Proverbs 13:4-24

Proverbs 13:4-24 The Message (MSG)

Indolence wants it all and gets nothing; the energetic have something to show for their lives. A good person hates false talk; a bad person wallows in gibberish. A God-loyal life keeps you on track; sin dumps the wicked in the ditch. A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats. The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys. Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel. Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off. Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around. Ignore the Word and suffer; honor God’s commands and grow rich. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells! Sound thinking makes for gracious living, but liars walk a rough road. A commonsense person lives good sense; fools litter the country with silliness. Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. Refuse discipline and end up homeless; embrace correction and live an honored life. Souls who follow their hearts thrive; fools bent on evil despise matters of soul. Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. Disaster entraps sinners, but God-loyal people get a good life. A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren; ill-gotten wealth ends up with good people. Banks foreclose on the farms of the poor, or else the poor lose their shirts to crooked lawyers. A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.

Proverbs 13:4-24 King James Version (KJV)

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying: But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: But wickedness overthroweth the sinner. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man's life are his riches: But the poor heareth not rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: But he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: But the way of transgressors is hard. Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: But a fool layeth open his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: But a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: But it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: But a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Evil pursueth sinners: But to the righteous good shall be repaid. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: But there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 13:4-24 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, But the soul of the diligent is made fat. A righteous man hates falsehood, But a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully. Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness subverts the sinner. There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing; Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth. The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor hears no rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked goes out. Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel. Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But the one who gathers by labor increases it. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death. Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool displays folly. A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored. Desire realized is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to turn away from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Adversity pursues sinners, But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, But it is swept away by injustice. He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

Proverbs 13:4-24 New Century Version (NCV)

The lazy will not get what they want, but those who work hard will. Good people hate what is false, but the wicked do shameful and disgraceful things. Doing what is right protects the honest person, but doing evil ruins the sinner. Some people pretend to be rich but really have nothing. Others pretend to be poor but really are wealthy. The rich may have to pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor will face no such danger. Good people can look forward to a bright future, but the future of the wicked is like a flame going out. Pride only leads to arguments, but those who take advice are wise. Money that comes easily disappears quickly, but money that is gathered little by little will grow. It is sad not to get what you hoped for. But wishes that come true are like eating fruit from the tree of life. Those who reject what they are taught will pay for it, but those who obey what they are told will be rewarded. The teaching of a wise person gives life. It is like a fountain that can save people from death. People with good understanding will be well liked, but the lives of those who are not trustworthy are hard. Every wise person acts with good sense, but fools show how foolish they are. A wicked messenger brings nothing but trouble, but a trustworthy one makes everything right. A person who refuses correction will end up poor and disgraced, but the one who accepts correction will be honored. It is so good when wishes come true, but fools hate to stop doing evil. Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer. Trouble always comes to sinners, but good people enjoy success. Good people leave their wealth to their grandchildren, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for good people. A poor person’s field might produce plenty of food, but others often steal it away. If you do not punish your children, you don’t love them, but if you love your children, you will correct them.

Proverbs 13:4-24 American Standard Version (ASV)

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying; But a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; But wickedness overthroweth the sinner. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great wealth. The ransom of a man’s life is his riches; But the poor heareth no threatening. The light of the righteous rejoiceth; But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom. Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard. Every prudent man worketh with knowledge; But a fool flaunteth his folly. A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health. Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored. The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it. Evil pursueth sinners; But the righteous shall be recompensed with good. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children; And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous. Much food is in the tillage of the poor; But there is that is destroyed by reason of injustice. He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Proverbs 13:4-24 New International Version (NIV)

A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked make themselves a stench and bring shame on themselves. Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. A person’s riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes. The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. An unplowed field produces food for the poor, but injustice sweeps it away. Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Proverbs 13:4-24 New King James Version (NKJV)

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. Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, But wickedness overthrows the sinner. There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, But the poor does not hear rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked will be put out. By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health. Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Evil pursues sinners, But to the righteous, good shall be repaid. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, And for lack of justice there is waste. He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Proverbs 13:4-24 Amplified Bible (AMP)

The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition], But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied. [Prov 10:4] A righteous man hates lies, But a wicked man is loathsome, and he acts shamefully. Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness undermines and overthrows the sinner. There is one who pretends to be rich, yet has nothing at all; Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. [Prov 12:9; Luke 12:20, 21] The ransom for a man’s life is his wealth, But the poor man does not even have to listen to a rebuke or threats [from the envious]. The light of the righteous [within him—grows brighter and] rejoices, But the lamp of the wicked [is a temporary light and] goes out. Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel. Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, But he who gathers gradually by [honest] labor will increase [his riches]. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, But he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain and source of life, So that one may avoid the snares of death. Good understanding wins favor [from others], But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil]. Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge, But a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see]. A wicked messenger falls into hardship, But a faithful ambassador brings healing. Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instruction and discipline, But he who accepts and learns from reproof or censure is honored. Desire realized is sweet to the soul; But it is detestable to fools to turn away from evil [which they have planned]. He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm. [Is 32:6] Adversity pursues sinners, But the [consistently] upright will be rewarded with prosperity. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous. Abundant food is in the fallow (uncultivated) ground of the poor, But [without protection] it is swept away by injustice. He who withholds the rod [of discipline] hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines and trains him diligently and appropriately [with wisdom and love]. [Prov 19:18; 22:15; 23:13; 29:15, 17; Eph 6:4]

Proverbs 13:4-24 New Living Translation (NLT)

Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. The godly hate lies; the wicked cause shame and disgrace. Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin. Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened. The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Trouble chases sinners, while blessings reward the righteous. Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but injustice sweeps it all away. Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Proverbs 13:4-24 The Passion Translation (TPT)

The slacker wants it all and ends up with nothing, but the hard worker ends up with all that he longed for. Lovers of God hate what is phony and false, but the wicked are full of shame and behave shamefully. Righteousness is like a shield of protection, guarding those who keep their integrity, but sin is the downfall of the wicked. One pretends to be rich but is poor. Another pretends to be poor but is quite rich. The self-assurance of the rich is their money, but people don’t kidnap and extort the poor! The virtues of God’s lovers shine brightly in the darkness, but the flickering lamp of the ungodly will be extinguished. Wisdom opens your heart to receive wise counsel, but pride closes your ears to advice and gives birth only to quarrels and strife. Wealth quickly gained is quickly wasted — easy come, easy go! But if you gradually gain wealth, you will watch it grow. When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul. Despise the word, will you? Then you’ll pay the price and it won’t be pretty! But the one who honors the Father’s holy instructions will be rewarded. When the lovers of God teach you truth, a fountain of life opens up within you, and their wise instruction will deliver you from the ways of death. Everyone admires a wise, sensible person, but the treacherous walk on the path of ruin. Everything a wise and shrewd man does comes from a source of revelation-knowledge, but the behavior of a fool puts foolishness on parade! An undependable messenger causes a lot of trouble, but the trustworthy and wise messengers release healing wherever they go. Poverty and disgrace come to the one who refuses to hear criticism. But the one who is easy to correct is on the path of honor. When God fulfills your longings, sweetness fills your soul. But the wicked refuse to turn from darkness to see their desires come to pass. If you want to grow in wisdom, spend time with the wise. Walk with the wicked and you’ll eventually become just like them. Calamity chases the sin-chaser, but prosperity pursues the God-lover. The benevolent man leaves an inheritance that endures to his children’s children, but the wealth of the wicked is treasured up for the righteous. The lovers of God will live a long life and get to enjoy their wealth, but the ungodly will suddenly perish. If you withhold correction and punishment from your children, you demonstrate a lack of true love. So prove your love and be prompt to punish them.

Proverbs 13:4-24 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace. Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked. One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat. The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out. By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom. Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin. Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools. Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice. Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.