Read Proverbs 13 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Proverbs 13 teaches that wisdom is shown by whether a person receives instruction, guards his mouth, walks diligently, and fears the Lord rather than chasing empty appearances. The chapter contrasts the righteous and the wicked in practical life, showing that pride, laziness, falsehood, and the love of quick gain lead to loss, while discipline, truthful speech, patience, and faithful labor lead toward life and stability. It also emphasizes that companionship matters: those who walk with the wise grow wise, but those who join themselves to fools suffer harm. Again and again, the chapter warns that desire without obedience is empty, and that real blessing is tied to walking in the way God approves. Altogether, Proverbs 13 calls the reader to accept correction, restrain the tongue, reject vanity, and pursue wisdom with perseverance.
Proverbs 13:1 - 13:25
1 A wise son [heareth] his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
5 A righteous [man] hateth lying: but a wicked [man] is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6 Righteousness keepeth [him that is] upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet [hath] nothing: [there is] that maketh himself poor, yet [hath] great riches.
8 The ransom of a man’s life [are] his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
11 Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.
13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.
16 Every prudent [man] dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open [his] folly.
17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.
18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22 A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.
23 Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.