Proverbs 13

3 he that openeth wide his lips. That is, he that speaks inconsiderately.

5 a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Or, “the wicked man acts foully and disgracefully.” R.V. marg., “causeth shame and bringeth reproach.”

7 maketh himself rich. Or, “pretendeth that he is rich.” Outward appearances often deceive, because men try to conceal their real condition.

8 rebuke. “Accusation” or “threat.” The rich are more exposed than the poor to such troubles.

9 rejoiceth. That is, “shineth cheerfully.”

10. Only by pride cometh contention. Rather, as R.V., “By pride cometh only contention.”

11. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, etc. i.e., wealth won in haste or folly.

12 when the desire cometh. That is, “cometh to pass,” is fulfilled.

13 the word. The “word” here is the same as “the law of the wise” in ver. 14.

15 the way of transgressors is hard. Rather, “the way of treacherous men is rough”: see R.V. Crafty dealings draw down resentment on a man, and so make his path difficult.

16 dealeth with knowledge. i.e., acts with deliberation.

19. The desire accomplished, etc. The gratification of a man’s desire is sweet to him; and [therefore] fools cannot bear to depart from the evil on which their minds are set.

20 shall be destroyed. Or, “shall smart for it,” R.V., as xi. 15.

23 for want of judgement. That is, justice. The poor, by honest industry, often attain competence, whilst the unjust come to ruin.

24. He that spareth his red. That is, refrains from due correction. This is illustrated in God’s dealings with His children (Heb. xii. 6-8).