Searching for Proverbs 10:13 meaning? Here’s a commentary on what the passage means, along with application and appropriate prayer.
Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:13, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
American Standard Version
In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found; But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
World English Bible version
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
Proverbs 10:13 Meaning & Commentary
Have you ever had a conversation with a man of understanding; someone who knows God and understands His word, His purposes, and His plans? Just a one-on-one conversation? If you have, the first part of this scripture will make sense to you. You see, because they understand spiritual things, they can impart wisdom to you. So, Wisdom is built upon understanding. In The Bible, we often see knowledge, understanding, and Wisdom mentioned together: Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are all interlinked.
Knowledge is the lowest level, which is just having knowledge or knowing a bunch of stuff. Understanding is then built on top of that when you start to understand what you know. For example, the scriptures: You can simply know what the Bible says and memorize it cover-to-cover, however God himself needs to cause you to have understanding. Without God opening the scriptures and The Word up to you, you will not be able to understand it: Luke 24:45 Then he (Jesus) opened their minds to understand the Scriptures (ESV). Wisdom then is the practical application of the understanding that we have.
So, someone who walks in understanding can become a source of Wisdom when they speak to those who will hear! The second part of the scripture says that a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. As human beings, the way we usually change is when we feel pain! If we feel some form of pain or discipline, it usually causes and motivates us to change. In this case, the person lacking sense is the one who needs a rod to his back, which signifies discipline to bring him to his “senses’ and on the path to understanding and eventually wisdom!
Application
How then can we practically apply Proverbs 10:13 to our lives?
Firstly, do our best to connect and surround ourselves with people who are in a mature standing with God. This way, by surrounding ourselves with people who walk in understanding, we can receive Wisdom from their mouths, as they speak and even know what to do in certain situations, and how to do it. Surrounding ourselves with people who walk in wisdom and understanding is a great way to position ourselves to walk in that as well. As The Bible says: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Just as we can receive Wisdom from our people, so we too can be a source of Wisdom to others. It comes through knowledge first, and then understanding. The Bible says in the book of James that God gives us wisdom if we just ask for it: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. So, we need not be scared to ask for Wisdom as The Bible encourages us to ask for it!
Whether God gives it directly to us, or even sends someone to speak into our lives, we can be sure that God will answer us and give us Wisdom! If we seek God for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, we can be sure that we won’t lack sense, and hence we won’t need a rod on our backs to correct us! We know that God most certainly will, and does discipline us, so he could be the very source of the one bringing a rod to our backs, which may sound harsh, but it is done in love: Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you right now and I ask that you help me grow in knowledge and understanding. I pray also and ask for wisdom, even as the book of James encourages me to do. I ask that you bring people of understanding into my life, so that they may speak words of wisdom to me. I ask that in all things, you help me to walk in common sense, and in step with your plans and purposes for my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
