Proverbs 13:15
Proverbs 13:15 in Multiple Translations
Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard.
Wise behaviour gets approval, but the way of the false is their destruction.
Good sense earns appreciation, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
Good vnderstanding maketh acceptable: but the way of the disobedient is hated.
Good understanding giveth grace, And the way of the treacherous [is] hard.
Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit.
People respect those who have good sense, but those who cannot be trusted are on the road to being ruined/destroyed (OR, will have a lot of difficulties/troubles).
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 13:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֵֽׂכֶל
ט֭וֹב
יִתֶּן
חֵ֑ן
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
בֹּגְדִ֣ים
אֵיתָֽן
שֵֽׂכֶל
sekel
H7922
understanding
N-ms
ט֭וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חֵ֑ן
chên
H2580
favor
N-ms
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | N-cs
בֹּגְדִ֣ים
bâgad
H898
to act treacherously
V-Qal
אֵיתָֽן
ʼêythân
H386
strong
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:15
שֵֽׂכֶל
sekel
H7922
"understanding"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means understanding or intelligence, implying success. It involves prudence and insight, as seen in Proverbs. It can also mean cunning or craft.
Definition: 1) prudence, insight, understanding 1a) prudence, good sense 1b) insight, understanding 1c) cunning, craft (bad sense) Aramaic equivalent: sokh.le.ta.nu (שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ "insight" H7924)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: discretion, knowledge, policy, prudence, sense, understanding, wisdom, wise. See also: 1 Samuel 25:3; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 3:4.
ט֭וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
חֵ֑ן
chên
H2580
"favor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means showing kindness or favor to someone, like God's graciousness to humanity. It appears in the Bible as 'favor' or 'grace'.
Definition: 1) favour, grace, charm 1a) favour, grace, elegance 1b) favour, acceptance
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured. See also: Genesis 6:8; 1 Samuel 20:29; Psalms 45:3.
וְ/דֶ֖רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
בֹּגְדִ֣ים
bâgad
H898
"to act treacherously"
V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
אֵיתָֽן
ʼêythân
H386
"strong"
Adj
The Hebrew word for strong or mighty, often used to describe a leader or a powerful force. It can also mean permanent or enduring, like a constantly flowing stream. In the Bible, it's used to describe God's strength and power.
Definition: 1) perpetual, constant, perennial, ever-flowing 1a) ever-flowing (of a stream) 1b) permanence, permanent, enduring (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: hard, mighty, rough, strength, strong. See also: Genesis 49:24; Psalms 74:15; Proverbs 13:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:15
Context — A Father’s Discipline
13He who despises instruction will pay the penalty, but the one who respects a command will be rewarded.
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.
15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.
16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly. 17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 2:19 | Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:19 | But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. |
| 3 | Acts 7:10 | and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. |
| 4 | Psalms 111:10 | The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! |
| 5 | Proverbs 3:4 | Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:10 | Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die. |
| 7 | Romans 6:21 | What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. |
| 8 | Psalms 95:9–11 | where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work. For forty years I was angry with that generation, and I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known My ways.” So I swore on oath in My anger, “They shall never enter My rest.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 18:14–16 | and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. When Saul saw that David was very successful, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he was leading them out to battle and back. |
| 10 | Luke 2:52 | And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. |
Proverbs 13:15 Summary
[Proverbs 13:15 tells us that having good understanding and wisdom is important because it helps us make good choices and live in a way that honors God. When we have good understanding, we can win favor with God and others, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:3-4. On the other hand, the way of the faithless, or those who do not trust in God, is difficult and leads to trouble, as seen in Psalm 1:6. By seeking wisdom and knowledge from God's Word, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we can live a life of favor and blessing, and avoid the difficulties that come with living a faithless life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'good understanding' in Proverbs 13:15?
Good understanding refers to having a deep knowledge and insight into God's ways and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 111:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and in Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
How does 'good understanding' win favor according to this verse?
Good understanding wins favor because it allows us to make wise decisions and live in a way that honors God and respects others, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:3-4, which says that kindness and faithfulness will win us favor and a good name.
What is the 'way of the faithless' mentioned in this verse?
The way of the faithless refers to the path of those who do not trust in God or follow His commands, which leads to difficulty and trouble, as seen in Psalm 1:6, which says that the way of the wicked will perish.
How can we apply Proverbs 13:15 to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by seeking wisdom and knowledge from God's Word, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and by living in a way that honors Him, which will lead to a life of favor and blessing, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek good understanding and wisdom from God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can win favor with God and others by living a life of kindness, faithfulness, and wisdom?
- What are some 'snares of death' that I need to be aware of, and how can I turn away from them, as mentioned in Proverbs 13:14?
- How can I distinguish between the way of the faithless and the path of righteousness in my daily decisions and choices?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding giveth favour,.... A good understanding in things natural and civil gives favour among men; and so a good understanding in divine and spiritual things gives a man favour among
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard. Good understanding giveth favour - both with God and man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding; discovering itself by a man’ s holy and righteous practices and ways, as appears from the opposition of the way of transgressors to it; and as words of understanding in this and other books of Scripture commonly include practice. Giveth favour; maketh a man acceptable both to God and men. The way; the carriage or manner of conversation. Is hard; or, rough, as this very word is used, ; offensive and hateful to God and men, as rough ways are to a traveller; fierce, and intractable, and incorrigible.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [is] hard.Ver. 15. Good understanding giveth favour.] See this exemplified in Joseph, David, Daniel, Paul. God oft speaketh for such in the hearts of their enemies, who cannot but admire their piety and patience, and spend more thoughts about them than the world is aware of; as Darius did about Daniel when cast into the den. Natural conscience cannot but do homage to the image of God stamped upon the natures and works of the godly: when they see in them that which is above the ordinary nature of men, or their expectation, they are afraid of the name of God, whereby they are called, and are forced to say, "Surely this is a wise and understanding nation"; "God is in this people of a truth"; "Certainly this was a righteous man." But the way of transgressors is hard.] Or, Rough and rugged. Satan is a rough, harsh spirit; hence devils are called Shegnirim, hairy ones, satyrs. So are all his; ανημεροι, fierce, "heady, highminded"; "Living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another." Such were Ishmael, Esau, Saul, Antiochus (that little Antichrist), the Pope, that Aντικειμενος, and our Richard III; who, well knowing it was no good policy to play the devil by half deal, resolved to leave never a rub to lie in the way that might hinder the running of his bowl; and hence was he so infinitely hated of all.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
(15) Good understanding giveth favour.—Comp. the union of “wisdom” and “favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). The way of transgressors is hard.—Rough and barren as the valley described in Deuteronomy 21:4, in contrast to the green “pastures” and “waters of comfort” of Psalms 23:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
Verse 15. The way of transgressors is hard.] Never was a truer saying; most sinners have more pain and difficulty to get their souls damned, than the righteous have, with all their cross-bearings, to get to the kingdom of heaven.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:15
15. transgressors] Rather, the treacherous, R.V. hard] rugged, R.V., i.e. harsh and forbidding, like a desert or rocky place (Deuteronomy 21:4) in contrast to the “favour” which “good understanding” “giveth,” or “getteth.” The LXX. render, is in destruction.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:15
Hard - The primary meaning of the original word is permanence (compare Deuteronomy 21:4; Micah 6:2). This may be applied as here to the hard dry rock, to running streams, or to stagnant pools.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:15
15. Good understanding — Intelligence accompanied with kindness; kindly wisdom.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Jehovah's Disobedient Servant by Charles E. Fuller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding forth the Word of God in these critical days. He acknowledges that the world cannot offer lasting peace and securi |
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Fruit of Unholiness by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the consequences of straying away from God. He highlights the prevalence of unholiness in the world, such as t |
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Sin's Ultimate End Is Misery by Walter Chantry | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the prodigal son from the Bible, specifically focusing on the consequences of living a life of sin and foolishness. The preacher |
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Marriage: Anger, the Great Destroyer by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the issues of anger, highlighting how it can be a destructive force in our lives, fueled by selfishness, jealousy, pride, addiction, and guilt. The speaker em |
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Bringing Christianity Into Disrepute by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of not allowing our good deeds to be spoken of as evil, emphasizing that even Jesus Christ faced criticism despite His purity. He highlights c |
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The Ways of Sin Hard; of Holiness, Pleasant by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the stark contrast between the hard ways of sin and the pleasant paths of holiness, illustrating that true religion is a heartfelt devotion to God that br |
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 3 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the word of God in a way that truly reflects the power and glory of Yahweh. He criticizes the current state of pr |