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Bible Chapter Summary

Proverbs 13 Summary

Wise Discipline and Self-Control

Proverbs 13 teaches that a wise son heeds his father's instruction, keeping his mouth from destruction through prudent control of speech. Hope deferred sickens the heart, but when desire comes it is a tree of life. Wealth gotten by vanity diminishes while that gathered by labor increases. The law of the wise is a fountain of life protecting from death's snares, and one who walks with wise men becomes wise, whereas a companion of fools is destroyed.

Key themes

Hearing instructionGuarding the mouthHope and desireLabor and wealthWise companionship

Key verses

Proverbs 13:1

A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

Proverbs 13:3

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:20

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

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