TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 13:13.
Here is, 1. The character of one that is marked for ruin: He that despises the word of God, and has no regard to it, no veneration for it, nor will be ruled by it, certainly he shall be destroyed, for he slights that which is the only means of curing a destructive disease and makes himself obnoxious to that divine wrath which will certainly be his destruction. Those that prefer the rules of carnal policy before divine precepts, and the allurements of the world and the flesh before God's promises and comforts, despise his word, giving the preference to those things that stand in competition with it; and it is to their own just destruction: they would not take warning. 2. The character of one that is sure to be happy: He that fears the commandment, that stands in awe of God, pays a deference to his authority, has a reverence for his word, is afraid of displeasing God and incurring the penalties annexed to the commandment, shall not only escape destruction, but shall be rewarded for his godly fear. In keeping the commandment there is great reward.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
"But he who fears the command," etc. It is better, therefore, for anyone to fear concerning his own weakness so that he may not transgress the divine commands, than to foolishly tear apart the errors of others with his mouth, as the Apostle says, "Even if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6).
"He who disparages something," etc. He who disparages a good thing binds himself in the future because, by doing what he ought not to, he prepares a punishment for himself by which he may be bound. But even he who disparages an evil thing obliges himself in the future, not so that he may suffer punishment for such slander, but so that after the slander he may act more cautiously, for clearly, what he justly rebukes in others, he does not admit with impunity himself, as the Apostle shouts, "You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?" (Romans 2).
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Summary
Proverbs 13:13 articulates a profound antithesis, characteristic of biblical wisdom literature, by presenting two divergent paths based on one's posture toward divine revelation. It starkly contrasts the destructive consequences awaiting those who disdain God's instruction with the holistic flourishing and comprehensive recompense promised to those who revere and obey His precepts. This verse encapsulates a foundational principle of the book of Proverbs: the direct correlation between one's attitude toward truth and their ultimate destiny, emphasizing that true wisdom is rooted in humble submission to the divine will.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 13:13 is situated within the "Solomonic collections" (Proverbs 10-22:16), a section predominantly characterized by individual, two-line proverbs often employing antithetical parallelism. This literary device places two contrasting ideas side-by-side to highlight a moral or spiritual truth, making the choice between wisdom and folly explicit. The verse immediately precedes other proverbs that continue to explore themes of wisdom, knowledge, and their practical outcomes in daily life, such as the value of counsel (Proverbs 13:14) and the path of the righteous versus the wicked (Proverbs 13:15-16). It functions as a concise summary of the overarching message found throughout the book of Proverbs, where the fear of the Lord is consistently presented as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Proverbs reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of wisdom, which was not merely intellectual acumen but practical skill in living righteously and successfully within God's covenant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wisdom was often taught within family units and royal courts, emphasizing moral instruction, ethical conduct, and the consequences of one's actions. The "word" (dâbâr) and "commandment" (mitsvâh) in this context refer to divine revelation, particularly the Law of Moses and the broader body of God's instruction, which served as the foundational guide for Israelite society. Disrespecting this divine word was not just a personal failing but an act of rebellion against the divine King, with societal and personal repercussions. Conversely, adherence to these commands was understood to bring blessing and stability, aligning with the covenant promises found in texts like Deuteronomy 28.
Key Themes
Proverbs 13:13 powerfully contributes to several key themes pervasive in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the Authority and Efficacy of God's Word, presenting divine instruction not as optional advice but as authoritative decrees that determine one's fate. Secondly, it highlights the Principle of Retribution, a recurring motif in wisdom literature where actions inevitably lead to corresponding consequences. To "despise the word" leads to destruction, while "fearing the commandment" results in reward. This theme is echoed throughout the wisdom tradition, as seen in Psalm 1:6. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the Centrality of the Fear of the Lord, which is not a cowering dread but a profound reverence that leads to obedience and trust. This reverential fear is consistently presented as the path to life and understanding, distinguishing the wise from the foolish.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a primitive root meaning "to disrespect," "to contemn," or "to utterly scorn." This word signifies an active, intentional rejection or disdain for something deemed worthless or beneath consideration. In the context of "the word," it implies a deliberate attitude of contempt toward divine instruction, treating it as insignificant or irrelevant.
This versatile Hebrew term, derived from a root meaning "to speak," encompasses a broad range of meanings including "a word," "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," "a decree," or "a commandment." Here, it refers to God's revealed truth, His communicated will, or His divine instruction, which carries inherent authority and power.
A primitive root meaning "to be safe (in mind, body or estate)"; figuratively, "to be (causatively, make) completed"; by implication, "to be friendly"; by extension, "to reciprocate (in various applications)." It carries the sense of "to make amends," "to repay," "to recompense," or "to restore." In this context, the reward is not merely a payment but a state of wholeness, well-being, peace, and fulfillment that comes from aligning one's life with God's commands, implying divine favor and prosperity in the broadest sense.
Verse Breakdown
"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed"
This clause presents the negative consequence of an arrogant and dismissive attitude toward God's revealed will. To "despise" (bûwz) implies a willful scorn, a deliberate act of treating God's instruction as insignificant or contemptible. The "word" (dâbâr) refers to divine revelation, whether specific commands, moral principles, or the broader Law. The outcome, "shall be destroyed" (châbal), indicates ruin, corruption, or perishing. This destruction is not necessarily immediate physical death but signifies a profound spiritual, moral, and practical undoing—a life devoid of true blessing, peace, and ultimately, under divine judgment.
"but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."
This clause offers a contrasting positive outcome for those who adopt a posture of reverence and obedience. "Feareth" (yârêʼ) here denotes a profound, respectful awe of God and His authority, which naturally leads to adherence. The "commandment" (mitsvâh) refers to God's specific precepts and ordinances. The promise is that such an individual "shall be rewarded" (shâlam), meaning they will experience wholeness, completion, peace, and recompense. This reward encompasses holistic well-being, divine favor, and a life brought to its intended fulfillment and prosperity according to God's design.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:13 is a prime example of Antithetical Parallelism, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting statements or ideas in parallel structure to highlight a moral truth. The first half of the verse describes the negative outcome of despising the word, while the second half presents the positive outcome of fearing the commandment. This stark contrast emphasizes the clear choice and inevitable consequences of one's attitude towards divine instruction. The use of Cause and Effect is also prominent, where a specific action (despising or fearing) directly leads to a predictable result (destruction or reward). Furthermore, the verse employs Metonymy where "the word" and "the commandment" stand for the entire body of divine revelation and the authority of God Himself, while "destroyed" and "rewarded" represent the comprehensive state of being that results from one's choices.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 13:13 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on the authority and life-giving power of God's Word. It aligns with the prophetic tradition that warns against rejecting divine counsel (e.g., Jeremiah 8:9) and the psalmist's celebration of the blessedness of meditating on God's law (e.g., Psalm 1:2-3). The "reward" for fearing the commandment is not merely material prosperity but a holistic well-being that encompasses spiritual peace, moral integrity, and a life aligned with God's purposes, echoing the covenant blessings promised throughout the Old Testament. This principle underscores that true flourishing is inextricably linked to humble submission to divine wisdom, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the person of Christ.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 13:13 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to honestly examine our own hearts and attitudes toward God's Word. In a world saturated with information and competing voices, it's easy to treat divine instruction as just another opinion, to be weighed and perhaps dismissed. Yet, this proverb asserts that our very well-being—our spiritual vitality, our inner peace, and our ultimate destiny—is profoundly intertwined with how we receive and respond to God's truth. Do we approach Scripture with a dismissive skepticism, seeking reasons to disregard its precepts, or with a humble reverence, eager to learn and obey? The "reward" promised is not a transactional payment but the inherent flourishing that comes from living in harmony with the Creator's design, a life characterized by wisdom, peace, and purpose. Conversely, to despise God's word is to invite a self-inflicted destruction, a life out of alignment with reality, leading to spiritual barrenness and moral decay.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "despise the word"?
To "despise the word" (from the Hebrew bûwz) means to treat God's revealed instruction with scorn, contempt, or indifference. It's not merely ignorance, but an active, willful rejection or disregard of divine truth, viewing it as irrelevant, outdated, or beneath one's consideration. This attitude often manifests in disobedience or a refusal to allow God's Word to shape one's life and decisions, as seen in the warnings against those who reject the counsel of the Lord.
What kind of "destruction" is implied for those who despise the word?
The "destruction" (from the Hebrew châbal) spoken of here is not necessarily immediate physical death, but a comprehensive ruin or perishing. It signifies a profound spiritual, moral, and practical undoing of one's life. This can include loss of peace, broken relationships, moral decay, spiritual barrenness, and ultimately, a life lived outside of God's blessing and under His judgment. It is a state of being "spoiled" or "corrupted," as opposed to the wholeness promised to the obedient, mirroring the fate of the wicked in Psalm 1.
What does it mean to "fear the commandment" and what is the nature of the "reward"?
To "fear the commandment" (from the Hebrew yârêʼ) means to hold God's precepts in reverential awe and respect, leading to humble obedience. This is not a cowering dread, but a profound recognition of God's authority and wisdom, which motivates one to listen and submit to His will. The "reward" (from the Hebrew shâlam) is not merely a transactional payment, but a holistic state of well-being, completeness, peace, and fulfillment. It encompasses divine favor, spiritual prosperity, and a life brought to its intended purpose and flourishing, as promised to those who walk in the Lord's ways.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 13:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "Word" (Logos) of God, through whom all things were made and in whom all wisdom resides, as John 1:1-3 and Colossians 2:3 proclaim. To despise the word, therefore, is ultimately to despise Christ Himself, who is God's final and complete revelation. Just as the proverb warns of destruction for those who scorn the word, the New Testament declares that those who reject Jesus, the Lamb of God, face eternal separation and judgment. Conversely, those who "fear the commandment" find their ultimate "reward" in Christ. The "fear of the Lord" is transformed into a loving, reverent trust in Jesus, whose life perfectly exemplified obedience to God's commands. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He provides the wholeness (shâlam) and peace that the proverb anticipates, offering reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal life to all who believe and obey Him, as Hebrews 5:9 states. Thus, the paths of destruction and reward converge entirely on one's response to Jesus, the living Word and perfect fulfillment of every divine commandment.