Proverbs 13 - Arno Geneva Study Bible

A man shall eat good by the fruit (a) of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.

(a) If he uses his tongue to God's glory, and the profit of his neighbour, God will bless him.

The soul of the sluggard (b) desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

(b) He always desires, but takes no pains to get anything.

The ransom of a man's life [is] his riches: but the poor (c) heareth not rebuke.

(c) For his poverty, he is not able to escape the threatenings, which the cruel oppressors use against him.

Only by pride (d) cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.

(d) When as every man contends to have preeminence, and will not give place to another.

(e) Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth (f) by labour shall increase.

(e) That is, goods evil gotten.

(f) That is, with his own labour.

Whoever despiseth (g) the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

(g) Meaning the word of God, by which he is admonished of his duty.

A wicked messenger falleth (h) into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.

(h) Brings many inconveniences both to himself and to others.

He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be (i) destroyed.

(i) As he is partaker of their wickedness, and bears with their vices, so will he be punished alike as they are.

A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the (k) wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

(k) Read (Job 27:16-17).

Much food [is in] the fallow ground of the (l) poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for lack of judgment.

(l) God blesses the labour of the poor, and consumes their goods who are negligent, because they think they have enough.