Proverbs 13:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 13:8

We are apt to judge of men's blessedness, at least in this world, by their wealth, and that they are more or less happy accordingly as they have more or less of this world's goods; but Solomon here shows what a gross mistake it is, that we may be reconciled to a poor condition, and may neither covet riches ourselves nor envy those that have abundance. 1. Those that are rich, if by some they are respected for their riches, yet, to balance that, by others they are envied and struck at, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:8

The ransom of a man's life are his riches ,.... As Benhadad's were to him, when he was in the hands of the king of Israel, 1 Kings 20:34 ; and as the treasures the ten men had in the field were to them, for the sake of which Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah, slew them not, Jeremiah 41:8 . This is the advantage of riches when a man is taken captive in war, or by pirates, or is in the hands of thieves and robbers, he can redeem himself by his money; or when his life is in danger by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 13:8

The ransom of a man's life - Those who have riches have often much trouble with them; as they had much trouble to get them, so they have much trouble to keep them. In despotic countries, a rich man is often accused of some capital crime, and to save his life, though he may be quite innocent, is obliged to give up his riches; but the poor, in such countries, are put to no trouble. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 13:1-18

The wisdom of docility, etc.: a sermon to the young We have the positive and negative, the happy and the sorrowful aspects of the subject brought into view. I. THE WISDOM OF DOCILITY . The excellency of docility is seen in its results: 1 . In character. It is a "wise son" who heareth his father's instruction. 2 . In circumstance. The docile son will "be rewarded," will "be honored." The path he treads is one which leads to competence, to comfort, to health, to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 13:4-11

The value and use of property I. THE WORTH OF THIS WORLD 'S GOODS IS ASSUMED . It is needless to show that property is a necessary institution of life under present conditions. All the strong things said in the gospel about riches do not dispute their value; it is in the relation of the spirit to them that evil arises. Their value as a means to the ends of the spirit is unquestioned, and everywhere assumed. II. THE VANITY OF RICHES WITHOUT CORRESPONDING ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 13:8

The ransom of a man's life are his riches. A rich man can save himself from many difficulties and dangers by the sacrifice of a portion of his wealth, e.g. when his money or his life is demanded by a robber; when men in authority make extortionate demands on pain of death; or when he has incurred extreme penalty by infringement of law ( Exodus 21:22 , Exodus 21:30 ). Spiritually discerned, the passage recalls Christ's injunction, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 13:8

Proverbs 13:8. The ransom of a man’s life are his riches This verse is considered by some as setting forth the several advantages of riches and poverty. Riches enable a man to redeem his life when it is in the greatest danger, and poverty preserves a man from those rebukes and injuries which endanger, and oft destroy the rich. Others again consider it as showing the convenience of poverty above riches. Riches frequently expose men to the peril of losing their lives by false accusers,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 13:1-25

Satisfaction amid life’s hardships (13:1-25)Parental advice is one of the benefits of life. Those who habitually ignore it will develop an attitude of scorning all opinions except their own (13:1). Good words bring a reward, but treacherous words can result in violence. Discipline in speech is necessary, because rash words lead to disaster (2-3). Discipline is necessary also in work and behaviour, otherwise a person’s life may end in ruin. Security is found in honesty (4-6).The poor might at... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 13:8

ransom = covering. Hebrew. kopher. the poor, &c.: i.e. poor [becometh he that] heeded not rebuke. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 13:8

"The ransom of a man's life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening."The background of this proverb is indicated by the word `ransom.' When a wealthy man is kidnapped, blackmailed or threatened in some way, his wealth can save his life. However the poor man will not be threatened in any such manner. "There are advantages and disadvantages in wealth. One with money can be exposed to robbery and extortion, but the poor are not so apt to be the object of extortion or blackmail."[14] read more

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