Proverbs
Chapter 13
An intelligent child listens to his father’s advice, but a mocker ignores correction.
A man can taste goodness from the fruit of his own mouth, but the treacherous feed on violence.
He who guards his mouth preserves his life; the constant talker loses.
The lazy man hopes, but his desires are in vain, while hard workers see their desires fulfilled.
The righteous person dislikes lying words, but the evildoer slanders and defames.
Virtue guards those who live honestly; sin, on the other hand, leads to destruction for the wicked.
One pretends to be wealthy but owns nothing, while another, who is truly rich, pretends to be poor.
A man’s wealth allows him to ransom his life, but the poor man has nothing to do so with.
The virtuous shine brightly, while the lamp of the godless is out.
Arrogance leads to trouble; wisdom comes from those who accept advice.
Sudden riches will dwindle, but those who accumulate gradually will grow wealthier.
Delayed hope causes the heart to languish, but a desire fulfilled is like a tree of life.
Those who scorn teaching will face want; those who respect the commandment will be rewarded.
The wise man’s teachings serve as a life-giving fountain that helps us escape the traps of death.
Prudent intelligence earns favor, while the way of liars leads nowhere.
Every wise man acts thoughtfully, while the fool flaunts his ignorance.
A wicked messenger encounters misfortune, while the trustworthy one brings healing.
Poverty and shame fall on those who reject correction; honor belongs to those who accept rebuke.
A fulfilled desire is sweet to the soul; but fools reject the rejection of evil.
Walk with the wise and you will gain wisdom; those who befriend fools become wicked.
Misfortune pursues the sinner, while the righteous are surrounded by good luck.
A good man’s inheritance is for his grandchildren; a sinner’s wealth will be kept for the virtuous.
The cultivation of the poor provides food, while others suffer due to their lack of righteousness.
Unloved is the child whom the father hates to punish, while the loving father often corrects.
The upright man eats his fill, while the wicked’s stomach remains hungry.
Commentaries
Second Collection – Proverbs of Solomon.
The core and oldest part of the book begins with the title “Proverbs of Solomon.” In reality, scholars place this section shortly after the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC). Babylon had already entered Jewish territory, and violence increased daily. During this crisis, a group of wise men compiled a series of sayings and proverbs, some moral and others legislative, aiming to encourage the community and teach that the righteous—those who believe in the Lord and truly love him—will not suffer violence or death. Throughout this section, wisdom calls for conversion and justice, as well as the experience of poverty.
Second Collection.
Once again, the wise man is compared to a father who wants to raise his son in the best way possible. It was very common for teachers of wisdom to call their disciples “children.” The key to understanding this passage lies in verse 2, which follows from the simple observation that a person lives by what they are. If there is a constant concern in each person to act reasonably, correctly, and justly, that is what they consume. Here, “to eat” has the symbolic meaning of the food necessary for survival. However, those who act in opposition will be filled with evil, and not only they, but their actions will also spread to the group and community; these are the violent ones, those who always seek evil and harm others.
Second Collection.
Another simple observation about life that serves as a valuable lesson for living well is the concept of fortune. It is very common for someone to become rich by chance, but usually that wealth disappears as quickly as it appeared. The wise person values fortune gained gradually through daily effort. The teacher of wisdom applies this daily effort to the realm of spiritual wealth; wisdom is the most incredible treasure, it is the tree of life, the source of life. Conversely, those who reject it will only face misery and shame (18a).
Second Collection.
When someone achieves what they desire—a little more love, justice, healthy relationships, peace—life becomes sweeter and more enjoyable; that should be everyone’s ideal. According to the text, that ideal is reached through growing relationships among those who seek and nurture the good. The education and correction of children and disciples should focus on this goal. Notice how a close relationship is formed between early correction and love. Only those who genuinely love can see beyond the present moment and prepare those they love, especially their children and disciples, for a dignified and happy life.