127 Psa 127:1-5. The theme of this Psalm, that human enterprises only succeed by the divine blessing, was probably associated with the building of the temple by Solomon, its author. It may have been adopted in this view, as suited to this series especially, as appropriately expressing the sentiments of God's worshippers in relation to the erection of the second temple.
1-2. suggest the view...
Read full commentary →He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Guarding speech preserves life, while rash talk invites destruction. The mouth's control demonstrates self-discipline reflecting the Spirit's fruit. Unbridled speech reveals ungoverned heart, while measured words show wisdom's restraint.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.—**Comp. above, on Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 12:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Ge 30:2, 18; 1Sa 1:19, 20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. The slothful person wants without working; the diligent worker receives abundance. Desire without effort produces nothing; desire with diligence produces plenty. This verse refutes entitlement mentality, insisting that outcomes require effort. Wishing doesn't create reality; labor does. Diligence is r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Ge 30:2, 18; 1Sa 1:19, 20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.
A righteous man hateth lying : but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts the righteous and wicked through their relationship with truth. "A righteous man hateth lying" declares moral clarity. <em>Tsaddiq yisna devar-sheqer</em> (צַדִּיק יִשְׂנָא דְּבַר־שָׁקֶר, the righteous hates a lying word). <em>Sane</em> (שָׂנֵא, hate) is strong—not mere disapproval but active aversion. The righteous don't just avoid lies; they hate them because lies violate ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **A wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.**—Or it may signify, “disgraceth and putteth to shame” (by his calumnies), or “acts basely and shamefully.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-5. Posterity is often represented as a blessing from God (Ge 30:2, 18; 1Sa 1:19, 20). Children are represented as the defenders (arrows) of their parents in war, and in litigation.
Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. the sinner: Heb. sin
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb presents righteousness and wickedness as protective versus destructive forces. "Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way" shows virtue as guardian. <em>Tsedaqah</em> (צְדָקָה, righteousness) <em>titsor</em> (תִּצֹּר, guards, preserves, keeps) the one who is <em>tom-darekh</em> (תָּם־דָּרֶךְ, blameless of way, upright in path). Righteousness acts as protective barrier, keep...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way.—**See above on Proverbs 11:5.
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
There is that makes himself rich, yet has nothing; there is that makes himself poor, yet has great riches. Appearances deceive - some feign wealth while actually poor; some appear poor while actually rich. The verse warns against trusting outward appearance versus reality. True wealth isn't displayed possessions but genuine resources. Some sacrifice true riches for appearance of wealth; others pos...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing.—**Comp. Luke 12:21, and the advice given in Revelation 3:17.
**There is that maketh himself poor.—**Comp. Luke 12:33.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 128 Psa 128:1-6. The temporal blessings of true piety. The eighth chapter of Zecariah is a virtual commentary on this Psalm. Compare Psa 128:3 with Zec 8:5; and Psa 128:2 with Le 26:16; De 28:33; Zec 8:10; and Psa 128:6
with Zec 8:4.
1. (Compare Psa 1:1).
The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses wealth's relative power to rescue or protect. "The ransom of a man's life are his riches" observes that wealthy people can sometimes buy their way out of danger. <em>Kofer nefesh-ish oshro</em> (כֹּפֶר נֶפֶשׁ־אִישׁ עָשְׁרוֹ, the ransom of a man's life—his riches). <em>Kofer</em> (כֹּפֶר) means ransom price, bribe, atonement. Wealth can pay kidnappers, satisfy extortionists, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The ransom of a man’s life are his riches.**—In times of trouble he may have to give them all to save his life. For the spiritual sense comp. Luke 16:9.
**But the poor heareth not rebuke.**—Or, *threatening. *(Comp. Job 3:18; Job 39:7.) He has no need to regard it; his poverty and insignificance are his protection.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. For thou shalt eat--**that is, It is a blessing to live on the fruits of one's own industry.
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. lamp: or, candle
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb uses light imagery to contrast the destinies of righteous and wicked. "The light of the righteous rejoiceth" depicts flourishing life. <em>Or tsaddiqim yismach</em> (אוֹר צַדִּיקִים יִשְׂמָח, the light of the righteous rejoices). Light symbolizes life, truth, blessing, and God's presence. The righteous person's light doesn't merely shine—it <em>yismach</em> (יִשְׂמָח, rejoices, is gla...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **The light of the righteous rejoiceth—***i.e., *burns joyously, as the sun “rejoiceth as a giant to run his course” (Psalm 19:5). A distinction may be drawn between the “light” of the righteous and “lamp” of the wicked. The one walks in the “light” of God’s truth, and so his path becomes continually more plain (see above on Proverbs 6:23); the other walks by the glimmer of his own “lamp,” the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. by the sides--**or, "within" (Psa 48:2).
**olive plants--**are peculiarly luxuriant (Psa 52:8).
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Pride breeds conflict through its refusal to submit or compromise. The well-advised demonstrate humility in receiving counsel, promoting peace. All strife traces to pride's root—seeking one's own glory rather than God's and others' good. Gospel humility, recognizing our dependence on grace, enables peaceable relationships.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Only by pride cometh contention.—**Rather, *by pride cometh nothing but contention. *A man who is too proud to receive counsel is sure to fall out with others; they are wise who suffer themselves to be advised.
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. by labour: Heb. with the hand
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathers by labor shall increase. Ill-gotten wealth (hebel - vapor, vanity) dissipates quickly; honestly earned wealth grows. The verse distinguishes between legitimate and illegitimate wealth acquisition. Shortcuts to riches (gambling, fraud, get-rich-quick schemes) lead to loss. Patient, honest labor builds lasting wealth. The principle: me...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Wealth gotten by vanity.**—As we should say, “in an unsatisfactory manner,” that is to say, by dishonesty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. In temporal blessings the pious do not forget the richer blessings of God's grace, which they shall ever enjoy.
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This beloved proverb addresses the pain of delayed fulfillment and joy of realization. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick" captures universal human experience. <em>Tokhelet memushakhah machalat-lev</em> (תּוֹחֶלֶת מְמֻשָּׁכָה מַחֲלַת־לֵב, hope drawn out—sickness of heart). <em>Tokhelet</em> (תּוֹחֶלֶת) means hope, expectation, thing longed for. When prolonged (<em>meshakhah</em>, drawn out like ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **A tree of life.—**See above, on Proverbs 11:30.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. Long life crowns all other temporal favors. As Psa 125:5, this Psalm closes with a prayer for peace, with prosperity for God's people.
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. shall be rewarded: or, shall be in peace
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns of consequences for treating God's Word lightly. "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed" pronounces judgment on Scripture-despisers. <em>Baz ledavar yekhavel lo</em> (בָּז לְדָבָר יֵחָבֶל לוֹ, despising the word—pledged/bound to it, destroyed by it). <em>Buz</em> (בּוּז, despise, hold in contempt) toward <em>davar</em> (דָּבָר, word, commandment) results in <em>yechaval</e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Shall be destroyed.—**Literally, *brings ruin on himself. *Or the sense may be, “is (still) bound to it,” even although he may contemptuously neglect it. Comp. the advice (Matthew 5:25), to “agree with our adversary quickly,” that is, satisfy the requirements of the law of God while there is time, lest it appear as our adversary at the day of judgment.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb celebrates wisdom's life-giving power. "The law of the wise is a fountain of life" presents teaching as living water. <em>Torat chakham meqor chayyim</em> (תּוֹרַת חָכָם מְקוֹר חַיִּים, instruction of the wise—fountain of life). <em>Torah</em> (תּוֹרָה) means instruction, teaching, law. From the wise flows <em>meqor</em> (מְקוֹר, fountain, spring, source) of <em>chayyim</em> (חַיִּים,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **The law of the wise.—**Or, rather, *his instruction. *(Comp. Proverbs 10:11.)
**Snares of death.—**Set by the devil (2Timothy 2:26).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 129 Psa 129:1-8. The people of God, often delivered from enemies, are confident of His favor, by their overthrow in the future.
**1-2. may Israel now say--**or, "oh! let Israel say" (Psa 124:1). Israel's youth was the sojourn in Egypt (Jr 2:2; Ho 2:15).
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Good understanding gives favor, but the way of transgressors is hard. Sound judgment (sekhel tov) produces grace/favor; treacherous conduct produces hardship. The verse promises that wisdom eases life's path while wickedness makes it difficult. Transgression's way is 'hard' (etan - enduring, permanent) - wickedness produces lasting difficulty. Wisdom lubricates life; sin creates friction.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Good understanding giveth favour.—**Comp. the union of “wisdom” and “favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
**The way of transgressors is hard.—**Rough and barren as the valley described in Deuteronomy 21:4, in contrast to the green “pastures” and “waters of comfort” of Psalm 23:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 129 Psa 129:1-8. The people of God, often delivered from enemies, are confident of His favor, by their overthrow in the future.
**1-2. may Israel now say--**or, "oh! let Israel say" (Psa 124:1). Israel's youth was the sojourn in Egypt (Jr 2:2; Ho 2:15).
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. layeth: Heb. spreadeth
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts prudent wisdom with foolish naivety. "Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge" describes the wise person's modus operandi. <em>Kol-arum ya'aseh veda'at</em> (כָּל־עָרוּם יַעֲשֶׂה בְדָעַת, every shrewd one acts with knowledge). <em>Arum</em> (עָרוּם) means prudent, shrewd, sensible—someone who thinks before acting. They <em>ya'aseh</em> (יַעֲשֶׂה, act, do, make) according to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. The ploughing is a figure of scourging, which most severe physical infliction aptly represents all kinds.
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. a faithful: Heb. an ambassador of faithfulness
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts unreliable and faithful messengers. "A wicked messenger falleth into mischief" warns of destructive communication. <em>Mal'akh rasha yippol bera'</em> (מַלְאָךְ רָשָׁע יִפֹּל בְּרָע, a wicked messenger falls into evil). <em>Mal'akh</em> (מַלְאָךְ) means messenger, envoy, ambassador. When wicked (<em>rasha</em>, רָשָׁע), they fall into <em>ra</em> (רָע, evil, calamity, harm)—...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Falleth into mischief.**—And brings those also who sent him into trouble; but “a faithful messenger is health” both to himself and his employers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3-4. The ploughing is a figure of scourging, which most severe physical infliction aptly represents all kinds.
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses instruction, but he that regards reproof shall be honored. Rejecting teaching brings both material want and social disgrace. Heeding correction brings honor. This verse links intellectual humility with practical outcomes - teachability leads to flourishing; unteachability leads to ruin. The contrast emphasizes that consequences follow character - prou...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. The ill-rooted roof grass, which withers before it grows up and procures for those gathering it no harvest blessing (Ru 2:4), sets forth the utter uselessness and the rejection of the wicked.
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses the satisfaction of fulfilled desires versus foolish resistance to repentance. "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul" celebrates realized goals. <em>Ta'avah nihyah te'erav lenafesh</em> (תַּאֲוָה נִהְיָה תֶּעֱרַב לְנֶפֶשׁ, desire coming to pass is sweet to the soul). <em>Ta'avah</em> (תַּאֲוָה, desire, longing) when <em>nihyah</em> (נִהְיָה, comes to pass, is realize...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **But it is abomination to fools **. . .—That is, though their clinging to evil prevents the attainment of such objects as are worth desiring. If the verse be interpreted “therefore it is abomination,” &c, the sense will be, “because the satisfaction of desire is pleasant, therefore fools will not give up anything, though evil, on which they have set their minds.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5-6. The ill-rooted roof grass, which withers before it grows up and procures for those gathering it no harvest blessing (Ru 2:4), sets forth the utter uselessness and the rejection of the wicked.
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb warns about the company we keep: 'He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.' The principle is relational influence—we become like those with whom we associate. 'Walketh with' (halak) implies ongoing companionship, regular fellowship, and shared journey. Wisdom is caught as well as taught; walking with wise people forms character through ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Shall be destroyed—***i.e.*, morally ruined.
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb establishes the moral principle of retributive justice. "Evil pursueth sinners" pictures sin's consequences actively chasing wrongdoers. <em>Chatta'im terad'ef ra'ah</em> (חַטָּאִים תְּרַדֵּף רָעָה, sinners—evil pursues). <em>Radaf</em> (רָדַף, pursue, chase, persecute) suggests relentless hunting. Evil doesn't just happen to sinners—it hunts them down like prey.<br><br>"But to the ri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Evil pursueth sinners.—**The “snares, fire, and brimstone,” of Psalm 11:6; while the “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38), awaits the righteous.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the just. Righteous persons build generational wealth blessing grandchildren. Sinners accumulate wealth that ultimately transfers to the righteous. This verse encourages long-term perspective - building legacy extending beyond one's lifetime. It also promises redistribution - wickedly gained wealth ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **A good man.—**As this corresponds to the “just” man in the next line, who is one who “renders to all their due” (see above on Proverbs 10:2), it probably has the meaning here of “liberal,” “unselfish;” such a one gains the promise given in Proverbs 11:25.
Much food is in the tillage of the poor : but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb addresses economic injustice and poor stewardship. "Much food is in the tillage of the poor" observes productive potential. <em>Rav-okhel nir rashim</em> (רָב־אֹכֶל נִיר רָשִׁים, much food in the unplowed ground of the poor). Even poor people's unplowed land (<em>nir</em>, נִיר) could yield abundant food (<em>okhel</em>, אֹכֶל) if properly cultivated. Poverty isn't always due to lazy ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Tillage.**—Properly, *the newly-made field, *on which much labour has been expended. The poor hardworking man, by God’s blessing, gains an abundant living, while many (rich persons) are ruined for their neglect of what is right.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 130 Psa 130:1-8. The penitent sinner's hope is in God's mercy only.
**1-2. depths--**for great distress (Psa 40:2; 69:3).
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.</strong> This proverb presents a stark truth about parental discipline that confronts modern sentimentality. The Hebrew word <em>chosek</em> (חֹשֵׂךְ, "spareth") literally means "withholds" or "restrains," indicating deliberate refusal to discipline. The "rod" (<em>shebeto</em>, שִׁבְטוֹ) represents pare...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Betimes.**—While he may yet be influenced rightly, and before faults are rooted in him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 130 Psa 130:1-8. The penitent sinner's hope is in God's mercy only.
**1-2. depths--**for great distress (Psa 40:2; 69:3).
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This proverb contrasts satisfaction based on righteousness versus wickedness. "The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul" describes contentment. <em>Tsaddiq okhel lesova nafsho</em> (צַדִּיק אֹכֵל לְשֹׂבַע נַפְשׁוֹ, the righteous eats to the satisfaction of his soul). <em>Sova</em> (שֹׂבַע, satisfaction, fullness, sufficiency) describes being genuinely satisfied. The righteous, though the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul—***i.e.*, has enough for his wants. (See above on Proverbs 10:3.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bible Hub
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. shouldest mark--**or, "take strict account" (Job 10:14; 14:16), implying a confession of the existence of sin.
**who shall stand--**(Psa 1:6). Standing is opposed to the guilty sinking down in fear and self-condemnation (Mal 3:2; Re 6:15, 16). The question implies a negative, which is thus more strongly stated.