The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 13

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 13 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A wise son is instructed of his father; but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” — the complete text of all 25 verses is below, free to read online.

1A wise son is instructed of his father; but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

2A man shall eat good from the fruit of his mouth; but the desire of the faithless is violence.

3He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life; but for him that openeth wide his lips there shall be ruin.

4The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be abundantly gratified.

5A righteous man hateth lying; but a wicked man behaveth vilely and shamefully.

6Righteousness guardeth him that is upright in the way; but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

7There is that pretendeth himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that pretendeth himself poor, yet hath great wealth.

8The ransom of a man's life are his riches; but the poor heareth no threatening.

9The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

10By pride cometh only contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.

11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth little by little shall increase.

12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

13Whoso despiseth the word shall suffer thereby; but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

15Good understanding giveth grace; but the way of the faithless is harsh.

16Every prudent man dealeth with forethought; but a fool unfoldeth folly.

17A wicked messenger falleth into evil; but a faithful ambassador is health.

18Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction; but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; and it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

20He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but the companion of fools shall smart for it.

21Evil pursueth sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repaid.

22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.

23Much food is in the tillage of the poor; but there is that is swept away by want of righteousness.

24He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his desire; but the belly of the wicked shall want.

25 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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