Read Proverbs 13
13 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked make themselves a stench
and bring shame on themselves.
6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,
but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.
15 Good judgment wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.
16 All who are prudent act with knowledge,
but fools expose their folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Trouble pursues the sinner,
but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
but injustice sweeps it away.
24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Go Deeper
It’s been said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. The people we spend time with have an immense impact on who we are. How we speak, what we do for “fun,” the attitudes we adopt. Dr. David McClelland of Harvard says “[the people you habitually associate with] determine as much as 95 percent of your success or failure in life.” This chapter tells us that if we walk with the wise we will become wise, but if we walk with fools we will suffer harm (v. 20). Reading through this passage, it’s important that we pause and ask ourselves “Who are we walking with?”
There is a lot in this life we cannot control. Disease. Death. Weather. However, we can control the people we spend time with, who largely shape who we are. It is exceedingly important to take over this part of our life. Are we becoming more like Christ for being around them? Are we growing in wisdom? Are we loving more and increasing our patience? The Apostle Paul explains the same concept in 1 Corinthians 15:33 saying, “Do not be misled; ‘bad company corrupts good character.’’ Don’t miss how important it is to choose wisely the people we allow into our lives. It is formative.
Another thread throughout this passage is that the good life isn’t found by boasting in what the world deems “success”. Society makes us believe having it all is equivalent to having money, status, and fame. The car, the house, the diamonds, the luxury vacations, a verified checkmark on social media, or successful kids with the right reputation. Yet, scripture paints a different picture. Scripture says when we have Jesus in the right place in our hearts, that is when we have it all. John 14:6 says “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
Sure, we can use money to pretend we have a rich life. But money without Jesus leaves us poor, miserable, and with nothing. The point is not to refrain from material riches. We need money to live and to give. Money can certainly be used for good. But we need Jesus more–His grace, His love, His compassion, His patience, His mercy, and His hope.
He provides and He is faithful. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”. Don’t miss out on the richness of a life with Jesus all while striving for what the world will try to tell you is success. Only God can provide the enriched life we all desire.
Questions
- What are some Christ-like qualities you look for in friends or admire in the friends you have?
- Do you feel wiser for being around the people you spend time with?
- In what ways are you experiencing the true richness of life?
Keep Digging
What was the Apostle Paul referring to when he initially said that bad company could corrupt good character? Check out this helpful article from GotQuestions.org to learn more!
4 responses to “Proverbs 13”
I love that quote about the five people with whom we spend the most time.
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
As a Finance professor, I have the privilege of speaking into my students lives about their personal finances. My “go to” advice . . . “act your wage”!
Amen!
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (v 10).
Solomon addresses pride, something I daily struggle with. The anecdote is humbly acknowledging my need for God 24/7 and taking him at his word.
Guard our lips is a biggy. A wise person controls what he says, and a mature person thinks about what he is going to say, the best way to say it; the right time to say it.
I found this quote ” God has give us two eyes that we may see much. He has give us two ears, that we may hear much. But He has give us one tongue, and fences that in with teeth, that we should speak little.”
Being wise
13:13 The one who despises the word will pay for it, but the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
I believe as I completely know how to see the Word of God as my life rule book. I did not do that well in my younger years, BUT GOD showed me, guided me, with good teachers, and people that truly love God what this should look like. I am so thankful God never gave up on me.
This is what I desire and hope for as I grow closer to God in my second half of life; “Wise people listen to wise instruction, especially the Word of God. The individual who fears the commandments, that respects the Word of God, and is afraid to violate it, who stands in awe of God, who has deference to His authority, who is afraid of displeasing God and incurring the penalties found in that Word, will not only escape destruction, but shall be rewarded for his godly fear with peace and safety. In keeping the commandment there is great reward.”
Oh how I loved my Daddy, he was my best friend for the 10 years I had him. BUT GOD is now that best friend of a heavenly Father that I so want to please and make Him proud.
God thank You for these minutes of this day, You have given me. Thank You that I can honor You in all I say and do. Thank You for the love You have given me, for the ability to (mostly) see others through Your love goggles. God thank You for ability to help others monetarily when there is need. God I pray, seek and ask for more understanding of Your Word and being able to rightly divide it to Your glory. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path to guide me in this world that I live in. I desire to respect Your Word and stand in awe of You so that You will be able to be pleased, and say well done, good and faithful servant. God life is so amazing with You and I am so grateful for learning and growing. Thank You for today, these minutes and I give You all glory and honor in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!