Proverbs 13:1-25
V1: "A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction."
Wisdom is what prompts us to obey the instructions of those in authority. Foolishness and mockery tell us we know it all and encourage us not to listen. Disobedience does not equate to wisdom in any way. God has placed people in our lives we are to obey, like our parents, and wisdom tells us to submit to our own selfish and prideful thoughts and simply obey.
V2: "Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence."
A good and filling meal satisfies a hungry appetite. Wisdom fills up the desires of our souls, and it is good for us. When we long for (or crave) after the righteous things of God, we will be filled. Those who crave sinful pleasures will be filled with sinful things. Be careful what you choose to fill up your hunger, because, at the end of the day, what you put in is what you will get out.
V3: "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."
Because of how much power our words hold, it is important to filter what we say in certain situations. Sometimes, control, and even not saying anything, is the best and wisest thing to do. Those who constantly speak their mind and never listen are on their way to destruction. Being intentional with what we say, how we say it, and who we say it to is wisdom and even brings the benefit of long life.
V4: "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper."
There's this simple principle in life that revolves around this: what you put in is what you'll get out. Those who put in little to no effort and are lazy with their tasks will reap little to nothing. The people who are diligent and work hard will prosper in life.
V5: "The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace."
Being referred to as "Godly" implies that we are Children of God. This means that we live our lives in a way that honors Him and shows off who He is to the lost world that surrounds us. Because God hates lies, we. "the Godly," hate dishonesty and lies too. Those who choose to live a life of wickedness bring nothing beneficial to our world. In fact, the Bible tells us very clearly that all the wicked bring are shame and disgrace, making it even more important when it comes to deciding who to serve.
V6: "Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin."
The path that we are on is of the Lord. It is a pure, righteous, and blameless path. The path that evil people follow is influenced greatly by sin and the things of the enemy. Even though that path may seem more enticing and pleasing to us, at the end of the day, it leads to destruction.
V9: "The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out."
One of the great benefits we have of following Jesus is the promise of a life filled with light and joy! Following Jesus is such a treat, and even though it comes with its hardships (as does anything worth pursuing), everything will pay off in the end. The path of the wicked is filled with darkness, as their influence has snuffed out any light that Jesus brings.
V10: "Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise."
When people develop the mindset that they are somewhat "better than others," is when pride arises. Pride leads to conflict among others, and that is not of the Lord. This is why it is so important to have a heart posture of humility and servanthood. A heart rooted in those things is one that truly loves as Jesus does.
V13: "People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed."
Good and Godly advice has been given to us to help us succeed in life, and ultimately, our faith walk. The people who are against and despise this kind of advice have trouble waiting to come their way, but those who respect commands will succeed.
V14: "The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death."
Godly wisdom is life-giving to all who are willing to receive it. Those who reject and oppose it are choosing death. The ones who accept choose to have life anew in Christ.
V15: "A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction."
The way we carry ourselves matters: a person with good sense and knowledge is respected and taken seriously. Foolish, cunning, and treacherous people are on the road to destruction.
V16: "Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness."
This verse cuts straight to both sides of the point: wise people think before they act, and fools don't. It is as simple as that! Taking the time to pre-process your actions is wisdom Foolishness is rushing things and not taking your time to truly think things through. Taking a minute to process and analyze what is going on is always the wise thing to do.
V18: "If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored."
At its roots, Godly critiquing and criticism are meant to help you. When you ignore it, you put yourself into a poor and disgraceful state. The one who accepts correction will be honored.
V20: "Walk with the wise and become wise, associate with fools and get in trouble."
The people we choose to walk through life with have a great influence on us. So much so even to the point that we become who we surround ourselves with! When we walk with the wise, we will become wise. If we are to walk with those who are living lives of sin and foolishness, then we too will stumble onto that path and into trouble.
V21: "Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous."
What we strive after is what will come back to us. If we pursue righteousness, blessings will pursue us. If we pursue a life of sin, all that will chase after us is trouble.
V24: "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them."
Correction and discipline isn't a bad thing at all. In fact, a parent who spares their child of discipline hates their child. Any good parent who wants their child to follow the path that will lead them to life, will step in and correct them when they fall short. Honestly, all discipline is, is love!
V25: "The godly eat to their hearts’ content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry."
The Godly are always filled up with the blessings of the Lord and never lack anything from Him. This means they will never have to strive after something they are "missing out on," solely because Jesus gives in abundance. Those who are wicked seek after the temporary pleasures of the world and are always left wanting more and hungry.
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