Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:13, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
American Standard Version
Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself; But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
World English Bible version
Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:13 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 (ESV)
The reality is that The Word of God works. God’s Word is filled with wisdom, knowledge, and insight – as well as principles for successful living.
Proverbs 13:13 says that someone who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. This is another way of saying that someone who holds God’s Word in high esteem and applies it to their life will eat the fruit of it.
The Bible makes it clear that God is not a respecter of persons: Acts 10:34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality.” This means that God does not choose whom he wants to bless or make successful. A successful life is dependent on each person.
God can love two people equally who both have similar opportunities in life. One person can choose to apply God’s word in their lives (Someone who reveres the commandment), and the other can choose to ignore God’s Word (Someone who despises the word). The reality is that what will make one person succeed and not the other is the application of God’s Word!
As much as God is there for us to help us, guide us, and lead us – success and reaping God’s rewards in our lives is primarily dependent on us. Just as the law of gravity exists – whether we choose to ignore it or respect it, so too – God has laws in The Bible that are set in motion by God himself. These laws can either work for us or against us. A few examples of laws we find in The Bible are sowing and reaping, forgiving others so we can be forgiven, and honor – to name a few.
Whoever knows and follows God’s principles will reap the rewards of them. Conversely, whoever does not know or follow God’s principles will bring harm and destruction to themselves!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:13 to our lives?
The key is applying God’s Word to our lives; however, it is impossible to apply what we do not know or understand. We need to therefore take God’s Word seriously in our lives. This means taking time daily to search out God’s Word so we know God’s principles and precepts well. Then, we need to apply God’s Word to every situation and circumstance in our lives.
In a parable, Jesus taught us about building our life on the rock, as opposed to building our life on sand: Matthew 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
The key lesson here is what is taught in Proverbs 13:13 – God’s Word is available for all of us to apply. However, not all people will apply it and, in doing so, reap the fruits of it! In this parable, both men built a house successfully; however, only one of the houses “stood the test of time.” God’s Word applied in our lives allows us to stand the test of time and causes what we have built to endure.
When we apply God’s Word in our lives, it is as if God himself does the building – and God cannot, and never does fail – His Word works: Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for the power of Your Word. I know that Your Word works. I ask today for a greater hunger for your word. Help me recognize and see where I have not applied Your Word in my life.
I ask today for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I thank You that I will be greatly rewarded as I apply Your Word in my life. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
