Proverbs 13

13. the word--that is, of advice, or, instruction (compare Proverbs 10:27 , 11:31 ).

14. (Compare Proverbs 10:11 ).
fountain--or, "source of life."
to depart--(compare Proverbs 1:2-4 ), or, "for departing," &c., and so gives life.

15. Right perception and action secure good will, while evil ways are difficult as a stony road. The wicked left of God find punishment of sin in sinning.
hard--or, "harsh" (compare Hebrew: Deuteronomy 21:4 , Jeremiah 5:15 ).

16. dealeth--acts with foresight.
a fool . . . folly--for want of caution.

17. A wicked--or, "unfaithful"
messenger falleth into mischief--or, "by mischief," or "evil," and so his errand fails. Contrasted is the character of the faithful, whose faithfulness benefits others.

18. (Compare Proverbs 10:17 , 12:1 ).

19. Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.

20. The benefits of good and evil of bad society are contrasted.

21. (Compare Proverbs 11:31 ).
good . . . repaid--or, "He (God) will repay good."

22. wealth . . . just--While good men's estates remain in their families, God so orders that the gains of sinners enure to the just (compare Proverbs 28:8 , Psalms 37:18 Psalms 37:22 Psalms 37:26 , &c.).

23. The laboring poor prosper more than those who injudiciously or wickedly strive, by fraud and violence, to supersede the necessity of lawful labor.

24. spareth--or, "withholds."
rod--of correction.
hateth--or, acts as if he hated him (compare Proverbs 3:12 , 8:36 ).
chasteneth . . . betimes--or, "diligently seeks for him all useful discipline."

25. The comparative temporal prosperity of the righteous and wicked, rather than contentment and discontent, is noted.