NIV 1984 Edition
13:1 A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
13:2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
13:4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
13:5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves.
13:6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
13:8 A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
13:10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
13:11 Dishonest money [wealth obtained by fraud (or through gambling)] dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little [by honest labor] makes it grow.
13:12 Hope [refers to confident expectation—the anticipation that something desired will eventually happen] deferred [means prolonged, delayed, or drawn out] makes the heart [represents the center of a person’s inner life—the emotions, thoughts, will, and spiritual vitality] sick [describes weakness, grief, or emotional weariness], but a longing [refers to something genuinely wanted—not merely a passing preference] fulfilled [means that the desired thing has arrived or come to pass] is a tree of life [a powerful biblical image associated with vitality, blessing, flourishing, healing, and continued life].
13:13 Whoever scorns [means to despise, treat with contempt, or regard as insignificant; an attitude that says: “This does not apply to me,” or “I know better.”] instruction [refers to an authoritative word of wisdom, especially guidance consistent with God’s truth] will pay for it [become liable, suffer loss, or brought to ruin; sin eventually sends a bill; when we disregard God’s commands, we expose ourselves to the dangers they were intended to prevent], but whoever respects [means to take something seriously because one recognizes its authority] a command [refers to an authoritative directive] is rewarded [to be rewarded, repaid, or made whole].
13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
13:15 Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.
13:16 All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.
13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
13:18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
13:19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
13:21 Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
13:23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away.
13:24 [this is not a license to harm a child] He who spares the rod [corporal punishment is a legitimate part of parental discipline and an expression of love] hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
13:25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.