13:1 A wise child hears the discipline of a father See note on 1:8, 1:8–9:18.

a scoffer does not listen to a rebuke See 1:22; 12:1 and note.

13:3 He who keeps his mouth guards his life Restraint in speech is a recurring theme in Proverbs. See note on 10:19.

13:4 The soul of the lazy This phrase describes someone who refuses to work (20:4). The sluggard looks for excuses to stay in bed and ends up in poverty (26:13–14; 10:4). See note on 6:9.

The Fool in Proverbs

13:8 The ransom of the life of a man is his wealth The rich may be able to buy their way out of trouble, using their wealth to protect themselves. But the impoverished have far fewer concerns because they have nothing worth protecting.

13:9 The light of A metaphor for life and the quality of life (compare Job 18:5–6). The lamp carries the same connotation. The righteous rejoice, while the wicked die prematurely (compare Job 18:18; Eccl 6:4).

13:12 Hope that is deferred Hope can be negative or positive depending on who is doing the hoping (Prov 10:28; 11:7). Here, it speaks to the discouragement people feel when their hopes are frustrated.

a desire fulfilled Like hopes, desires can be negative or positive. The desire of the sluggard ends in the sluggard’s death (21:25), while the desire of the righteous results in good (11:23). The fulfilling of desire is a refreshing encouragement (v. 19).

is a tree of life A symbol of renewal and life. See note on 3:18.

13:13 a commandment The Hebrew word used here, mitswah, can refer to the law (Exod 24:12), but in Proverbs it typically refers to wisdom teaching in general (Prov 2:1; 3:1; 4:4; 6:20). The commandments serve as protection from sin (6:23–24). Benefits for keeping the commandments can include a long and peaceful life (see 3:2 and note).

13:14 The teaching of In Wisdom literature, the Hebrew word used here, torah, refers simply to instruction or teaching, not the Law (i.e., the Pentateuch) or legal stipulations.

is a fountain of life A source of life for the wise and those who learn from them.

13:16 who is clever will act with intelligence The prudent person is clever and acts intelligently (see note on 1:4; compare 12:23; 22:3; 27:12).

13:18 he who guards reproof will be honored Acceptance of discipline or reproof is a trait of the wise person. See note on 12:1.

Wisdom and Related Terms

13:19 is turning from evil Implies a rejection of wickedness and a pursuit of good (Psa 34:14). The fool enjoys evil (Prov 10:23).

The Fool in Proverbs

13:20 and be wise Like the righteous, the wise bless those around them (see 12:26 and note). In contrast, those who associate with fools experience harm.

13:21 Misfortune will pursue sinners In 11:27, evil comes to the person who searches for it. Here, the sinner does not search for evil, but evil or disaster pursues the sinner. Disaster can refer to the practical results of sin or folly (12:13; 18:6) or to the ultimate punishment (11:21).

13:23 it is swept away by injustice Suggests that at least in some cases, poverty results from injustice. Poverty can also result from laziness (6:9–11).

13:24 He who withholds his rod hates his child Proverbs emphasizes the importance of discipline, viewing it as a matter of life or death (19:18; 23:13–14). Since children are characterized by folly in Proverbs (22:15), proper training and discipline ensure they will remain on the right path throughout their lives (22:6).

Topics in Proverbs Table

discipline The Hebrew word used here, musar, emphasizes teaching or instructing (Prov 1:2 and note; 1:8; 4:1; 19:20).