Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:18, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
American Standard Version
Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth correction; But he that regardeth reproof shall be honored.
World English Bible version
Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
Proverbs 13:18 Meaning & Commentary
Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. Proverbs 13:18 (ESV)
No one wishes poverty or disgrace upon themselves – everyone would like to be honored and be successful in life. The reality is that what we do and the choices we make impact what we receive. The Bible tells us that God is no 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 sit in heaven and decide whom to honor, or who gets poverty and disgrace. The truth is that we make decisions, and our decisions determine what comes to us.
Proverbs 13:18 says that the person who “ignores instruction” will receive poverty and disgrace. The fact that someone ignores instruction (or advice/counsel) in and of itself is not good. However, it is a symptom of something deeper going on in the heart of the person. Someone who cannot or will not take instruction shows they are proud and unteachable. This is why poverty and disgrace will be their portion – not because God loves them any less than other people. It is simply because they have chosen the path of refusing to learn, grow and improve.
When someone heeds reproof – they are on the path to honor! Honor can come from both God and men. To honor means to esteem highly or give weight to something. Whenever we are open to learning, growing, reproof or correction, we are on the path to honor and being raised into a place of influence by God. When we heed reproof, it speaks to humility in our hearts. We know that God exalts (or honors) those who humble themselves: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:18 to our lives?
The teaching of Proverbs 13:18 is quite simple. However, we need to choose which path we want to walk on. When we choose the path of humility and teachability – we are on a good road, which will lead us to honor, riches and life. However, when we choose to ignore or shun reproof, correction, and the chance to learn and grow, we are on a bad path, potentially leading to poverty and disgrace!
If we recognize that this has been our attitude or mindset, we need to stop now and change our mindset. We need to change our attitude towards learning, growing, and even reproof – which is essentially when someone corrects another person. Humility is the foundation for growth and learning. The Bible is clear that humility is our responsibility: James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. God cannot humble us – it is a decision only we can make! Sometimes life’s circumstances have a way of humbling us, but even then, we still need to choose to humble ourselves.
Once we are humble, we are then positioned to receive from others. We need to find mentors and people who can teach us and help us get to where we want to go. Whether we find these mentors in person or online, we can still learn from them. In-person mentors are better; however, even online mentors can help us grow and challenge us. Then, we must apply the wisdom and lessons learned from those around us. If we are humble enough to learn from others’ mistakes, we can avoid them in our lives! In doing so, we can avoid poverty and disgrace and be on the fast track to honor success and long life!
We always need to pray and ask God for wisdom. We can learn and gather knowledge from mentors, but wisdom helps us apply it in our own life or situation!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You for Your word, which brings me back on the path when I drift away from your principles. I choose to humble myself today under Your mighty hand.
I pray that you will connect me with people who can help lead me where you have called me to go. I pray and ask for wisdom to apply everything I have learned. I ask this all today in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
