Reading Plan · Day 189
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Proverbs 13-15
Day 189
Previously · Day 188 · Proverbs 10-12
The previous day's reading covered proverbs that focused on the interaction between people. Again, a measure for excellence was the person's response to correction. In the previous day's reading, there were several contrasts between the wise and the foolish throughout those three chapters of the Book of Proverbs. The wise loved understanding and correction. The foolish hated correction and wanted to live in the moment. This day's reading covers the next three chapters from the Book of Proverbs which continued this teaching as well as looked more closely on HOW/WHY to manage emotions.
Day 189 Read
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 13
1A wise son heareth his father’s instruction; But a scoffer heareth not rebuke.
1A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
Commentary · verse 1
2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; But the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence.
2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
Commentary · verse 2
Our words can bring about good fruit. What words? Words with a right HOW/WHY.
3He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Commentary · verses 3-4
A "sluggard" was someone who was lazy, a sloth. A "diligent" person worked hard, with a right HOW/WHY.
Doctrines on this passage
5A righteous man hateth lying; But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
5A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
Commentary · verse 5
The reason a righteous man hated lying was because lying was a wrong WHAT, the opposite of right.
6Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth.
6Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
Commentary · verses 6-7
True riches did not come from money (physical assets) but from God. Even the poor in the physical realm could be rich, with wisdom.
8The ransom of a man’s life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening.
8The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Commentary · verse 8
If you made your physical assets a cause, they could be used against you. You couldn't be threatened with the physical if you had nothing, if it was not a cause in your life.
9The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.
9The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Commentary · verses 9-11
If you gained at another's expense you would pay. All injustices will be equaled out.
Doctrines on this passage
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
Commentary · verses 12-13
Despising the "word" brought destruction on yourself. "Despiseth" meant to "hold as insignificant." However, if you saw the commandment (word) as something to be respected and lived by, you would be rewarded.
14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.
15Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard.
14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Good understanding, or understanding that was Right and Just, gave favor.
Doctrines on this passage
16Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth his folly.
17A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.
18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.
16Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Commentary · verses 16-18
More examples of how important it was to consider the correction given to you by God and others. Can you consider you were wrong? Can you consider others are right?
19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.
19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Commentary · verses 19-20
We ought to make progress and grow with those who were making profitable decisions: the wise.
21Evil pursueth sinners; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.
22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children; And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.
21Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Commentary · verses 21-22
A good (right and just) man left an inheritance. The man who left an inheritance would reap off, or have a share, of anything that was created with this inheritance.
23Much food is in the tillage of the poor; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.
24He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
23Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Commentary · verses 23-24
A good parent was one who knew that discipline was for the benefit of his/her child. Those parents who did not give correction to their children, loved them less than they ought to.
25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; But the belly of the wicked shall want.
25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 14
1Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.
2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth Jehovah; But he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
1Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
Commentary · verses 1-2
Those who walked, or made progress, in uprightness did fear God. Those who were perverse not only did not fear God but despised Him.
3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride; But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Commentary · verse 3
The foolish used their words to build their pride.
4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5A faithful witness will not lie; But a false witness uttereth lies.
6A scoffer seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not; But knowledge is easy unto him that hath understanding.
4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
Commentary · verses 4-6
Knowledge was easy to those with understanding because knowledge (a right WHAT) was required for understanding (a right WHY).
7Go into the presence of a foolish man, And thou shalt not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way; But the folly of fools is deceit.
9A trespass-offering mocketh fools; But among the upright there is good will.
10The heart knoweth its own bitterness; And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy.
7Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
Commentary · verses 7-10
Your heart did not lie. Whatever you said and did would end up coming out your heart, even if it was bitterness.
11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown; But the tent of the upright shall flourish.
12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.
11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Commentary · verses 11-12
The way that seemed right to man, that led to death, was the way that caused man to think he knew all he needed to know. He thought he was in need of nothing.
Doctrines on this passage
13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; And the end of mirth is heaviness.
14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways; And a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
13Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
Commentary · verses 13-15
The simple believed every word because they were not looking for a HOW/WHY. The prudent looked for the HOW/WHY. Do you know HOW/WHY you are doing what you are doing?
Doctrines on this passage
16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; But the fool beareth himself insolently, and is confident.
17He that is soon angry will deal foolishly; And a man of wicked devices is hated.
16A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Commentary · verses 16-17
Those who acted on their anger quickly, a "bad temper," acted foolishly.
18The simple inherit folly; But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19The evil bow down before the good; And the wicked, at the gates of the righteous.
18The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
Commentary · verses 18-19
The evil bowed "before" the good - Revelation 3:9 – "…behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."
The unbelievers who claimed to be believers would bow down "before" these people. They weren't bowing down to the people but "in their presence/in front of" these people.
20The poor is hated even of his own neighbor; But the rich hath many friends.
21He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.
22Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
20The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
Commentary · verses 20-23
Doing led to profit while saying without doing led to penury. "Penury" meant "need." This meant that if you said you would do something but you did not do it, it led to unprofitability.
Doctrines on this passage
24The crown of the wise is their riches; But the folly of fools is only folly.
25A true witness delivereth souls; But he that uttereth lies causeth deceit.
26In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.
27The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death.
24The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Commentary · verses 24-27
Fearing God, believing He was more excellent than you, led to a flowing supply of life: the ability to repair.
28In the multitude of people is the king’s glory; But in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29He that is slow to anger is of great understanding; But he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
28In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Commentary · verses 28-29
The contrast of "acting quickly on your anger" was "having great understanding." If you knew the WHY behind what happened and WHY you felt angry, you would greatly increase your chance to not act on that anger quickly.
30A tranquil heart is the life of the flesh; But envy is the rottenness of the bones.
31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker; But he that hath mercy on the needy honoreth him.
32The wicked is thrust down in his evil-doing; But the righteous hath a refuge in his death.
30A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
Commentary · verses 30-32
The Righteous had protection in their death. Righteousness was the measure for whether or not you had eternal life. When was the last time Righteousness came out in your actions?
33Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding; But that which is in the inward part of fools is made known.
33Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Commentary · verse 33
The heart was where our actions and words came out. Does your heart have wisdom or is your heart showing your foolishness that is within you?
34Righteousness exalteth a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people.
35The king’s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; But his wrath will be against him that causeth shame.
34Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 15
1A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger.
1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Commentary · verse 1
A "soft answer" was non-defensive and for the benefit of the hearer. "Grievous" words were meant to inflict pain.
2The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out folly.
2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Commentary · verse 2
The wise spoke right WHAT's (at the least) while fools spoke liberally foolish words: words without understanding.
3The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Commentary · verse 3
God saw all things. God knew all the good and evil that happened.
4A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father’s correction; But he that regardeth reproof getteth prudence.
4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
Commentary · verses 4-5
Another example of a fool being someone who did not consider correction.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge; But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.
6In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Commentary · verses 6-8
Clearly, WHY and HOW we give a sacrifice to God is what is important to Him. If not, a sacrifice from the wicked would be acceptable to God.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
9The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Commentary · verse 9
Those who loved God lived by His Righteousness, by His grace: the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.
10There is grievous correction for him that forsaketh the way; And he that hateth reproof shall die.
11Sheol and Abaddon are before Jehovah; How much more then the hearts of the children of men!
12A scoffer loveth not to be reproved; He will not go unto the wise.
10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
12A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
Commentary · verses 10-12
A scoffer, someone in pride, did not see being corrected as a value and therefore, they did not go to the wise.
13A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.
13A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
Commentary · verses 13-14
Those who had understanding sought out knowledge. Fools lived by their folly, by their foolishness.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.
16Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
15All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Commentary · verses 15-16
It was better to HAVE little and fear God than to HAVE a lot and not fear God.
17Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Commentary · verses 17-18
Being slow to act on your anger would lead to appeasing the anger. An angry man would cause the anger to be increased. When was the last time you were angry? How did you handle that emotion?
19The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.
20A wise son maketh a glad father; But a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding maketh straight his going.
19The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
Commentary · verses 19-21
Foolishness was "joy" to those who had no wisdom while a man with understanding caused his path of life to be straight, he knew WHY he did what he did.
22Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Commentary · verse 22
Where there was no counsel (leadership), purposes were disappointed. "Disappointed" meant "to break, frustrate." Leadership was facilitating the purpose and progress of another person. When you had no counsel, leadership was hindered. When you had many counselors who were heard and respected, purposes were facilitated.
23A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
24To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath.
23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
Commentary · verses 23-24
The wise saw life as going upward: growth.
25Jehovah will root up the house of the proud; But he will establish the border of the widow.
25The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
Commentary · verse 25
Proof that God couldn't make us be humble. We had to choose to consider we were wrong.
26Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah; But pleasant words are pure.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; But he that hateth bribes shall live.
26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
Commentary · verses 26-27
Making money or the physical a cause would lead to trouble for your house. Your actions affected others.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer; But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
28The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Commentary · verse 28
The heart of the righteous studied (meditated; rehearsed) the best response possible. The wicked poured out the evil things within them.
29Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; And good tidings make the bones fat.
31The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise.
32He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul; But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.
29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Commentary · verses 29-32
Those who refused correction were in pride. They were unwilling to consider a perspective other than their own. Those who considered correction would gain understanding.
33The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom; And before honor goeth humility.
33The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Commentary · verse 33
Those who want to be honored for the right reason were first humble.
This day's reading covered proverbs that showed choosing to embrace correction and understanding led to the ability to manage destructive emotions. However, avoiding correction and focusing on the short term and physical led to destructive actions driven by emotion.
A wise person (someone who made profitable decisions) would consider correction while a scoffer (someone who talked arrogantly; pride) would not consider correction.