Proverbs 13

The chapter belongs to the collection (10:1–22:16) that opens with the heading "The proverbs of Solomon" in Proverbs 10:1. Continuing the pattern of Proverbs 12, it consists of antithetical proverbs in which the two lines of each verse are set in contrast.

Outline

• Verses 1–6 The wise son who heeds his father's instruction and the scorner who does not hear rebuke; guarding one's mouth; laziness and diligence; righteousness as the protection of the upright
• Verses 7–11 The one who makes himself rich and the one who makes himself poor; wealth and life; the light of the righteous and the lamp of the wicked; the contention that pride produces; wealth gotten by vanity and wealth gathered by labor
• Verses 12–19 Hope deferred and desire fulfilled as a tree of life; the word and the commandment; the law of the wise as a fountain of life; the faithful ambassador; the honor gained by those who regard reproof
• Verses 20–25 Walking with the wise; the recompense of sinners and of the righteous; the inheritance (property) left to one's descendants; the discipline of children; the satisfaction of the righteous and the want of the wicked

Key Verses

• Proverbs 13:12 "When the desire cometh, it is a tree of life" — an example of the tree of life imagery as used in Proverbs.
• Proverbs 13:20 "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise" — a teaching that the company one keeps shapes one's character.
• Proverbs 13:24 "He that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" — frequently cited in discussions of child discipline.

People and Places

No specific people or places appear in the chapter. In keeping with the heading in 10:1, the proverbs of this chapter have traditionally been attributed to Solomon.

Points for Reflection

• In verse 24, the Korean Bible's term for using the rod (chodal) literally means striking the calves with a switch. Some read the verse literally as permitting corporal punishment. Others read it as a principle of consistent discipline that flows from love, holding that its methods should be applied in ways suited to the times. Hebrews 12:6–11 and Ephesians 6:4 relate to this theme.
• Statements such as those in verses 21–22, that the righteous are blessed and the wicked come to ruin, are usually read as proverbs expressing a general principle. They are not regarded as promises without exception, and many interpreters hold that they should be read alongside Job and Ecclesiastes, which address the suffering of the righteous.
• The latter half of verse 22, "the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just," is cited in some circles as a promise that wealth will be transferred to believers. Many commentaries, however, understand it as a proverb expressing the principle of retribution.