Proverbs 13:3-24 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. A r | New King James Version (NKJV) | Dow (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of Proverbs 13 verse 3? ›

The person who speaks without thinking, or without control, may make rash promises that he does not keep. He may insult others or lie or tell secrets or offer unsound advice. He may gossip or criticize others unjustly. His careless, harsh language will rebound to harm him.

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. A righteous man hates lying, But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.

In Proverbs 13, we read about hope and other words of wisdom regarding the words we speak, avoiding laziness, doing what is right in God's eyes, being sincere and honest, having good judgment, and the value of correction.

The righteous attain the wealth of the wicked, and then they use it to leave an inheritance for their children. If those children are not taught how to steward their money, their wealth will fall into the hands of the next righteous generation. This describes what it means to leave a legacy.

The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin. Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

As such, the use of the mouth symbol in the Bible often hints at the broader themes of truth, wisdom, prophecy, blessings, curses, and the divine word of God. One significant use of the mouth in the Old Testament is illustrated in the book of Proverbs, where it often represents the source of wisdom or foolishness.

Therefore, the chief aim of the book of Proverbs is to bring divine truth into proper focus, enabling us to look at life through God's eyes—from His eternal, all-knowing point of view—and then live accordingly. Proverbs teaches us how to gain wisdom from God's reproofs so that, in the power of the Spirit, we will obey.

Godly people may not eat as scrumptiously as some wicked people, but what they eat satisfies their appetite. The wicked may eat fine food, but they are not satisfied; they always want something more. The real meaning of this proverb goes beyond food.

Proverbs is a collection of generations of wisdom. It brilliantly describes God's wisdom and applies it to life on Earth, warning of what it looks like to live by our own wisdom instead of by God's. Ultimately, this book is a guide for how to flourish and thrive in God's world.

22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. 23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away. 24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

What is Proverbs 13 22 amplified? ›

A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up.

It means be careful. Take seriously the influences you allow to penetrate your heart. Everything you do in your life is at stake, so guard your heart like your life depends on it, because it does.

Doves were so innocent as to often seem completely clueless to danger. Jesus tells His followers to exercise whatever wise shrewdness they can to avoid conflict and danger without losing the dove-like innocence that will allow them to continue to proclaim the truth without fear.

“To thirst after righteousness means wanting to live according to God's will instead of the world's,” says Kristen, 10. “This is the only way to be happy and filled. If you thirst after righteousness, God will bless you.

It's interesting how Jesus phrased the command to “let not your hearts be troubled.” He didn't simply ask his disciples to try and avoid being fearful or anxious. The fact that he tells them to avoid allowing their hearts to be troubled is evidence that we have control over how we respond to the burdens of life.

Japanese Proverb. Don't feel the need to brag about your skills and accomplishments. If anything, you want to keep your prowess as secret as possible, not allowing anyone to know just how much, or how little, skill you have.