Proverbs – Chapter 13

Old Testament • 25 Verses

Chapter Summary

Proverbs 13 opens with the words: "A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved." Across its 25 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and wisdom for daily living. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved.

2Of the fruit of his own month shall a man be filled with good things: but the soul of transgressors is wicked.

3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul: but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils.

4The sluggard willeth, and willeth not: but the soul of them that work, shall be made fat.

5The just shall hate a lying word: but the wicked confoundeth, and shall be confounded.

6Justice keepeth the way of the innocent: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7One is as it were rich, when he hath nothing and another is as it were poor, when he hath great riches.

8The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but he that is poor, beareth not reprehension.

9The light of the just giveth joy: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10Among the proud there are always contentions: but they that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom.

11Substance got in haste shall be diminished: but that which by little and little is gathered with the hand, shall increase.

12Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul: desire when it cometh, is a tree of life.

13Whosoever speaketh ill of any thing, bindeth himself for the time to come: but he that feareth the commandment, shall dwell in peace. Deceitful souls go astray in sins: the just are merciful, and shew mercy.

14The law of the wise is a fountain of life, that he may decline from the ruin of death.

15Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit.

16The prudent man doth all things with counsel: but he that is a fool, layeth open his folly.

17The messenger of the wicked shall fall into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18Poverty and shame to him that refuseth instruction: but he that yieldeth to reproof shall be glorified.

19The desire that is accomplished, delighteth the soul: fools hate them that flee from evil things.

20He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like to them.

21Evil pursueth sinners: and to the just good shall be repaid.

22The good man leaveth heirs, sons, and grandsons: and the substance of the sinner is kept for the just.

23Much food is in the tillage of fathers: but for others it is gathered without judgment.

24He that spareth the rod, hateth his son: but he that loveth him, correcteth him betimes.

25The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled.

Important Verses in Proverbs 13

“A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved.”

Proverbs 13:1

“Whosoever speaketh ill of any thing, bindeth himself for the time to come: but he that feareth the commandment, shall dwell in peace. Deceitful souls go astray in sins: the just are merciful, and shew mercy.”

Proverbs 13:13

“The desire that is accomplished, delighteth the soul: fools hate them that flee from evil things.”

Proverbs 13:19

“The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled. ”

Proverbs 13:25

Historical Context

Proverbs addresses the young and all who seek to live skillfully before God within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 13 of 31 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 25 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved." The chapter ends with: "The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled. " Read against its original backdrop, Proverbs distills practical wisdom for daily life—speech, work, friendship, family, money—under one master principle: 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Prov 9:10). Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'

When It Was Written

Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

The sage addresses concrete situations—speech, work, relationships, and fear of the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1265). Here, Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Proverbs 13 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.

Reflection for Today

In Proverbs Chapter 13, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of wisdom for daily living.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Proverbs Chapter 13 supports that call by drawing attention to purity of heart and interior conversion within the wider message that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of purity of heart and interior conversion bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proverbs Chapter 13 about?

Proverbs 13 contains 25 verses. It opens with "A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved." and closes with "The just eateth and filleth his soul: but the belly of the wicked is never to be filled. ". The book as a whole is wisdom sayings and instructions.

What is a key verse in Proverbs 13?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but he that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Proverbs and when?

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'. Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Related Chapters

Job 28Shares people and themes with this chapterPsalms 1Shares people and themes with this chapterEcclesiastes 7Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏Prayer to the Holy Spirit🙏Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas

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