Proverbs 13:1-5
 
Prov 13:1 (KJB)
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
 
Scorner - Mocker
Heareth not - Does not heed
 
The difference between the wise man and the foolish is laid out in this verse in a very simple manner. A wise son or man will hear and understand his father’s instructions. He will realize that his father is trying to impart wisdom to him and will not allow personal pride to get in the way of his growth. On the other hand, a scorner does not heed the rebuke of anyone. They mock at the advice of others simply because they believe that they know it all and nothing anyone says to them will ever supersede the wisdom or knowledge they think they possess. The most dangerous thing a person can do is to reject or mock the advice others give, especially when those others are doing it out of a spirit of caring.
 
Prov 13:2 (KJB)
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
 
Transgressors - Deceitful ones
Violence - Wickedness or wrong
 
Here we have a verse which speaks about the necessity of right words. A wise man will know what words to bring to a person and that is not speaking of words which flatter to gain some advantage. These are words which a person needs to hear at the proper time. They could be words of encouragement, to strengthen another or help calm them down. By using words in the proper context and with feeling aimed at the person who is being spoken with, their speech will yield a good return for them. They will not be known as someone who just likes to put people down or just speak with empty words. Their speech will help a person in a time of need. As a result of their caring attitude, they will build a large friendship base and when they need help, their friends will remember them and help them. On the other hand, the one who always has the negative or railing mouth will gain a return of violence against them. Violence can be either physical or it can be verbal. People will remember those who caused much consternation instead of helping them and their wrong attitude will be returned to them, sometimes worse than they way they gave it out.
 
Prov 13:3 (KJB)
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
 
Keepeth - Observe or guard
 
A person who carefully guards his speech is one who is wise and probably never gets in trouble for spewing out unwholesome words or accusations. This verse teaches us that we are to watch what we say, simply because the wrong words to the wrong people can cause us to lose our life. Especially in the times we live in where just a wrong look could cause someone to pull out a gun and shoot. If we watch what we say and only use words at an appropriate time, we will guard our lives as well as our testimony. On the other hand, the one who is vociferous is placing themselves in a bad position because the person they could be railing against could take their life. This verse does not state “may have destruction” but it states “shall have destruction.” It means that those who use their mouth in a slanderous way will meet destruction head on. It may take a while but it will come.
 
Prov 13:4 (KJB)
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
 
Be made fat - Figuratively to make healthy, rich, or prosperous
 
Here is the essence of laziness. The lazy person has all kinds of desires and wants yet they are so lazy and will do nothing to establish and work toward a goal. Their entire life is based on laziness and will always have nothing while maintaining desires. They always think that tomorrow will bring something better for them, even though they have done nothing to warrant looking forward to tomorrow. (Prov 27:1 KJV) Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. The lazy person always thinks that tomorrow will hold something better for them but it is just one more day deeper into poverty. On the other hand, the diligent person does not sit around and makes the most of as many opportunities as they can. They are diligent in the work that they do and that work will yield fruit in due time. In fact, they will become prosperous in their vocation. It is like the person who refuses to do Bible study and continually knows less every day but the person who chooses to be diligent in their studies in the Scriptures will become rich in the wisdom of God and knowledge of the Scriptures. To be a spiritually fat Christian is to be one who is constantly growing in the faith.
 
Prov 13:5 (KJB)
A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
 
Lying - A word of deception
Loathsome - Stinks or causes to stink
 
The truly saved man will hate lying, in fact, he will hate any form of deception whether it is deceptive teachings or deception in any realm. He knows that if he continually tells the truth, his reputation will always remain intact and he will never have to go back and cover a lie with another lie. In fact, even the most ingenious lie will eventually be uncovered and exposed. The wicked man lives in deception and that deceptive lifestyle of his will give off an odor that people will want to stay away from. It may not be a body odor but it will be the type of an odor of deception that will cause people to want to stay away from that person. Eventually, that person will be openly shamed because their deceptions will be brought to light.

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