The Linked Word Project

Introduction to chapter 13

(Pro. 13:1-25)

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

Proverbs 13:2

shall eat — that is, obtain (Pro 12:14).

transgressors — as in Pro 2:22.

violence — or, "mischief" to themselves.

Proverbs 13:3

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.

Proverbs 13:4

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

Proverbs 13:5

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

Proverbs 13:6

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

Proverbs 13:7

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

Proverbs 13:8

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

Proverbs 13:9

light . . . lamp — prosperity; the first, the greater, and it

rejoiceth — burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.

Proverbs 13:10

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

Proverbs 13:11

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.

Proverbs 13:12

desire cometh — is realized.

a tree of life — or, "cause of happiness."

Proverbs 13:13

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

Proverbs 13:14

(Compare Pro 10:11).

fountain — or, "source of life."

to depart — (compare Pro 1:2-4), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.

Proverbs 13:15

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).

Proverbs 13:16

dealeth — acts with foresight.

a fool . . . folly — for want of caution.

Proverbs 13:17

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.

Proverbs 13:18

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

Proverbs 13:19

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

Proverbs 13:20

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

Proverbs 13:21

(Compare Pro 11:31).

good . . . repaid — or, "He (God) will repay good."

Proverbs 13:22

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.).

Proverbs 13:23

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

Proverbs 13:24

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."

Proverbs 13:25

The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.