Proverbs 13:5-12

⁵ A righteous man hates lies,
but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.

⁶ Righteousness guards the way of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

⁷ There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing.
There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.

⁸ The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,
but the poor hear no threats.

⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

¹⁰ Pride only breeds quarrels,
but with ones who take advice is wisdom.

¹¹ Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away,
but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but when longing is fulfilled, 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.