13 Whoever (A)despises (B)the word[a] brings destruction on himself,
    but he who reveres the commandment[b] will be (C)rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is (D)a fountain of life,
    that one may (E)turn away from the snares of death.
15 (F)Good sense wins (G)favor,
    but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.[c]
16 (H)Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
    (I)but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
    but (J)a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who (K)ignores instruction,
    (L)but whoever (M)heeds reproof is honored.
19 (N)A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
    but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 (O)Disaster[d] pursues sinners,
    (P)but the righteous are rewarded with good.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:13 Or a word
  2. Proverbs 13:13 Or a commandment
  3. Proverbs 13:15 Probable reading (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate); Hebrew is rugged, or is an enduring rut
  4. Proverbs 13:21 Or Evil

13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,(A)
    but whoever respects(B) a command is rewarded.(C)

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,(D)
    turning a person from the snares of death.(E)

15 Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a]

16 All who are prudent act with[b] knowledge,
    but fools expose(F) their folly.(G)

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,(H)
    but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.(I)

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,(J)
    but whoever heeds correction is honored.(K)

19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,(L)
    but fools detest turning from evil.

20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
    for a companion of fools suffers harm.(M)

21 Trouble pursues the sinner,(N)
    but the righteous(O) are rewarded with good things.(P)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:15 Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
  2. Proverbs 13:16 Or prudent protect themselves through