Chapter 13
1 A wise son loves correction,
but the scoffer heeds no rebuke.
2 From the fruit of the mouth one enjoys good things,(A)
but from the throat of the treacherous comes violence.
3 Those who guard their mouths preserve themselves;
those who open wide their lips bring ruin.(B)
4 The appetite of the sluggard craves but has nothing,
but the appetite of the diligent is amply satisfied.
5 The just hate deceitful words,
but the wicked are odious and disgraceful.
6 Justice guards one who walks honestly,
but sin leads the wicked astray.(C)
7 One acts rich but has nothing;
another acts poor but has great wealth.
8 People’s riches serve as ransom for their lives,
but the poor do not even hear a threat.
9 The light of the just gives joy,
but the lamp of the wicked goes out.(D)
10 The stupid sow discord by their insolence,
but wisdom is with those who take counsel.
11 Wealth won quickly dwindles away,
but gathered little by little, it grows.(E)
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a wish fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises the word must pay for it,
but whoever reveres the command will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning one from the snares of death.
15 Good sense brings favor,
but the way of the faithless is their ruin.
16 The shrewd always act prudently
but the foolish parade folly.
17 A wicked messenger brings on disaster,
but a trustworthy envoy is a healing remedy.
18 Poverty and shame befall those who let go of discipline,
but those who hold on to reproof receive honor.
19 Desire fulfilled delights the soul,
but turning from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Walk with the wise and you become wise,
but the companion of fools fares badly.(F)
21 Misfortune pursues sinners,
but the just shall be recompensed with good.
22 The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children,
but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the just.
23 The tillage of the poor yields abundant food,
but possessions are swept away for lack of justice.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates the child,
but whoever loves will apply discipline.(G)
25 When the just eat, their hunger is appeased;
but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
Footnotes
- 13:1
- 13:2
- 13:3
- 13:7
- 13:8
- 13:9
- 13:12
- 13:13
- 13:15
- 13:16
- 13:18
- 13:23
Cross references
- 13:2 : Prv 12:14; 18:20.
- 13:3 : Prv 18:7; 21:23.
- 13:6 : Prv 11:3, 5–6.
- 13:9 : Prv 24:20.
- 13:11 : Prv 28:20, 22.
- 13:20 : Sir 6:34; 8:8, 17.
- 13:24 : Prv 19:18; 22:15; 23:13–14; 29:15; Sir 30:1, 8–13.
