Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 13:20 in Multiple Translations
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.
Go with wise men and be wise: but he who keeps company with the foolish will be broken.
Being friends with wise people will make you wise, but being friends with stupid people will only cause you problems.
He that walketh with the wise, shalbe wise: but a companion of fooles shalbe afflicted.
Whoso is walking with wise men is wise, And a companion of fools suffereth evil.
One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like to them.
Those who habitually associate with wise people become wise; those who ◄are close friends of/associate with► foolish people will ◄regret it/be ruined►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:20
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 13:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הלוך
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
אֶת
חֲכָמִ֣ים
ו/חכם
יֶחְכָּ֑ם
וְ/רֹעֶ֖ה
כְסִילִ֣ים
יֵרֽוֹעַ
הלוך
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Ptc
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
ו/חכם
châkam
H2449
be wise
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יֶחְכָּ֑ם
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/רֹעֶ֖ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
Conj | V-Qal
כְסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
fool
Adj
יֵרֽוֹעַ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:20
הלוך
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Ptc
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
ו/חכם
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
יֶחְכָּ֑ם
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
וְ/רֹעֶ֖ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
כְסִילִ֣ים
kᵉçîyl
H3684
"fool"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes a fool or someone who is stupid and silly. It is often used to describe people who reject God's wisdom. The Bible uses this word to warn against foolish behavior.
Definition: fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish). See also: Psalms 49:11; Proverbs 19:13; Psalms 92:7.
יֵרֽוֹעַ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:20
Context — A Father’s Discipline
18Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools.
20He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
21Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. 22A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 15:33–34 | Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Sober up as you ought, and stop sinning; for some of you are ignorant of God. I say this to your shame. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:31 | He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. |
| 3 | Proverbs 9:6 | Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.” |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 | Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” |
| 5 | Revelation 18:4 | Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:63 | I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts. |
| 7 | Malachi 3:16 | At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:11–19 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse”— my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. Such is the fate of all who are greedy, whose unjust gain takes the lives of its possessors. |
| 9 | Acts 2:42 | They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. |
| 10 | Hebrews 10:24 | And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. |
Proverbs 13:20 Summary
[Proverbs 13:20 teaches us that the people we surround ourselves with can greatly impact our lives, either leading us towards wisdom or destruction. By choosing to walk with wise and godly people, we can become wise and discerning, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. On the other hand, if we spend too much time with fools, we can be pulled down and destroyed. As Psalm 1:1-3 reminds us, the company we keep can have a profound impact on our lives, so it's essential to be intentional about the influences in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'walk with the wise' in Proverbs 13:20?
To walk with the wise means to seek guidance and counsel from those who are knowledgeable and godly, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Can I still become wise if I have foolish friends?
While it's possible to still become wise, Proverbs 13:20 warns that the companion of fools will be destroyed, emphasizing the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly influences, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25.
Is it okay to have friends who are not believers or who are foolish?
While Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors and share the Gospel with all people, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40 and Matthew 28:18-20, Proverbs 13:20 cautions us to be mindful of the company we keep and the influences in our lives, as excessive association with fools can lead to destruction.
How can I apply Proverbs 13:20 to my everyday life?
To apply Proverbs 13:20, seek out wise and godly mentors, friends, and role models, and be intentional about the company you keep and the influences in your life, as seen in Psalm 1:1-3, where the blessed man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.
Reflection Questions
- What kind of company do I keep, and are they leading me towards wisdom or foolishness?
- How can I seek out wise and godly influences in my life, and what steps can I take to surround myself with them?
- What are some potential consequences of being a companion of fools, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 13:20 to my relationships and friendships?
- How can I balance loving and witnessing to those who are foolish or unbelievers with the need to protect myself from their influences?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise,.... Who is a companion of them that fear the Lord; converses frequently with them in private about spiritual and experimental things, and walks with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. He that walketh (namely, continuously and habitually) with wise men shall be wise.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
Walketh; commonly converseth and associateth himself. Shall be wise; shall learn wisdom and goodness, both from their counsels and examples. The design of this proverb is to show the wonderful influence which a man’ s society hath upon him, either to save, or to corrupt and destroy him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.Ver. 20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.] He that comes where sweet spices and ointments are stirring, doth carry away some of the sweet savour, though he think not of it; so he that converseth with good men shall get good. Holiness is such an elixir as by contaction (if there be any disposition of goodness in the same metal) it will render it of the property. A child having been brought up with Plato, and afterwards hearing his father break out into rage and passion, said, I have never seen the like with Plato. But a companion of fools shall be broken.] There is an elegance in the original that cannot be told in English. Bede, by a companion or friend of fools here, understands those that take delight in jesters, stage players, and such idle companions, unprofitable burdens - fruges consumere nati, the botch and canker of the commonwealth. Theatra iuvenes corrumpunt, saith Plato. Ludi praebent semina nequitiae, saith Ovid. The Lacedemonians would not admit any of them, that so they might not hear anything contrary to their laws, whether in jest or in earnest. And Henry III, Emperor of Germany, when a great sort of such fellows flocked together at his wedding, sent them all away, not allowing them so much as a cup of drink, 1044 AD.
Seneca, De Ira, lib. iii. cap. 11. Plutarch. Func., Chron.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
(20) Shall be destroyed—i.e., morally ruined.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
Verse 20. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise] To walk with a person implies love and attachment; and it is impossible not to imitate those we love. So we say, "Show me his company, and I'll tell you the man." Let me know the company he keeps, and I shall easily guess his moral character.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:20
20. He that walketh] Or (with a change of Heb. vowel points), Walk with wise men and be wise. destroyed] Lit. be broken. See Proverbs 11:15, where the same word is rendered shall smart for it. He who is the companion of fools in friendship shall become their companion in destruction. Comp. Proverbs 1:10; Proverbs 1:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:20
20. Walketh with wise men — This may be read imperatively: Walk with wise men and be wise. “This expresses the influence of good associates upon the character.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2008 Usa Tour) Singles Table Talk by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher describes a journey up a cableway to a beautiful mountain, followed by a visit to a tea place and a boat ride around Seal Island. The preacher then men |
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A Fragrant Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heart that has been visited and filled by Jesus. He uses the story of Baron von Sincendorf and his friends discuss |
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Becoming Strong in Spirit by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea of compelling others to come to the word of God. He acknowledges that he may have misunderstood how this should be done, but believ |
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Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to dece |
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Living for Jesus in a Modern Babylon - 1 by Freddy Bafuka | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making wise choices in life. He uses the example of Daniel from the Bible, who chose to follow God and was rewarded with wi |
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No One Cried at the Funeral by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with good influences to fight against evil. He encourages the audience to spend time in prayer and in |
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How Do You Represent Christ on Facebook? Tim Conway by Tim Conway | This sermon addresses the importance of how our actions, words, and associations, especially on social media like Facebook, reflect our true identity as Christians. It emphasizes t |