Proverbs 13:14-18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:14

By the law of the wise and righteous, here, we may understand either the principles and rules by which they govern themselves or (which comes all to one) the instructions which they give to others, which ought to be as a law to all about them; and if they be so, 1. They will be constant springs of comfort and satisfaction, as a fountain of life, sending forth streams of living water; the closer we keep to those rules the more effectually we secure our own peace. 2. They will be constant... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:15

If we compare not only the end, but the way, we shall find that religion has the advantage; for, 1. The way of saints is pleasant and agreeable: Good understanding gains favour with God and man; our Saviour grew in that favour when he increased in wisdom. Those that conduct themselves prudently, and order their conversation aright in every thing, that serve Christ in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, are accepted of God and approved of men, Rom. 14:17, 18. And how... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:16

Note, 1. It is wisdom to be cautious. Every prudent discreet man does all with knowledge (considering with himself and consulting with others), acts with deliberation and is upon the reserve, is careful not to meddle with that which he has not some knowledge of, not to launch out into business which he has not acquainted himself with, will not deal with those that he has not some knowledge of, whether they may be confided in. He is still dealing in knowledge, that he may increase the stock he... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:17

Here we have, 1. The ill consequences of betraying a trust. A wicked messenger, who, being sent to negotiate any business, is false to him that employed him, divulges his counsels, and so defeats his designs, cannot expect to prosper, but will certainly fall into some mischief or other, will be discovered and punished, since nothing is more hateful to God and man than the treachery of those that have a confidence reposed in them. 2. The happy effects of fidelity: An ambassador who faithfully... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:18

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,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:14

The law of the wise is a fountain of life ,.... Or "doctrine" F14 תורת "doctrina", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Schultens. ; the doctrine of those who are taught by the word, and are wise unto salvation; the words or doctrines of the wise, which are given forth by one Shepherd; the instructions of such who are like Scribes, well instructed themselves unto the kingdom of heaven: these are as a fountain of living water; which are the means of quickening dead sinners,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:15

Good understanding giveth favour ,.... A good understanding in things natural and civil gives favour among men; and so a good understanding in divine and spiritual things gives a man favour among religious people, makes him taken notice of by them, and acceptable to them: and such an understanding no man has, unless it be given him; and such appear to have one that do the commandments of God, Psalm 111:10 . The Israelites, for having and keeping the statutes of the Lord, were accounted by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:16

Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge ,.... In order to get more, and with men of knowledge for the same purpose; all he does is with knowledge and discretion; he does not meddle with things, nor has he to do with persons, he knows nothing of; he both acts and speaks with knowledge, cautiously, wisely, considering well time, place, and persons: and every wise and good man deals with evangelical knowledge, and studies to grow in the knowledge of the Gospel, and the mysteries of it; in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:17

A wicked messenger falleth into mischief ,.... That does not do his errand right, nor deliver his message faithfully; such an one falls from the degree of honour in which he was into disgrace; he loses his master's favour that sent him; he is degraded from his post and office: he falls "by evil", or "into evil" F18 ברע "in malum", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Pisccator, &c.; ; by the evil of sin, into the evil of punishment. So wicked... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:18

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 Proverbs 5:11 ; but he that regardeth reproof ; the reproof of the word, and of the ministers of it, and of all good men,... read more

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