Proverbs 13 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
13:1
1. (Compare Pr 6:1-5; 10:1, 17).
13:2
2. shall eat--that is, obtain (Pr 12:14). transgressors--as in Pr 2:22. violence--or, "mischief" to themselves.
13:3
3. He ... mouth ... life--because evil speeches may provoke violence from others. he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction--On last clause, compare Pr 10:14.
13:4
4. (Compare Pr 12:11, 27).
13:5
5. loathsome ... shame--better, causeth shame and reproach (compare Pr 19:26), by slander, c., which the righteous hates.
13:6
6. A sentiment of frequent recurrence, that piety benefits and sin injures.
13:7
7. In opposite ways men act hypocritically for gain of honor or wealth.
13:8
8. Riches save some from punishment, while others suffer because they will not heed the rebuke of sloth, which makes and keeps them poor.
13:9
9. light ... lamp--prosperity; the first, the greater, and it rejoiceth--burns brightly, or continues, while the other, at best small, soon fails.
13:10
10. The obstinacy which attends self-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thus evincing modesty, avoid.
13:11
11. by vanity--or, "nothingness," that is, which is vain or useless to the public (as card playing or similar vices). gathereth ... labour--(Compare Margin), little by little, laboriously.
13:12
12. desire cometh--is realized. a tree of life--or, "cause of happiness."
13:13
13. the word--that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Pr 10:27; 11:31).
13:14
14. (Compare Pr 10:11). fountain--or, "source of life." to depart--(compare Pr 1:2-4), or, "for departing," c., and so gives life.
13:15
15. Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning. hard--or, "harsh" (compare Hebrew: De 21:4; Jr 5:15).
13:16
16. dealeth--acts with foresight. a fool ... folly--for want of caution.
13:17
17. A wicked--or, "unfaithful" messenger falleth into mischief--or, "by mischief," or "evil," and so his errand fails. Contrasted is the character of the faithful, whose faithfulness benefits others.
13:18
18. (Compare Pr 10:17; 12:1).
13:19
19. Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.
13:20
20. The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.
13:21
21. (Compare Pr 11:31). good ... repaid--or, "He (God) will repay good."
13:22
22. wealth ... just--While good men's estates remain in their families, God so orders that the gains of sinners enure to the just (compare Pr 28:8; Psa 37:18, 22, 26, c.).
13:23
23. The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.
13:24
24. spareth--or, "withholds." rod--of correction. hateth--or, acts as if he hated him (compare Pr 3:12; 8:36). chasteneth ... betimes--or, "diligently seeks for him all useful discipline."
13:25
25. The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.