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ACCEPTING DISCIPLINE
PROVERBS 13:1-25
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Accepting Discipline
Text:
Proverbs 13:1-25,
1 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.
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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.
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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. (NIV)
Introduction:
I. Proverbs “13 is dominated by the theme of the need to accept
instructions and discipline.” (Smith)
II. “For the most part this section contains antithetical parallelism, i.e.,
the second half of the verse presents a deliberate contrast to the first
half.” (Smith)
III. Interestingly, Proverbs 13 contains no reference to God. (Smith)
Commentary:
A Father’s Teaching
Proverbs 13:1, A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a
mocker does not respond to rebukes. (NIV)
I. A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, …
A. “The first thirteen verses are cast in the form of the advice that
a father might give his son.” (Smith)
B. “A sensible son heeds what his father tells him,” Coffman
wrote.
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1. Proverbs 22:6, Start children off on the way they
should go, and even when they are old they will not turn
from it. (NIV)
C. Because of a father’s discipline (education) his son becomes
wise. (Smith) (The Pulpit Commentary concurs.)
1. “The adult child publicly exhibits the instructions received
as a youth,” Bland wrote
2. The son owes his wisdom to his father’s instruction. (The
Pulpit Commentary)
II. but a mocker (rebellious son) does not listen to rebuke.
A. “… a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” (Coffman quoting
Moffett)
B. Smith defines a scoffer as one who mocks moral principles,
spiritual insights and filial duty.
1. Proverbs 1:22, “How long will you who are simple love
your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in
mockery and fools hate knowledge? (NIV)
2. Such a person is hopeless and rebuffs all attempts to
correct him. (Smith)
a. 1 Samuel 2:25, If one person sins against another,
God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone
sins against the LORD, who will intercede for
them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their
father’s rebuke, for it was the LORD’s will to put
them to death. (NIV)
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C. All children do not heed parental instruction.
1. 1 Samuel 2:25, If one person sins against another, God
may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against
the LORD, who will intercede for them?” His sons,
however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was
the LORD’s will to put them to death. (NIV)
2. 1 Samuel 4:17, The man who brought the news replied,
“Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has
suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and
Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been
captured.” (NIV)
Note: “Having set forth the value of discipline, Solomon identifies nine
areas in which the young need discipline,” Smith wrote.
Proverbs 13:2, From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. (NIV)
I. From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, …
A. Discipline respecting words is addressed in verses 2-3. (Smith)
1. Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of their lips people are
filled with good things, and the work of their hands
brings them reward. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 18:20, From the fruit of their mouth a
person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips
they are satisfied. (NIV)
B. “Good people are rewarded for the good things they say,”
Coffman stated.
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C. If a righteous man’s words are kind and designed to build up
others, he will enjoy a happy and peaceful existence because he
will gain the good will of his neighbors and the blessings of God,
Smith wrote.
1. “By his kindly speech and wise counsels he shall gain the
good will of his neighbors and the blessing of God,” The
Pulpit Commentary states.
II. but the unfaithful have a craving (soul) for violence.
A. Evil deceitful people always want to do wrong, are hungry for
violence. (See Coffman and the Easy to Read Version of the
Bible.)
1. Proverbs 1:31, they will eat the fruit of their ways and
be filled with the fruit of their schemes. (NIV)
B. “Treacherous men devise evil schemes to encompass the ruin of
others,” Smith wrote. “By hook or crook they will enhance their
own well being at the expense of others.”
1. “In the end the violence they plan for others will recoil
upon themselves,” Smith concluded.
2. “… sinners, especially the treacherous, bring on
themselves retribution: the injuries which they devise against
others recoil on their own heads.” (The Pulpit Commentary)
a. Proverbs 10:6, Blessings crown the head of the
righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the
wicked. (NIV)
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3. Such men have only one thing at heart, to bring harm to
their neighbors and to increase their wealth by any method
available, evil or not. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)
Proverbs 13:3, Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but
those who speak rashly will come to ruin. (NIV)
I. He who guards his lips guards his life (soul), …
A. A person must not engage in rash talk, but weigh his words, be
tight-lipped.
B. “Self-control remains central to a life of wisdom,” Bland wrote.
C. Related Scriptures:
1. Proverbs 18:21, The tongue has the power of life and
death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 21:23, Those who guard their mouths and
their tongues keep themselves from calamity. (NIV)
3. Psalm 39:1, I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my
tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in
the presence of the wicked.” (NIV)
4. James 1:26, Those who consider themselves religious
and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive
themselves, and their religion is worthless. (NIV)
II. but he who speaks rashly (opens wide his lips) will come to ruin
(destruction).
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A. He that has no guard on his speech shall meet with evils; he
that is hasty with his lips shall bring terror upon himself. (See
Coffman, Douay Version, LXX.)
1. Proverbs 10:14, The wise store up knowledge, but the
mouth of a fool invites ruin. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 18:6, The lips of fools bring them strife, and
their mouths invite a beating. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 20:19, A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid
anyone who talks too much. (NIV)
B. Smith rightly observed that in some dictatorial societies, one
rash word against the government can bring immediate execution.
C. Clarke reminded us that God gave us two ears, two eyes and
one tongue suggesting we should hear and see twice as much as we
say!
Proverbs 13:4, A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires
of the diligent are fully satisfied. (NIV)
I. The sluggard craves (has a keen appetite) and gets nothing, …
A. Discipline respecting work is addressed in verse 4, Smith
wrote.
B. The sluggard longs without results. (Coffman quoting
Frankenberg.)
1. Proverbs 10:4, Lazy hands make for poverty, but
diligent hands bring wealth. (NIV)
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2. Proverbs 14:6, The mocker seeks wisdom and finds
none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 20:4, Sluggards do not plow in season; so at
harvest time they look but find nothing. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 21:25, The craving of a sluggard will be the
death of him, because his hands refuse to work. (NIV)
C. Some lazy persons want nothing and have nothing while others
want many things, but aren’t willing to expend the effort to earn
them. (See Smith.)
1. “Laziness ultimately results in barrenness,” Bland wrote.
D. Clarke wrote, “They seek to enter in at the strait gate, but are
not able, because they do not strive.
1. The mind of the sluggard is focused on desires, wishes, not
on action to achieve these desires, wishes. (See The Pulpit
Commentary.)
II. but the desires (souls) of the diligent, industrious are fully satisfied
(shall be abundantly gratified).
A. “The diligent soul is amply appeased; the soul of the diligent is
richly supplied.” (Coffman, Frankenberg, RSV)
1. Proverbs 11:25, A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:5, The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked
make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves. (NIV)
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I. The righteous hate what is false (lying, an untrue word), …
A. Discipline respecting honesty is addressed in verse 5. (Smith)
B. Here verbal lying and every other kind of deceit and guile are
addressed. (The Pulpit Commentary)
II. but the wicked bring shame and disgrace (to others and to himself).
A. An evil man’s talk is a shame and a disgrace, causes him to
stink (smell, cause a stench, stir up a foul odor) and makes
ashamed, acts shamefully and disgracefully. (See Coffman and
Tyndale Old Testament Commentary. See also Smith and Bland.)
1. The actions of the wicked emit a bad odor. (Bland)
2. Genesis 34:30, Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi,
“You have brought trouble on me by making me
obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people
living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join
forces against me and attack me, I and my household will
be destroyed.” (NIV)
B. Smith wrote, “A dishonest person brings shame to himself and
disgrace upon those who are associated with him.”
Proverbs 13:6, Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but
wickedness overthrows the sinner. (NIV)
I. Righteousness guards the man (in the way) of integrity,…
A. Discipline enables a person to avoid disaster.
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B. Coffman wrote, “It is simply amazing how the author of
Proverbs is able to say almost exactly the same thing in a hundred
different ways.”
C. “Righteousness is a safeguard against a person’s straying from
the right path of life,” Smith stated.
1. Righteousness provides protection for the person who
lives with integrity. (Bland)
2. “Those who are good and innocent in the walk of life are
preserved from evil, moral and material.” (The Pulpit
Commentary)
II. but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
A. Why partner with a thing (wickedness in any of its various
forms) that will surely destroy you?
1. Yet, people do this – continually!
2. What benefit, re-enforcement do people get from walking
in the way of wickedness?
B. “Wickedness destroys one who walks in sin.” (Bland)
1. Proverbs 11:3, 5-6, The integrity of the upright guides
them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 5The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths
straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own
wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers
them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.
(NIV)
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Proverbs 13:7, One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. (NIV)
I. One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;…
A. Discipline in lifestyle is addressed in verses 7-9. (Smith)
B. There are poor people who pretend to be rich. (Coffman)
1. Proverbs 12:9, Better to be a nobody and yet have a
servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
(NIV)
C. Some want to give the impression of being rich for social
reasons, Smith wrote.
D. Pretenders, feigning to be something they are not, either rich or
poor, are plentiful and are found everywhere in all societies.
E. Remember the rich fool who had this world’s wealth, but was
not rich toward God.
1. Luke 12:16-21, 33, And he told them this parable: “The
ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant
harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have
no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what
I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones,
and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to
myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years.
Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said
to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be
demanded from you. Then who will get what you have
prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with
whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich
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toward God.” 33
Sell your possessions and give to the poor.
Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a
treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief
comes near and no moth destroys. (NIV)
II. another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
A. “There are rich people who pretend they are poor.” (Coffman,
Peake)
1. Smith wrote, “Misers live as though they are poor although
they are wealthy and, in this way, protect themselves from
requests for assistance.”
2. “One cannot trust in appearances,” Smith and The Pulpit
Commentary concluded.
B. This proverbial pair cautions us to avoid judging another based
on appearance. (Bland)
1. Other examples are the following:
a. Proverbs 11:22, Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is
a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. (NIV)
b. Proverbs 31:30, Charm is deceptive, and beauty is
fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be
praised. (NIV)
c. Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians 6:10 of some who are
“poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet
possessing everything.”
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d. A person can be poor in regard to worldly
possessions, but rich toward God.
Proverbs 13:8, A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor
cannot respond to threatening rebukes. (NIV)
I. A man’s riches may ransom his life,…
A. “When a wealthy man is (sick) kidnapped, blackmailed or
threatened in some way, his wealth can save his life,” Coffman
wrote.
1. Exodus 21:22, 30, “If people are fighting and hit a
pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but
there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined
whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court
allows. 30
However, if payment is demanded, the owner
may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is
demanded. (NIV)
B. “There are advantages and disadvantages in wealth. One with
money can be exposed to robbery and extortion,” Coffman wrote
quoting George DeHoff.
1. Luke 16:9, I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends
for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be
welcomed into eternal dwellings. (NIV)
C. Bland wrote, “The value of wealth is relative. One translation
reads, ‘The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor
are free of such threats.’”
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D. Those who are rich often have trouble with their wealth, in
getting it, in keeping it, and because of it, Clarke wrote.
II. but a poor man hears no threat (rebuke).
A. The poor man will not be threatened in any such manner as the
rich, Coffman wrote.
1. Job 3:18, Captives also enjoy their ease; they no longer
hear the slave driver’s shout. (NIV)
2. “The poor have nothing to lose, and no one can gain
anything by interfering with him,” The Pulpit Commentary
states.
B. The poor are not so apt to be the object of extortion or
blackmail, Coffman wrote quoting George DeHoff.
1. “A hundred men cannot rob one pauper,” The Pulpit
Commentary states.
C. “The poor have no financial resources. No one can threaten
them (financially). In that sense, the poor are better off than are
the rich.” (Bland)
D. “A rich man has to use his money to save his life, but no one
threatens a poor man.” (Good News Bible, Today’s English
Version via Bland)
Proverbs 13:9, The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the
lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. (NIV)
I. The light of the righteous shines brightly,…
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A. The light of the righteous shines brightly and permanently
indicating a healthy condition. (Bland)
1. Proverbs 4:18-19, The path of the righteous is like the
morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of
day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they
do not know what makes them stumble. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 31:18, She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night. (NIV)
B. Light and lamp, Clarke wrote, signify posperity.
1. The righteous can expect a lasting family for generations
to come which reflects God’s glory.
a. 1 Kings 11:36, I will give one tribe to his son so
that David my servant may always have a lamp
before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put
my Name. (NIV)
b. 1 Kings 15:4, Nevertheless, for David’s sake the
LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by
raising up a son to succeed him and by making
Jerusalem strong. (NIV)
c. Psalm 132:17, “Here I will make a horn grow for
David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. (NIV)
II. but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
A. The light, the little of it there may be, is soon extinguished.
(Coffman).
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1. Proverbs 24:20, for the evildoer has no future hope,
and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 20:20, If someone curses their father or
mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
(NIV)
3. Job 18:5, “The lamp of a wicked man is snuffed out;
the flame of his fire stops burning. (NIV)
4. John 1:8, He himself was not the light; he came only as
a witness to the light. (NIV)
5. John 5:35, John was a lamp that burned and gave
light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. (NIV)
B. Smith wrote, “The lamp of the wicked is the false show of
wisdom or piety which may glimmer and deceive for a time, but is
soon seen for what it is and extinguished.
C. Clarke suggested the snuffing out of the lamp of the wicked
indicates the end of a person’s family, the end of his lineage.
D. A light was kept burning in all houses at night.
1. The snuffing out of a lamp was a very bad sign.
a. 1 Kings 15:4, Nevertheless, for David’s sake the
LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by
raising up a son to succeed him and by making
Jerusalem strong. (NIV)
b. Jeremiah 25:10, I will banish from them the
sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and
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bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of
the lamp. (NIV)
c. Revelation 18:23, The light of a lamp will never
shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and
bride will never be heard in you again. Your
merchants were the world’s important people. By
your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
(NIV)
Proverbs 13:10, Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is
found in those who take advice. (NIV)
I. Pride only breeds quarrels,…
A. Discipline respecting quarrels is addressed in verse 6. (Smith)
B. Pride produces quarrels, trouble, contention.
C. Pride, haughtiness and arrogance kindle contentions while
reason contributes to conflict resolution. (See Smith)
1. Smith further wrote, “Pride however distorts judgment and
makes arbitration difficult.”
2. “Only in insolence will one give strife,” that is, the main
product produced by pride is quarreling. (Bland)
3. Clarke ventured the opinion that there never has been a
quarrel / contention, personal, national or otherwise, that did
not originate with pride or human ambition.
4. “One who is haughty and overbearing, or who is too
conceited to receive advice, is sure to quarrel with others,”
The Pulpit Commentary states.
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II. but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
A. The well advised act wisely, and resolve conflicts.
B. The wise accept advice while the arrogant have contempt for the
opinions of others.
1. Proverbs 12:15, The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:11, Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever
gathers money little by little makes it grow. (NIV)
I. Dishonest money dwindles away,…
A. Discipline regarding wealth is here addressed. (Smith)
B. Wealth quickly obtained by fraud, illegitimate and dishonest
means is soon gone, dissipated.
1. “Easy come, easy go.”
a. Proverbs 20:21, The way of fools seems right to
them, but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)
b. Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead to
profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (NIV)
2. “Dishonest money” includes all illegal and unethical
means of acquiring financial gain.
3. Smith specified speculation and gambling as examples of
attempts to accumulate wealth hastily and without effort.
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4. Get rich quick schemes are futile! “… and often involve
fraud.” (Bland)
5. Be wary of those who get rich quickly. (See Bland)
6. “Wealth that is not the result of honest industry and hard
labor is seldom permanent,” Clarke wrote.
II. but he who gathers money (by patient industry) little by little makes it
grow.
A. The honest laborer who engages over time in wise enterprise
finds true prosperity. (See Coffman)
B. “Patient industry, regular savings and legitimate investments
lead to (permanent) wealth,” Smith stated.
Note: Bland observed that many of the proverbs in verses 12-19 center
around instruction, commands and teachings of wise sages and parents.
Proverbs 13:12, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing
fulfilled is a tree of life. (NIV)
I. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, …
A. “Discipline respecting disappointment” is addressed here.
(Smith)
B. Being unable to achieve goals in a timely manner as hoped
causes frustration, anxiety, depression, a sick heart,
disappointment.
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C. “Delay in gratification pains the mind; the increase of the delay
prostrates and sickens the heart; and if delay sickens the heart,
ultimate disappointment kills it,” Clarke wrote.
II. but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
A. When a much desired goal is achieved, life is made better!
(Coffman)
1. Achievement of goals “comforts and invigorates,” Clarke
wrote.
B. Smith wrote, “Accomplishing a worthwhile goal invigorates and
heartens.”
1. Proverbs 3:18, She is a tree of life to those who take
hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
(NIV)
2. A “tree of life” is, in Proverbs, synonymous to happiness
and fullness of life.
C. How happy will we who have long hoped for heaven be when
we first set our feet on the golden street and see the mansions Jesus
has prepared for us.
1. Romans 8:23, Not only so, but we ourselves, who have
the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait
eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of
our bodies. (NIV)
2. John 14:1-4, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You
believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has
many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you
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that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I
go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take
you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You
know the way to the place where I am going.” (NIV)
3. Proverbs 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of
life, and the one who is wise saves lives. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:13, Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but
whoever respects a command is rewarded. (NIV)
I. He who scorns (despises) instruction (the Word) will pay for it (be
destroyed), …
A. “Discipline respecting God’s word is addressed here,” Smith
wrote.
1. Deuteronomy 30:14, No, the word is very near you; it is
in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
(NIV)
B. Persons who do not live within the laws of God will certainly,
one way or another, pay a dreadful price for their disobedience.
1. Proverbs 11:31, If the righteous receive their due on
earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
(NIV)
II. but he who respects a command is rewarded.
A. People who respectfully live in harmony with God’s laws will
be rewarded. (See Smith) “… with peace and safety,” Clarke
added.
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Proverbs 13:14, The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning
a person from the snares of death. (NIV)
I. The teaching (law, instruction) of the wise is a fountain of life (the
best of life), …
A. The last twelve verses of Proverbs 13 are described as the
teaching of the wise. (Smith)
B. Wise, godly teachings point the way to a more abundant life and
help people avoid many problems that otherwise would ensnare
them as they go through life. (See Smith)
1. Clarke translated this passage as, “The law is to the wise
man a fountain of life.”
a. Proverbs 10:11, If the righteous receive their due
on earth, how much more the ungodly and the
sinner! (NIV)
b. Psalm 36:9, For with you is the fountain of life; in
your light we see light. (NIV)
c. Proverbs 14:27, The fear of the LORD is a
fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of
death. (NIV)
II. turning a man from the snares of death.
A. Following the teachings of the wise are the very source of life
and keeps a person from the snares of death.
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1. Psalm 18:5, The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:15, Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the
unfaithful leads to their destruction. (NIV)
I. Good understanding wins favor, …
A. Good understanding leads to favor, grace, character, the right
and proper way. (See Smith)
1. Proverbs 11:16, A kindhearted woman gains honor;
but ruthless men gain only wealth. (NIV)
2. Luke 2:52, And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and
in favor with God and man. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 3: 3-4, Let love and faithfulness never leave
you; bind them around your neck, write them on the
tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good
name in the sight of God and man. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding. (NIV)
B. As a wise man uses his understanding, gifts and graces
properly, he wins favor from God as well as love and respect from
his fellowmen. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)
II. but the way of the unfaithful (transgressor) is hard, harsh, rugged,
leads to desolation.
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A. The earthly life of every transgressor produces many sorrows
and misfortunes (See Coffman.) he would not have had if he had
been faithful.
B. Smith rightly concluded, “Their harsh way leads to an even
harsher destiny.”
Proverbs 13:16, All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools
expose their folly. (NIV)
I. Every prudent man (sage) acts out of knowledge, …
A. Prudent people weigh circumstances and consciously decide
their proper course of action, Smith wrote.
B. Bland added that the prudent man practices self-control, and
The Pulpit Commentary further states, “The prudent person acts
with thought and deliberation having considered his options and
their consequences.”
II. but a fool exposes (broadcasts) his folly.
A. A fool acts “impetuously and thus reveals his lack of
prudence,” Smith wrote, and “exercises no restraint”. (Bland)
1. Proverbs 12:23, The prudent keep their knowledge to
themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise adorns
knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)
B. The prudent person’s life is focused, has direction, while the
fool’s life has no focus or direction. (Bland)
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Proverbs 13:17, A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a
trustworthy envoy brings healing. (NIV)
I. A wicked messenger falls into trouble (evil, mischief), …
A. The wicked (government) messenger, envoy brings evil both
on himself, (the one who sent him), and the entire nation.
1. Proverbs 17:20, One whose heart is corrupt does not
prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.
(NIV)
B. The messengers who betray those who place their trust in them
are certainly headed straight for trouble.
1. That is for sure!
II. but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
A. The envoy here is an important government official who was
entrusted with some important mission, Coffman wrote, the
faithful completion of which would bring healing, benefit to the
nation.
B. The actions of the trustworthy, faithful, loyal envoy are a
credit, honor, to himself and a beneficial influence on others.
1. Proverbs 25:13, Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest
time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends
him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. (NIV)
2. “One who faithfully performs his errand is a source of
comfort and satisfaction both to his employer and to those to
whom he is sent.” (The Pulpit commentary)
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Proverbs 13:18, Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and
shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. (NIV)
I. He who ignores discipline, instruction comes to poverty and shame,
…
A. The person who ignores discipline brings poverty and shame
upon himself because of his persistent sinfulness.
B. Because of his selfish, stupid blundering, others will come to
have no respect for him.
1. Proverbs 12:1, Whoever loves discipline loves
knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. (NIV)
II. but whoever heeds correction is honored.
A. The wise person who lives humbly and righteously with God
and others is honored, respected.
B. The contrast between ignoring discipline/instruction and
heeding reproof is mentioned throughout Proverbs. (See Bland.)
1. Proverbs 3:11, My son, do not despise the LORD’s
discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, (NIV)
2. Proverbs 5:12, My son, do not despise the LORD’s
discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, (NIV)
3. Proverbs 6:23, For this command is a lamp, this
teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the
way to life, (NIV)
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4. Proverbs 10:17, Whoever heeds discipline shows the
way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others
astray. (NIV)
5. Proverbs 12:1, Whoever loves discipline loves
knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.
(NIV)
6. Proverbs 15:5, 10, 32, A fool spurns a parent’s
discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows
prudence.10
Stern discipline awaits anyone who leaves the
path; the one who hates correction will die.32
Those who
disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who
heeds correction gains understanding. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:19, A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools
detest turning from evil. (NIV)
I. A longing (desire) fulfilled is sweet to the soul, …
A. To reach an important, long sought goal brings much happiness
and lasting satisfaction. (See Smith.)
B. See comments on verse 12.
II. but fools detest turning from evil.
A. Smith explains this phrase as meaning, “fools can only achieve
their goals by evil devices and means.”
1. Fools, therefore, are unable to achieve any honest success
apart from their wicked ways.
2. This sets fools on the road to destruction.
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3. “Bad men will not give up their evil wishes and plans.”
(The Pulpit Commentary)
Proverbs 13:20, Walk with the wise and become wise, for a
companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)
I. He who walks with the wise grows wise, …
A. “One’s associates, friends are a most important factor in
determining a person’s success or failure in life,” Coffman wrote
quoting Jamieson.
B. To “walk with a person” implies love and attachment. It is
impossible not to imitate those we love. (Clarke)
C. Show me a person’s friends and associates and I will see the
person. (Clarke)
II. but a companion of fools suffers harm.
A. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, Do not be misled: “Bad company
corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you
ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of
God—I say this to your shame. (NIV)
B. Smith wrote, “The bad habits of the fool are quickly learned and
imitated to one’s detriment. Thus a person becomes like those
with whom he associates.”
1. The Pulpit commentary reminds us, “He that lies down
with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”
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Proverbs 13:21, Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are
rewarded with good things. (NIV)
I. Misfortune (evil) pursues the sinner, …
A. God intended that evil, misfortune would come upon sinners
and overall this is the way it is. (See Coffman)
B. To the above maxim, there are certain exceptions, Job being
one. (See Coffman.)
C. “Eventually sinners meet with their just desserts,” Smith wrote.
Note: Poverty is, according to Proverbs, the result of such things as
misfortune, injustice, greed, laziness, personal sins, et.al.
II. but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.
A. This is certainly the way God intended for the world to be and
how, generally speaking, things are. (See Coffman.)
1. Consider the beginning and end of Job’s story.
2. Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of their lips people are
filled with good things, and the work of their hands
brings them reward. (NIV)
B. “The righteous will be rewarded with good,” Smith wrote, “a
good conscience and happiness both here and hereafter.”
C. Property honestly acquired and well-gotten by righteous means
is permanent and is passed by inheritance to one’s posterity. (See
Clarke.)
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D. Ill-gotten property seldom reaches to the third generation.
(Clarke)
Proverbs 13:22, A good person leaves an inheritance for their
children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the
righteous. (NIV)
I. A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, …
A. A good man is prudent in life and business and can, therefore,
leave both a moral and financial inheritance to his family.
B. Evidently the good man’s children were also prudent because
they passed their inheritance on to their children.
1. Many children waste the inheritance they have received
from their parents.
II. but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
A. The things garnered by the wicked come to be the possessions
of others, the upright and honest person.
B. “The sinner’s undisciplined children squander what is
bequeathed to them and have nothing to leave their children.” (See
Smith.)
C. “Property unjustly acquired or wickedly used is taken from
those who have it. It ultimately finds its way into better hands.”
(See Smith.)
D. Related scriptures:
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1. Proverbs 28:8, From the fruit of their lips people are
filled with good things, and the work of their hands
brings them reward. (NIV)
2. Job 27:16-17, Though he heaps up silver like dust
and clothes like piles of clay, what he lays up the
righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his
silver. (NIV)
3. Ecclesiastes 2:26, To the person who pleases him, God
gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner
he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to
hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is
meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (NIV)
4. Genesis 31:9, So God has taken away your father’s
livestock and has given them to me. (NIV)
5. Exodus 12:35-36, The Israelites did as Moses instructed
and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold
and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians
favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave
them what they asked for; so they plundered the
Egyptians. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:23, An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but
injustice sweeps it away. (NIV)
I. A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, …
A. Smith explained, “The poor, but righteous man, who
industriously cultivates his little plot of ground, secures a good
return on his labor.”
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1. Proverbs 12:11, Those who work their land will have
abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no
sense. (NIV)
B. Reference here is to ground worked for the first time (fallow
ground) and, therefore, land on which much labor is bestowed,”
The Pulpit Commentary states.
1. Jeremiah 4:3, This is what the LORD says to the people
of Judah and to Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed
ground and do not sow among thorns. (NIV)
2. Hosea 10:12, Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the
fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed
ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes
and showers his righteousness on you. (NIV)
3. Psalm 128:2, You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours. (NIV)
II. but injustice sweeps it away.
A. The Anchor Bible via Coffman reads, “Litigation devours the
poor man’s farm land, and his dwelling is swept away by
injustice.”
B. Clarke pointed to the fact that the poor sometimes lose their
produce, profit by poor management.
C. Smith wrote, “Rich men are often brought to ruin by their
disregard of justice.”
Proverbs 13:24, Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but
the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
(NIV)
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I. He who spares the rod hates his son, …
A. In our time, spanking disobedient children is not always socially
acceptable, but the Bible says what it has always said.
B. For our failure, we are paying the price of a nation full of
undisciplined and rebellious youth.
C. He who spares the rod hates, loves less than he should or does
not love his son. (See Smith.)
1. Deuteronomy 21:15, If a man has two wives, and he
loves one but not the other, and both bear him sons but
the firstborn is the son of the wife he does not love, (NIV)
2. “A parent displays no love for a child by failing to correct
him,” Smith wrote.
D. Bland observed that, in an age when child abuse is all too
common, some readers may be concerned with the content of this
verse.
1. The Bible certainly does not condone child abuse in any
way.
2. The Bible does teach training a child in the way he/she
should go and allows various means for appropriate loving
discipline to accomplish the goal.
E. Proverbs places major emphasis on rearing children in the way
of righteousness.
II. but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
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A. Godly parents who love their children will raise up their
children in the way they should go.
B. The needed discipline begins by a loving parent early in life
and continues as needed until character is formed. (See Smith.)
C. Discipline, Bland advised, includes rebuke or oral instructions,
but is associated here with corporal punishment.
1. Proverbs 22:15, Folly is bound up in the heart of a
child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
(NIV)
2. Proverbs 23:13-14, Do not withhold discipline from a
child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
Punish them with the rod and save them from death.
(NIV)
3. Proverbs 29:15, A rod and a reprimand impart
wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its
mother. (NIV)
4. Proverbs 16:32, Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city. (NIV)
5. Proverbs 25:28, Like a city whose walls are broken
through is a person who lacks self-control. (NIV)
6. Proverbs 14:17, A quick-tempered person does foolish
things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.
(NIV)
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7. Proverbs 19:18-19, Discipline your children, for in that
there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death. A
hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them,
and you will have to do it again. (NIV)
D. Patience is required when rearing children.
1. Proverbs 12:16, Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult. (NIV)
2. Proverbs 14:29, Whoever is patient has great
understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays
folly. (NIV)
3. Proverbs 15:1, 18, A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. 18
A hot-tempered person
stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a
quarrel. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:25, The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the
stomach of the wicked goes hungry. (NIV)
I. The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, …
A. The righteous are thankful for and enjoy their food. (Smith)
B. “A contented mind is a continual feast,” Clarke wrote.
C. Related scriptures:
1. Proverbs 10:3, The LORD does not let the righteous go
hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. (NIV)
2. Psalm 34:10, The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing (NIV)
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II. but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
A. The fleshly appetite of the wicked will never be satisfied.
(Douay via Coffman.)
1. A thousand women could not gratify Solomon’s sexual
appetite!
2. Smith wrote that the wicked never has enough to satisfy
them, regardless of how much they have. (See Smith.)
Conclusion:
I. Proverbs 13 presents two (2) very different ways of life; viz., …
A. The wise, diligent, prudent, righteous, person of integrity, and
…
B. The mocker, fool, sluggard, wicked, dishonest sinner, arrogant
man.
II. Of the wise it is said that he: …
A. heeds his father’s instruction, advice.
B. enjoys good things from the fruit of his lips.
C. guards his lips and life.
D. has wholesome desires that are fully satisfied.
E. hates what is false.
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F. is guarded by righteousness.
G. pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.
H. ransoms his life with his wealth.
I. has a light which burns brightly.
J. gathers money steadily little by little.
K. has fulfilled desires that bless his life.
L. is rewarded because he respects commands.
M. teaches the way to a blessed life which turns a man from the
snares of death.
N. wins favor by good understanding.
O. acts on the bases of knowledge.
P. brings healing.
Q. heeds correction and is honored.
R. enjoys the pleasant fulfillment of his longings, desires.
S. chooses honorable friends and associates.
T. is rewarded by prosperity.
U. leaves an inheritance for his posterity.
V. produces abundant food, has more than enough to eat.
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W. disciplines his son.
III. Of the mocker it is said that he:
A. does not listen to rebuke, advice.
B. craves violence.
C. speaks rashly.
D. will come to ruin.
E. craves, but gets nothing.
F. brings shame and disgrace on himself and others.
G. is overthrown by wickedness.
H. pretends to be rich, but has nothing.
I. has his lamp snuffed out.
J. breeds quarrels.
K. has his money dwindle away.
L. is heart sick because of deferred hopes.
M. pays the price for scorning instruction.
N. lives a hard life.
O. exposes his folly.
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P. falls into trouble.
Q. ignores discipline.
R. comes to poverty and shame.
S. loves evil and hates turning from his wicked ways.
T. suffers harm because of evil, foolish friends and associates.
U. is pursued by misfortune.
V. has his wealth diverted to the righteous.
W. has his possessions swept away by injustice.
X. does not discipline his son.
Y. goes hungry.
IV. Which of these lists best describes you?
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Questions
Proverbs 13:1-25
(Questions based on NIV text)
1. What is the theme of Proverbs 13? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
2. What are antithetical parallelisms? ___________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. The __________ __________ __________ of Proverbs 13 are cast in
the form of the __________ that a __________ might give his
__________. Because of a __________ ‘s __________ his __________
becomes __________.
4. A scoffer is one who __________ __________ __________,
__________ __________ and __________ __________. Such a
__________is __________ and __________ all __________ to
__________ him.
5. Give Biblical examples of children who did not follow their parent’s
advice. ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
6. Name nine (9) areas Solomon identified in which the young need
discipline. _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7. If a __________ __________’s __________ are __________ and
designed to __________ ___________ __________, he will
__________ a __________ and _________ __________ because he will
gain the __________ __________ of his __________ and the
__________of __________.
8. __________, __________ people devise __________ __________ to
encompass the __________ of others. By any available means, they will
enhance their own __________ __________ at the __________ of
__________. In the __________ the __________they plan for others
will __________upon ___________.
9. _________ - __________ remains __________ to a __________ of
__________. The wise person __________his __________ and thereby
__________his __________ (__________).
10. What are the results of speaking rashly? Give examples. ________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
11. _________ gave us __________ __________, __________
__________ and __________ __________ suggesting we
should__________ and __________ __________ as much as we
__________!
12. Why does the sluggard often fail to get what he really would like to
have? _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
13. Why does the wise, diligent person often obtain his goals? _______
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
14. The _____________ __________ what is __________. This
includes __________ __________ and every other kind of _________
and __________.
15. How do a wicked man’s life and speech cause him to stink?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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16. How does righteousness guard the man of integrity?
__________________________________________________________
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17. Why do some people engage in wickedness when they know it will
overthrow, destroy them? _____________________________________
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18. Why do some people who have nothing pretend to be rich? What
benefit do they hope to get from this pretence? ____________________
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19. Why would a rich man want to pretend to be poor? ______________
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20. Give biblical examples that teach we are not to judge others on the
basis of appearance. _________________________________________
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21. How can riches be both a blessing and a curse to a person in
different situations in life? ____________________________________
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22. Those who are __________ often have trouble with their
__________, in __________ it, in __________it, and __________ of it.
23. How can it be said the poor man hears no threat regarding money
when he can’t feed his family nor keep a roof over their heads because
of lack of funds? ____________________________________________
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24. What is meant by light and lamp in verse 9? ___________________
__________________________________________________________
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25. __________, __________ and __________ kindle __________
while__________ contributes to _________ __________.
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26. One who is __________ and __________ , or who is too
__________ to __________ __________, is sure to __________ with
others.
27. The __________ __________ act __________, and __________
__________. The __________ __________ __________ while the
__________ have _________ for the __________ of others.
28. __________ __________ obtained by __________, __________
and __________ means is soon _________, __________. “__________
__________” includes all __________ means of acquiring __________
__________.
29. The __________ _________ who engages over time in _________
_________ finds ________ ________.
30. Being unable to achieve ________ in a timely manner as _________
causes __________, __________, __________, a sick ________,
__________.
31. Define “tree of life” as used in Proverbs 13:12b. ________________
__________________________________________________________
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32. How __________ will we who have __________ for _________ be
when we first set our __________ on the __________ __________ and
see __________ _________ has __________ for us!
33. Persons who do not live within the _________ of _________ will
certainly, one way or another, pay a __________ __________ for their
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_________. __________ who __________ in __________ with
_________’s __________ will be __________.
34. In what ways can it be said that godly instruction, law, teaching are a
“fountain of life”. ___________________________________________
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35. How does death ensnare? (See verse 13b.) ____________________
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36. As a __________ man uses his __________, __________ and
__________ properly, he __________ __________ from _________ as
well as __________ and __________ from his _________.
37. The way of the __________ (__________) is __________,
__________, __________, __________ to __________. (See verse
15b.)
38. _________ people __________ __________ and __________ decide
their proper course of __________.
39. A _________ acts _________, and thus _________ his lack of
_________, and _________ no __________.
40. The __________ who __________ those who place their
__________ in them are certainly headed ________ for ________.
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41. The __________ of the __________, __________, __________
__________ are a _________, __________ to __________ and a
__________ __________ on others.
42. The person who __________ __________, __________ comes to
_________ and __________. Because of his __________, __________
__________ others will come to have no __________ for him.
43. The __________ __________ who __________ __________ and
__________ with __________ and __________ is __________ and
__________.
44. To ___________ an _________, ___________ __________
_________ brings much __________ and __________ __________.
45. __________ are unable to achieve any __________ ________ apart
from their _________ _________.
46. What does your choice of friends and associates say about you? ___
__________________________________________________________
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47. What effect do your friends have on your character? _____________
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48. What causes poverty? _____________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
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49. Give proof that misfortune pursues sinners. Give exceptions to this
rule if they exist. ____________________________________________
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50. Give proof that prosperity is the reward of the righteous. Give
exceptions to this rule if they exist. _____________________________
__________________________________________________________
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51. Since a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, is
a man a bad person if he does not leave an inheritance for his children’s
children? Explain your answer. ________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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52. Evidently the __________ __________’s __________ (see verse 22)
were also __________ because they passed their __________ on to their
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__________. Many __________ __________ the __________ they
have __________ from their __________.
53. How, by what methods / means, do the righteous come into
possession of the wealth of sinners? Give examples. _______________
__________________________________________________________
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54. How is the produce of hard working farmers swept away? Give
examples. _________________________________________________
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55. Does the Bible approve of child abuse? (See verse 24a.) Explain
your answer. _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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56. What price does a nation pay for failing to properly discipline its
children? __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
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__________________________________________________________
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57. Define “discipline”. What is included and what is excluded in the
word “discipline”? __________________________________________
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58. The _________ __________ of the __________ will never be
__________. A __________ __________ could not __________
_________’s __________ _________.
59. The __________ __________ to their __________’s _________.
The _________ are __________ for and __________ their __________.
Those who _________ the __________ __________ no _________
_________.
60. In what ways and to what extent does your life reflect the
characteristics of the wise and of the mocker respectively? ___________
__________________________________________________________
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