Proverbs 13:1-8
Q.1. What makes a son wise? How can you recognize a scoffer? Why should we watch what we hear and speak? What did Solomon say about a person’s work ethic? – (Prov.13:1-4)
We grow in wisdom when we accept the discipline of our parents. Scoffers are wise in their own eyes, and do not listen to others (Prov.13:1). Those who are slow to react in their speech, will enjoy blessing in return. Those who place no limits on what they say will come to ruin (Prov.13:2-3). Since there is much slander and destructive speech all around us, we should be cautious about what we hear and believe. Solomon produced many proverbs that encourage us to develop a good work ethic and to refuse to be lazy. Here he declared that a sluggard will fail to satisfy his lusts and longings (Prov.13:4).
Q.2. What distinguishes the righteous? How do the wicked behave? What did Solomon observe about claims of riches and poverty? How are we to reconcile Proverbs 13:8 with Psalm 49:5-9? – (Prov.13:5-8)
Righteous people have a hatred for all falsehood. This protects them from treachery (Prov.13:5-6). The wicked are the opposite, and without shame, excuse sin (Prov.13:5-6). Solomon observed that – There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth (Prov.13:7). Our pleasure-loving society often relies on borrowings to fund a lifestyle beyond what people earn or own. The lifestyle many live can be a pretence beyond their true financial status. However, others live more modestly and within their means, and have great wealth spiritually, if not materially (Mk.10:29-30). The Psalmist warned – No man can by any means redeem his brother or give to God a ransom for him – for the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever – that he should live on eternally … (Ps.49:7-9). We cannot buy our way into Heaven. However, those with money may at times be able to buy their way out of trouble. This ability is not accessible to the poor. – The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth … (Prov.13:8 c.f. Prov.30:7-9). The Bible encourages us to make the Lord our treasure (c.f. Mt.6:19-21 & 24)