Proverbs 13:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Poverty and shame are for him who won't be taught, but he who heeds reproof will be honored.

Berean Standard Bible:

Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

American Standard Version:

Poverty and shameshall be tohim that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Poverty^{H7389} and shame^{H7036} shall be to him that refuseth^{H6544} instruction^{H4148}: but he that regardeth^{H8104} reproof^{H8433} shall be honoured^{H3513}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 13:18

Proverbs 13:18 is a verse from the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Bible, which reflects the collected wisdom of ancient Israel. This particular proverb articulates a principle about the consequences of one's attitude towards learning and correction. The historical context of Proverbs situates it within the life of ancient Israelite society, where instruction and reproof were integral to the educational and moral development of individuals, often administered within family settings or through the mentorship of elders and wise men.

The verse contrasts two types of individuals and their respective outcomes: one who rejects discipline and one who accepts it. The theme of poverty and shame being the lot of the person who refuses instruction suggests a cause-and-effect relationship where a lack of teachability leads to negative consequences, both material and social. This individual's refusal to learn from mistakes or advice results in a life marked by hardship and disgrace.

Conversely, the proverb promises honor for the person who is willing to heed reproof. This suggests that such an individual is open to self-improvement, acknowledges their faults, and actively seeks to correct them. The promise of honor implies social esteem and possibly material success, indicating that ancient Israelite society valued humility, wisdom, and the ability to change one's behavior based on constructive feedback.

In summary, Proverbs 13:18 encapsulates the idea that personal growth and societal approval are contingent upon one's willingness to accept and learn from criticism and instruction. This principle is presented as a timeless truth, applicable to individuals across various societies and eras, including the historical context of ancient Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7389
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֵישׁ
   Transliteration: rêysh
   Pronunciation: raysh
   Description: or רֵאשׁ; or רִישׁ; from רוּשׁ; poverty; poverty.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7036
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָלוֹן
   Transliteration: qâlôwn
   Pronunciation: kaw-lone'
   Description: from קָלָה; disgrace; (by implication) the pudenda; confusion, dishonour, ignominy, reproach, shame.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6544
   There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּרַע
   Transliteration: pâraʻ
   Pronunciation: paw-rah'
   Description: a primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin; avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4148
   There are 50 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוּסָר
   Transliteration: mûwçâr
   Pronunciation: moo-sawr'
   Description: from יָסַר; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8104
   There are 440 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַר
   Transliteration: shâmar
   Pronunciation: shaw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
   
6. Strong's Number: H8433
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹכֵחָה
   Transliteration: tôwkêchâh
   Pronunciation: to-kay-khaw'
   Description: and תּוֹכַחַת; from יָכַח; chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence); argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved.
   
7. Strong's Number: H3513
   There are 109 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּבַד
   Transliteration: kâbad
   Pronunciation: kaw-bad'
   Description: or כָּבֵד; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable; causatively, to make weighty (in the same two senses); abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop.