Proverbs 13:5-12

⁵ The upright man is a hater of false words: the evil-doer gets a bad name and is put to shame.

⁶ Righteousness keeps safe him whose way is without error, but evil-doers are overturned by sin.

⁷ A man may be acting as if he had wealth, but have nothing; another may seem poor, but have great wealth.

⁸ A man will give his wealth in exchange for his life; but the poor will not give ear to sharp words.

⁹ There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out.

¹⁰ The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.

¹¹ Wealth quickly got will become less; but he who gets a store by the work of his hands will have it increased.

¹² Hope put off is a weariness to the heart; but when what is desired comes, it is a tree of life.

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 13:5-12

Commentary on Proverbs 13:5

(Read Proverbs 13:5)

Where sin reigns, the man is loathsome. If his conscience were awake, he would abhor himself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:6

(Read Proverbs 13:6)

An honest desire to do right, preserves a man from fatal mistakes, better than a thousand fine-drawn distinctions.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:7

(Read Proverbs 13:7)

Some who are really poor, trade and spend as if they were rich: this is sin, and will be shame, and it will end accordingly. Some that are really rich, would be thought to be poor: in this there is want of gratitude to God, want of justice and charity to others. There are many hypocrites, empty of grace, who will not be convinced of their poverty. There are many fearing Christians, who are spiritually rich, yet think themselves poor; by their doubts, and complaints, and griefs, they make themselves poor.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:8

(Read Proverbs 13:8)

Great riches often tempt to violence against those that possess them; but the poor are free from such perils.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:9

(Read Proverbs 13:9)

The light of the righteous is as that of the sun, which may be eclipsed and clouded, but will continue: the Spirit is their Light, he gives a fulness of joy: that of the wicked is as a lamp of their own kindling, easily put out.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:10

(Read Proverbs 13:10)

All contentions, whether between private persons, families, churches, or nations, are begun and carried forward by pride. Disputes would be easily prevented or ended, if it were not for pride.