Proverbs 13

This Proverb opens with the contrast between two sons, the wise and the mocker.

The wise — absorbs his father’s teaching

The scoffer — who does not listen to correction.

1. vv. 1-6 Words Create Worlds

Much of Solomon’s attention is given to this tension, so we should recognize that these are the most common paths we can take in regard to Godly counsel.

The scoffer is hard hearted and unable to benefit from correction (words) of his father. This person believes they are the smarted in the room, that they have it all figured out. They will defend their position, even to the point of violence

v.5 —The wicked, on the other hand, hates the truth and brings shame and disgrace.

- In contrast shows that the wise, or righteous, loves the truth and hates falsehood.

v.6 — Runs in parallel with v.5

The righteous hate falsehood, and righteousness guides his integrity.

The wicked brings shame and disgrace, and overthrows the sinner.

This shows the self destructive nature of the scoffer.

2. vv. 7-11 The Appearance of Riches

vv.7-8, 11 Focus on the difficulty of determining someones worth by the way they work.

We often judge success by the way a person dresses, but one can pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. While a poor person can seem to have nothing, but be wealthy.

There are many reasons for this, but v.11 shows hat wealth gained quickly can dwindle away leaving the person feeling like they lost everything.

MtP suicides 09

Working hard and gathering over time helps us understand that our worth is not in our money.

v.8 — You see where the scoffer, the rich has set his worth, when he tries to pay off his accusers.

v.8b — calls us to think back to 13:1.

“a poor man hears no threat,” and a “scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”

In the way a scoffer has closed his ears to hear correction, the poor man is not able to hear the threats around them, so they remain lazy and poor.

This way of living is temporary. The riches of this world are fleeting. But, righteousness rejoices in light and rejoicing, while the light of the wicked will be extinguished.

vv.12-19 — The Healing of Hope

We all want to see our longings fulfilled, the righteous and the wicked alike. The difference is the wicked believe they can achieve the hearts desire if they work hard enough, while the wise person knows that true success is found in spiritual maturity and virtuous living in submission to God, the wise teacher.

v.12 —Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

v.13 — tells us how this is possible, “he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.”

If one despises the hope giving word of God they will know destruction, but the person who treasures it will know eternal reward.

v.14— The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life. v.15 —Good sense wins favor.

v.16 —every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.

JMac - like a street peddler lays out his cheep wares tries to lure in the ill-informed traveler, the fool flaunts his folly at the expense of those around him.

v.17—Conversely, the faithful messenger is like a doctor who brings healing to the sick, rest to the weary, hope to the hopeless.

vv.20-25 Companions and Caretakers

Who we walk through life with matters.

If you desire to be wise, walk withe wise.

v. 21—Disaster pursues sinners, but reward pursues the good.

v. 25 — The righteous is satisfied with what he has, and is not a burden to those around him, but the wicked are never satisfied and are an ongoing burden to their companions and caretakers.

If you desire to leave a legacy, live a God-honoring life.

v.22—a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.

v. 24 — helps us see that the inheritance is more than financial stability, but holistic.

Whoever spares the rod hates his son.

Early childhood requires teaching and discipline.

Pr. 22:6 —Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

This requires wisdom, hope in God’s word and ways, a recognition that parents are entrusted to create worlds for their kids through words and actions, and that outward appearance is not enough if you miss the heart.

With an environment of hope-filled love and acceptance, discipline is part of God’s good plan for the home.

When a home is secure enough to love and discipline the parents are teaching their children to understand the law and gospel of God.

The Law understands our guilt before God. Pr. 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

The Gospel declares that God loves sinners and saves them through the atoning work of his son.

To lack discipline is deny the severity of sin and lead your children to death.

Pr. 19:18 “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”

But, he who loves his son is diligent to discipline him.

Seeks early and often to discipline. Not just when it is convenient, but consistently pointing those in your care to the truth of God’s life-giving word.

Heb. 12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.””

Life, especially being a good companion and caretaker, requires wisdom, hope in God’s word and ways (vv.12-19), a recognition that parents are entrusted to create worlds for their kids through words and actions vv.1-6), and that outward appearance is not enough if you miss the heart (vv.7-11).