Proverbs 13

Wisdom Receives Discipline

1A wise child receives a father’s discipline,
but a scoffer does not listen
to rebuke. 2From the fruit of the mouth
a person eats what is good,
but the appetite of the treacherous
is for violence. 3Whoever guards their mouth
guards their life,
but whoever opens their lips wide
comes to ruin. 4The appetite of the lazy person desires
and has nothing,
but the appetite of the diligent
is richly satisfied.

5The righteous hate falsehood,
but the wicked bring shame
and disgrace. 6Righteousness guards
the one whose way has integrity,
but wickedness overturns
the sinner. 7One pretends to be rich
yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor
yet has great wealth. 8The ransom of a person’s life
may be their wealth,
but the poor hear no threat.

The Light of the Righteous

9The light of the righteous rejoices,
but the lamp of the wicked
will be extinguished. 10Pride produces only conflict,
but wisdom is with those
who receive counsel. 11Wealth gained too quickly diminishes,
but whoever gathers little by little
makes it increase. 12Hope deferred
makes the heart sick,
but desire fulfilled
is a tree of life.

13Whoever despises a word
brings destruction upon themselves,
but whoever fears the commandment
will be rewarded. 14The instruction of the wise
is a fountain of life,
turning a person away
from the snares of death. 15Good insight brings favor,
but the way of the treacherous
is hard. 16Everyone prudent acts with knowledge,
but a fool displays folly.

Faithful Messengers and Wise Companions

17A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy
brings healing. 18Poverty and disgrace come
to the one who ignores discipline,
but whoever heeds correction
will be honored. 19Desire fulfilled
is sweet to the soul,
but turning from evil
is an abomination to fools. 20Whoever walks with the wise
becomes wise,
but a companion of fools
will suffer harm.

A Good Inheritance

21Trouble pursues sinners,
but good repays the righteous. 22A good person leaves an inheritance
to children’s children,
but the wealth of the sinner
is stored up for the righteous. 23The field of the poor
may produce abundant food,
but it can be swept away
through injustice. 24Whoever withholds the rod
hates their child,
but whoever loves their child
is diligent in discipline. 25The righteous eat
until their appetite is satisfied,
but the belly of the wicked
goes hungry.