13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. [1]

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Other Translations of Proverbs 13:13-15

New International Version

13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

15 Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.

English Standard Version

13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

15 Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew is rugged, or is an enduring rut

The Message

13 Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God's commands and grow rich.

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells!

15 Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road.

New King James Version

13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.

New Living Translation

13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.

14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

15 A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 13:13-15

Commentary on Proverbs 13:13

(Read Proverbs 13:13)

He that stands in awe of God, and reverences his word, shall escape destruction, and be rewarded for his godly fear.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:14

(Read Proverbs 13:14)

The rule by which the wise regulate their conduct, is a fountain yielding life and happiness.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:15

(Read Proverbs 13:15)

The way of sinners is hard upon others, and hard to the sinner himself. The service of sin is slavery; the road to hell is strewed with the thorns and thistles that followed the curse.