Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 13:18
Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.
Pro 13:18
But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Accepting reproof
One of the weakest traits of any person is to be unwilling to accept honest criticism and correction. From the foolish child who will never listen to parental authority, on to the foolish man who will never listen to rebuke or reason, pride always goeth before a fall. Honest criticism is often a bitter dose to swallow, but most tonics are bitter, and we are the stronger for taking them down bravely. If I am censured, said that godly man, Bishop Griswold, then let me correct, but never justify, my faults. A minister with more zeal than discretion once called on the bishop and belaboured him with rather a harsh denunciation. Instead of showing the man out of the door, the bishop calmly replied, My dear friend, I do not wonder that they who witness the inconsistencies in my daily conduct should think that I have no religion. I often fear this myself, and I feel very grateful to you for giving me this warning. This reply was made in such unaffected meekness and sincerity that the visitor at once begged the bishops pardon, and always regarded him afterwards as one of the most Christlike Christians he had ever known. He is doubly the fool who not only flings himself into a pit, but resents the friendly hand that tries to help him out of it. (T. G. Cuyler.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Instruction; whereby he might have been kept from destructive and dishonourable courses.
He that regardeth reproof, that considers it seriously, receiveth it kindly, and reformeth himself by it, shall be honoured, and enriched, which is implied from the former branch. Not that it is so always, but commonly, and when God sees it good for a man. Or if he do not always gain riches, he shall certainly have honour both from God and men.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18. (Compare Pro 10:17;Pro 12:1).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction,…. Of parents, masters, and ministers of the word; the instruction of wisdom, the instruction of the Gospel, in things relating to their present spiritual peace, and to their eternal welfare: such generally come to poverty and disgrace in this life, and to everlasting shame and contempt in another; see Pr 5:11;
but he that regardeth reproof; the reproof of the word, and of the ministers of it, and of all good men, and takes it kindly, and acts according to it,
shall be honoured; with riches and reputation; if not with the riches of this world, yet with the riches of grace and glory; and shall have honour among the saints, and from the Lord himself; who will honour those that honour him, as they do who regard the reproof and instruction of his word, 1Sa 2:30.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
18 Poverty and shame (to him) who rejecteth correction;
But he who regardeth reproof is honoured.
We are neither to supply before (or more correctly, abstr. pro concr., as , Pro 1:27), nor before , as Gesenius ( Lehrgeb. 227a) does; nor has the part. the value of a hypothetical clause like Pro 18:13, Job 41:18, although it may certainly be changed into such without destroying the meaning (Ewald, Hitzig); but “poverty and shame is he who is without correction,” is equivalent to, poverty and shame is the conclusion or lot of him who is without correction; it is left to the hearer to find out the reference of the predicate to the subject in the sense of the quality, the consequence, or the lot (cf. e.g., Pro 10:17; Pro 13:1; Pro 14:35).
(Note: Vid., regarding the strong demand which the Hebr. style makes on hearer and reader, my Gesch. der jdischen Poesie (1863), p. 189.)
Regarding , vid., p. 73. The Latin expression corresponding is: qui detrectat disciplinam . He who rejects the admonition and correction of his parents, his pastor, or his friend, and refuses every counsel to duty as a burdensome moralizing, such an one must at last gather wisdom by means of injury if he is at all wise: he grows poorer in consequence of missing the right rule of life, and has in addition thereto to be subject to disgrace through his own fault. On the contrary, to him who has the disgrace to deserve reproof, but who willingly receives it, and gives it effect, the disgrace becomes an honour, for not to reject reproof shows self-knowledge, humility, and good-will; and these properties in the judgment of others bring men to honour, and have the effect of raising them in their position in life and in their calling.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Note, 1. He that is so proud that he scorns to be taught will certainly be abased. He that refuses the good instruction offered him, as if it were a reflection upon his honour and an abridgment of his liberty, poverty and shame shall be to him: he will become a beggar and live and die in disgrace; every one will despise him as foolish, and stubborn, and ungovernable. 2. He that is so humble that he takes it well to be told of his faults shall certainly be exalted: He that regards a reproof, whoever gives it to him, and will mend what is amiss when it is shown him, gains respect as wise and candid; he avoids that which would be a disgrace to him and is in a fair way to make himself considerable.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Response to Correction
Verse 18 states the consequences of response to needed instruction or correction To refuse such leads to poverty and shame which have eternal implications (Pro 1:20-32); but to accept correction is wise and leads to honor and security, Pro 13:18; Pro 15:5; Pro 15:31-32; Pro 1:33.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
MAIN HOMILETICS OF Pro. 13:18
THE WAY TO HONOUR
I. Man needs instruction because his natural intuitions are not enough to meet the needs of human life. The instinct of the animal is enough to enable it to fulfil its destiny. Its limited powers find sufficient guidance in the use of the faculties which are born with it. But it is not so with man. If, as some philosophers suppose, a man comes into the world without any ideas, if he receives everything from the outside world, instruction is so much the more needed, but even if he does bring with him a small stock of knowledge, experience shows us that the amount is very small, and he needs instruction for body, soul, and spirit from the first day of his dawning intellect to the last of his probationary life.
II. Instruction is to be obtained. Somebody will teach him either directly or indirectly. He will learn much from observation and much from direct teaching. The word here, as in chap. Pro. 12:1, includes the idea of correction. This forms an inevitable part of mans instruction in matters relating both to his bodily and spiritual life. God has provided for mans instruction in relation to his spiritual needs. It is within the reach of all men in a Christian nation (See Isa. 55:1-3).
III. If he refuses what he needs, he will have what he does not desire. He will have poverty. This is a calamity when self-inflicted. Whatever is the outcome of sin must be a calamity. If a man refuses to submit to the correction and instruction of others in connection with matters relative to every-day life, he shuts himself up to his own ignorance and shuts out all possibility of advancing in any profession or calling. Therefore he must be poor in worldly wealth. And it is pre-eminently true of him who refuses the disciplinary instruction of God. Such a man must be poor in a spiritual sense throughout eternity. And this will bring shame. Shame is always the result of sin. There is no shame in being poor in material things when poverty is the outcome of righteousness, but there is shame in poverty which is the result of neglected opportunities. What is the root of this rejection of instruction? Is it not pride? (See Homiletics on chap. Pro. 11:2, page 193; also on chap. Pro. 12:1, page 246.)
IV. Reproof is instruction. This is implied here, and in many other passages in this book where the words are used interchangeably. A man who reproves us gives us information about ourselves. He lets us know how we appear in the eyes of others. This ought to be valued by us. We are too partial to see our own defects, therefore we ought to be glad when they are pointed out to us by another.
V. Taking reproof in a spirit of humility is the only road to honour. In the long run, men will give honour where honour is due. They will give their esteem, and respect, and confidence to men who, from moral or intellectual eminence, deserve it. And, as we have seen, this height can be reached only by those who are willing to be taught both by God and by man.
OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS
Poverty is in itself a want; but no misery unless shame be joined with it. Shame is in itself a misery; but much greater if joined with poverty, which hath no means to shelter or cover it. Now both are to him that refuseth instruction. For, indeed, instruction is a glorious treasure, offered and opened to him who hath need of it; and, therefore, to refuse it, what can it be but poverty and shame? And, though it be the too common fault of those that are great, either in riches or honour, to despise reproof, yet the most honour, the truest riches, are to those that embrace it. St. Bernard, therefore, writing unto a great person, but deserving reproof, saith Charity hath forced me to reproof thee, which grieveth with thee, although thou be not grieved, and which pitieth thee, although thou pitieth not thyself, and therefore it doth lament the more, because thou dost not lament, who art to be lamented; therefore doth it pity thee the more, because thou dost not pity thyself, who art in so pitiful a condition.Jermin.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
TEXT Pro. 13:18-25
18.
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction;
But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.
19.
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul;
But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20.
Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise;
But the companion of fools shall smart for it.
21.
Evil pursueth sinners;
But the righteous shall be recompensed with good.
22.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children;
And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.
23.
Much food is in the tillage of the poor;
But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice.
24.
He that spareth his rod hateth his son;
But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25.
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul;
But the belly of the wicked shall want.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 13:18-25
1.
Refuseth correction in the first statement is set over against what words in the second statement (Pro. 13:18)?
2.
Is there a connection between the thoughts in the first and second statements of Pro. 13:19?
3.
Name a character in one of Jesus parables who smarted for having been a companion of fools (Pro. 13:20).
4.
What does evil mean in Pro. 13:21?
5.
In what way is the wealth of the wicked laid up for the righteous (Pro. 13:22).
6.
Restate the contrast found in Pro. 13:23.
7.
In what way does a person hate his son if he fails to discipline him properly (Pro. 13:24)?
8.
What does betimes mean (Pro. 13:24)?
9.
How is soul used in Pro. 13:25?
PARAPHRASE OF 13:18-25
18.
If you refuse criticism you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism you are on the road to fame.
19.
It is pleasant to see plans develop. That is why fools refuse to give them up even when they are wrong.
20.
Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil.
21.
Curses chase sinners, while blessings chase the righteous!
22.
When a good man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren; but when a sinner dies, his wealth is stored up for the godly.
23.
A poor mans farm may have good soil, but injustice robs him of its riches.
24.
If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you dont love him; for if you love him you will be prompt to punish him.
25.
The good man eats to live, while the evil man lives to eat.
COMMENTS ON 13:18-25
Pro. 13:18. A wise son heareth his fathers instruction (Pro. 13:1) and shall be honored (this verse) while a scoffer heareth not rebuke (Pro. 13:1), and poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction (this verse). Reproof is mentioned as a part of everyones life for no one can be right all the time (Heb. 12:6; Heb. 12:9). Sooner or later each of us, somehow or in some way, pulls a boner and gets rebuked for it. Are we easily entreated? (Jas. 3:17). Are we exercised by Gods chastening? (Heb. 12:11). If so, we will be honored; if not, poverty and shame will result.
Pro. 13:19. The desire accomplished (some worthy goal achieved is brought about because of diligence, Pro. 13:4) and is sweet to the soul (satisfying). The inventions of Thomas Edison began with an apparent need, followed by a belief that something could be done about it, urged on by a strong desire and determination to see it done, and pursued by his characteristic diligence, and when he ultimately came upon the answer, how gratifying to present its usefulness to his fellowmen! Consider Nehemiahs satisfaction when the wall was completed (Neh. 1:3; Neh. 1:5; Neh. 2:3-5; Neh. 2:17-18; Neh. 6:15). The bigger and the longer a task, the more diligence and patience and desire it takes to accomplish it. If there be a connection between the first and second statements of this verse, it is that while good men dedicate themselves to the accomplishing of their righteous desires, the fool would consider it abominable to give up his sins in order to live that way.
Pro. 13:20. A Dutch proverb: He that lives with cripples learns to limp. A Spanish saying: He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas. An Oriental saying: He that takes the raven for his guide shall light upon carrion. The idea of apprenticeship is that we will be the wiser for having worked with those more advanced than we are. Younger men go to places of study and learning for this purpose. But others are contented with being companions of fool. The outcome: they will smart for it, like the Prodigal Son (Luk. 15:13-16). It is too bad that some would rather smart than be wise. Ones native wisdom and ideals are reflected in the companions that he chooses.
Pro. 13:21. Evil or trouble is on the trail of sinners; it follows them wherever they go. It will ultimately catch up with everyone of them (on Judgment Day if not earlier). The righteous, on the other hand, will be recompensed for their good.
Pro. 13:22. A good man works hard, accomplishes much and takes care of what he had (see last statement in Pro. 13:11). He has something to pass onto succeeding generations. His children must also have been taught the lessons of thrift and economy, or there would be nothing left for them to pass onto his grandchildren. As for the wealth of the wicked man, there is an old saying that goes, The third generation shall not possess the goods that have been unjustly acquired. Sometimes it ends up in the hands of the righteous. Keep your eyes open in life, and you will get to see an example of this.
Pro. 13:23. The last statement is variously translated: But there is that is consumed without judgment (Youngs Literal); But there is that is destroyed for want of judgment (King James). The thought seems to be that work normally produces a good supply, but as Clarke observes: How much of the poverty of the poor arises from their own want of management! They have little or no economy and no foresight. When they get anything, they speedily spend it, and a feast and a famine make the chief varieties of their life. Migrant workers are often a good example.
Pro. 13:24. The first statement puts the outcome for the attitude; that is, in view of what will result from sparing the rod, one is not really loving his child by sparing the rod (some claim they love their child too much to discipline him with whippings). It is better to spare the child from ruination than from the rod! Consider the wisdom of the saying: Spare the rod and spoil /the child. For chasteneth him betimes the Amplified says he punishes him early; American Bible Union says: gives him timely chastisement; early (Pulpit Commentary); others give diligently. Immediately seems to be the thought. A wise parent will not defer punishing, will not put it off and off and really do nothing about his childs disobedience.
Pro. 13:25. The righteous may not be wealthy, but they will have enough (Mat. 6:33; Psa. 37:25). The Prodigal Son (Luk. 15:14) exemplifies the latter statement.
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 13:18-25
1.
What serious personal reapings may result from refusing correction (Pro. 13:18)?
2.
What is the promised result of regarding reproof (Pro. 13:18)?
3.
What about a desire accomplished (Pro. 13:19)?
4.
Why do fools not know this satisfaction (Pro. 13:19)?
5.
What are the contrasting results of choosing wise men and fools for companions (Pro. 13:20)?
6.
What finally catches up with sinners (Pro. 13:21)?
7.
What comes to the righteous (Pro. 13:21)?
8.
Why does a good man leave an inheritance (Pro. 13:22)?
9.
What sometimes happens to the wealth of the wicked (Pro. 13:22)?
10.
What are some other translations given for destroyed by reason of injustice (Pro. 13:23)?
11.
What is the meaning of Pro. 13:23?
12.
What strong language is used in Pro. 13:24 for not properly punishing a child?
13.
What is the meaning of betimes (Pro. 13:24)?
14.
What is Gods material promise to the righteous (Pro. 13:25)?
15.
What Bible character fulfilled the statement, The belly of the wicked shall want (Pro. 13:25)?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
18. Refuseth instruction “Poverty and shame” shall be the condition of such as thus act.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
v. 18. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Pro 13:18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Ver. 18. Poverty and shame. ] These two are fitly set together; for poverty is usually slighted, if not shamed. Jam 2:16
“ Nil habet infelix paupertas durius in se
Quam quod ridicules homines facit. ”
The world looks over a poor though virtuous man. “This thy son”;
But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Poverty. See note on “poor”, Pro 13:7.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Pro 13:18
Pro 13:18
“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.”
A various reading of the first clause is: “Poverty and shame shall be to him that throweth correction to the wind. “A man who follows vicious courses and cannot be persuaded to abandon them must be left to the ruin and disgrace that shall soon come upon him. Then, when through bitter experience, he learns the truth of what he would not believe, the correction he had rejected will be like a poisoned dart in his soul, inflaming his conscience with tormenting remorse.
Pro 13:18. A wise son heareth his fathers instruction (Pro 13:1) and shall be honored (this verse) while a scoffer heareth not rebuke (Pro 13:1), and poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction (this verse). Reproof is mentioned as a part of everyones life for no one can be right all the time (Heb 12:6; Heb 12:9). Sooner or later each of us, somehow or in some way, pulls a boner and gets rebuked for it. Are we easily entreated? (Jas 3:17). Are we exercised by Gods chastening? (Heb 12:11). If so, we will be honored; if not, poverty and shame will result.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Poverty: Pro 13:13, Pro 5:9-14, Pro 12:1, Pro 15:5, Pro 15:31, Pro 15:32, Pro 19:6, Jer 5:3-9, Heb 12:25
he: Pro 9:9, Pro 25:12, Psa 141:5
Reciprocal: Pro 5:12 – and my Pro 9:8 – rebuke Eph 5:11 – but
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 13:18. Poverty, &c., shall be to him, that refuseth instruction Whereby he might have been preserved from destructive and dishonourable courses; but he that regardeth reproof That considers it seriously, receives it kindly, and reforms himself by it; shall be honoured And enriched, which is to be inferred from the former branch. Not indeed that it is always the case, but commonly, and when God sees it will be good for a man. Or, if he do not gain riches, he shall certainly have honour both from God and good men.