Proverbs 13
New American Bible Revised Edition

1A wise son loves correction,

but the scoffer heeds no rebuke.*

2From the fruit of the mouth one enjoys good things,a

but from the throat of the treacherous comes violence.*

3Those who guard their mouths preserve themselves;*

those who open wide their lips bring ruin.b

4The appetite of the sluggard craves but has nothing,

but the appetite of the diligent is amply satisfied.

5The just hate deceitful words,

but the wicked are odious and disgraceful.

6Justice guards one who walks honestly,

but sin leads the wicked astray.c

7One acts rich but has nothing;

another acts poor but has great wealth.*

8People’s riches serve as ransom for their lives,

but the poor do not even hear a threat.*

9The light of the just gives joy,

but the lamp* of the wicked goes out.d

10The stupid sow discord by their insolence,

but wisdom is with those who take counsel.

11Wealth won quickly dwindles away,

but gathered little by little, it grows.e

12Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a wish fulfilled is a tree of life.*

13Whoever despises the word must pay for it,*

but whoever reveres the command will be rewarded.

14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,

turning one from the snares of death.

15Good sense brings favor,

but the way of the faithless is their ruin.*

16The shrewd always act prudently

but the foolish parade folly.*

17A wicked messenger brings on disaster,

but a trustworthy envoy is a healing remedy.

18Poverty and shame befall those who let go of discipline,

but those who hold on to reproof receive honor.*

19Desire fulfilled delights the soul,

but turning from evil is an abomination to fools.

20Walk with the wise and you become wise,

but the companion of fools fares badly.f

21Misfortune pursues sinners,

but the just shall be recompensed with good.

22The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children,

but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the just.

23The tillage of the poor yields abundant food,

but possessions are swept away for lack of justice.*

24Whoever spares the rod hates the child,

but whoever loves will apply discipline.g

25When the just eat, their hunger is appeased;

but the belly of the wicked suffers want.


Book Introduction

Footnotes

Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.





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