Proverbs Chapter 13

A wise child listens when their father teaches. But a scoffer tunes out even the most loving correction.

When you speak with kindness and wisdom, you nourish your own soul. But those who live by transgression consume violence instead of good.

Guarding your words is actually guarding your life. Opening your mouth without thought opens the door to disaster.

The lazy person desires everything but achieves nothing. The diligent, however, find their desires abundantly satisfied.

A righteous person has no stomach for lies—they find them repulsive. The wicked, comfortable with falsehood, eventually stumble into shame.

Righteousness acts as a guardian for those who walk in it. Wickedness, however, becomes the very thing that overthrows the sinner.

Some people pretend to be rich but have nothing at all. Others appear poor yet possess true, lasting wealth. Reality and appearance are rarely the same.

Wealth can sometimes serve as a ransom to protect your life. The poor, having nothing to offer, at least avoid certain kinds of trouble.

The light of a righteous person shines brightly and joyfully. But the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out, leaving only darkness.

Most conflict is born from pride—someone insisting on being right. Wisdom is found among those who are willing to listen and be advised.

Money that comes quickly and easily tends to disappear just as fast. Wealth built through patient labor grows steadily and lasts.

Waiting endlessly for something you hope for wears down your heart until it feels sick. But when that desire finally comes true, it breathes fresh life into your soul.

Treating God's word with contempt leads to destruction. But those who honor His commands will discover a reward beyond what they imagined.

The teaching of a wise person is like a spring of water that sustains life. It guides you away from the hidden traps that lead to death.

Good understanding wins you favor and opens doors. But the path of those who rebel against what is right is rough, painful, and lonely.

A prudent person acts with knowledge and intention. A fool, on the other hand, proudly broadcasts their own ignorance.

An unreliable messenger causes trouble wherever they go. But a trustworthy messenger brings healing and relief.

Rejecting instruction leads straight to poverty and shame. But the person who accepts correction with humility will eventually be honored.

There's a deep sweetness when a long-held desire is finally fulfilled. Yet fools find it repugnant to even consider turning away from evil.

Walk with wise people and you'll become wiser yourself. Keep company with fools and their downfall will become yours too.

Trouble chases after sinners like a relentless pursuer. But goodness finds the righteous and rewards them faithfully.

A good person leaves something meaningful for generations yet unborn. And ironically, the wealth of sinners eventually ends up serving what is right.

Even the poor can produce abundance through careful cultivation. But without good judgment, even great resources are wasted.

Withholding discipline from a child isn't love—it's neglect. True love corrects early and consistently, because you care about who they're becoming.

The righteous eat with deep satisfaction, body and soul. But the wicked, no matter how much they consume, always feel empty inside.