Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 13:15 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. "
Proverbs 13:15
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
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If we compare not only the end, but also the path, we will see that wisdom in religion has the advantage. First, the way of God’s people is pleasant and good. “Good understanding” wins favor with God and with people. Our Savior grew in that favor as he grew in wisdom. Those who act wisely, order their lives well in every way, and serve Christ in righteousness, peace, and joy by the Holy Spirit, are accepted by God and approved by people (Romans 14:17-18).
How peacefully does a person pass through the world when others understand him well and therefore receive him well. Second, the way of sinners is rough and painful, and for that very reason it is unhappy even to themselves, because it is not pleasing to others. It is hard on other people, who complain about it, and hard on the sinner himself, who can have little peace while doing what offends everyone. The service of sin is complete slavery, and the road to hell is covered with the thorns and thistles that came with the curse. Sinners labor in the very fire.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."
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