Proverbs 13:13

¶ Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

Whoso despiseth {H936} the word {H1697} shall be destroyed {H2254}: but he that feareth {H3373} the commandment {H4687} shall be rewarded {H7999}.

He who despises a word will suffer for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.

He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.

Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

Proverbs 13:13 offers a stark contrast, characteristic of wisdom literature, outlining the two distinct paths and their inevitable outcomes based on one's attitude towards divine instruction. It serves as a foundational principle within the book of Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of reverence for God's revealed truth.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, often presented in antithetical parallelism, where two opposing ideas are placed side-by-side to highlight a moral or spiritual truth. This verse fits perfectly within that framework, contrasting the fate of those who scorn God's word with those who honor His commands. It speaks to the core theme of the book: the pursuit of wisdom (which begins with the fear of the Lord) versus the path of folly.

Key Themes

  • The Authority and Value of God's Word: The verse underscores that God's "word" and "commandment" are not mere suggestions but divine decrees that carry ultimate authority. How one responds to them determines their destiny.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: To "despise the word" (buz - to scorn, treat with contempt) leads to destruction (chabal - to ruin, spoil, perish). This destruction isn't necessarily immediate physical death but implies spiritual ruin, loss of peace, and ultimately, a life devoid of true blessing and under divine judgment.
  • Rewards of Obedience: Conversely, "he that feareth the commandment" (yare - to revere, stand in awe of, leading to obedience) "shall be rewarded" (shalam - to be whole, complete, at peace, recompensed). This reward encompasses holistic well-being, divine favor, and a life of prosperity in the truest sense, aligning with God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "despiseth," buz, conveys a strong sense of scorn and contempt, suggesting an active rejection rather than mere ignorance. The "word" or dabar can refer to divine utterance, instruction, or the Law. The consequence, "shall be destroyed," from chabal, speaks to a state of ruin or corruption. On the other hand, "feareth" (yare) in this context is the respectful awe that leads to obedience, a central concept in biblical wisdom. The "commandment" (mitzvah) represents God's precepts, and "rewarded" (shalam) implies not just repayment but also wholeness and completion, suggesting a life brought to fulfillment.

Practical Application

Proverbs 13:13 remains profoundly relevant today. It challenges us to examine our own attitude towards God's Word. Do we treat it lightly, dismiss its teachings, or consider it irrelevant for modern life? Or do we approach it with reverence, seeking to understand and obey its truths? The verse teaches that our spiritual and practical well-being is directly tied to our respect for and adherence to divine wisdom. By truly fearing God's commandments, we position ourselves for a life of blessing and purpose, demonstrating that blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, reminding us that blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 15:31

    Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.

  • 2 John 1:8

    Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:16

    But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

  • Psalms 119:165

    ¶ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

  • Psalms 19:11

    Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.

  • Ezekiel 20:13

    But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

  • Ezekiel 20:16

    Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back