Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 13:13
What does Proverbs 13:13 mean?
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Proverbs 13:13
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What's easy to miss is that despising God's word doesn't just lead to destruction, but that the one who despises it actively brings that destruction upon himself. Similarly, fearing the commandment isn't just passive obedience, but an active reverence that secures a reward.
Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a series of contrasting statements in Proverbs 12 and 13, highlighting the wisdom of righteousness versus the folly of wickedness. It follows verses that discuss the consequences of lies and the value of hard work, setting up a direct link between how one treats God's instruction and their ultimate fate. The verse contrasts those who disregard divine truth with those who hold it in reverence, promising destruction for the former and reward for the latter.
What happens when we disregard what God says? It's more than just ignoring advice; it has profound consequences.
Proverbs 13:13 presents a stark choice regarding God's Word. "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed." This isn't just about ignoring a suggestion; it's about treating God's authoritative instruction with contempt.
This isn't about earning salvation through perfect obedience, but about the natural, dire consequences of rejecting the path God has laid out for our well-being.
There's a positive side to this proverb – a path that leads not to ruin, but to blessing.
The second half of Proverbs 13:13 offers a beautiful contrast: "but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded." This isn't about earning favor through rigid rule-following, but about a heart attitude of deep respect and obedience.
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This isn't a transactional exchange, but a recognition that obedience rooted in reverence for God naturally leads to well-being and favor.
Understand the original words
dāḇār · Hebrew Noun
A term signifying God's revealed truth, instructions, or sovereign decree. It is the authority by which God communicates His will and by which humans are judged.
bûz · Hebrew Verb
To treat with contempt, to reject, or to act as though something is of no value. In the context of divine truth, it indicates an attitude of prideful rebellion against God’s authority.
ḥabbālāh · Hebrew Noun
A state of ruin, desolation, or ruinous consequence. It characterizes the inevitable end for those who reject divine instruction.
yārēʾ · Hebrew Verb
To show deep respect, awe, or honor. Biblically, this often involves a holy fear that results in obedience and faithful adherence to God’s laws.
miṣwâ · Hebrew Noun
An authoritative instruction or law handed down from God or a father figure. It provides the necessary boundaries for living a righteous and successful life.
This passage highlights Jesus' own warning that the word He spoke will be the very thing that judges people in the last day, underscoring the severe consequences of despising it.
Hebrews 2:1-4This New Testament passage directly echoes the theme of Proverbs 13:13 by urging listeners not to drift away from the salvation proclaimed through Jesus, warning that ignoring such a great message leads to just punishment.
Romans 2:4-5Paul describes how God's kindness is meant to lead people to repentance, but for those who stubbornly refuse and despise the riches of His goodness, they are storing up wrath for themselves, mirroring the destruction mentioned in Proverbs.
Jeremiah 7:23-26In this Old Testament prophetic passage, God laments that His people refuse to listen to His commands and instead harden their hearts, resulting in His wrath and destruction, a clear example of despising the word leading to ruin.
gillProverbs 13:13: "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed,.... The word of God. Either Christ, the essential Word; which must be a great evil, considering the dignity of his person; great ingratitude, considering the grace of his office; very dangerous, considering what a quick, sharp, and powerful Word he is: and such may be said to despise him who despise his ministers, and the Gospel preac…
clarkeProverbs 13:13: "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."
Whoso despiseth the word - The revelation which God has in his mercy given to man - shall be destroyed; for there is no other way of salvation but that which it points out. But he that feareth the commandment - That respects it so as to obey it, walking as this revelation directs - shall be rewarded; shall find it to be his highest interest, and shall be in peace or safety, as t…
What's easy to miss is that despising God's word doesn't just lead to destruction, but that the one who despises it actively brings that destruction upon himself. Similarly, fearing the commandment isn't just passive obedience, but an active reverence that secures a reward.
This proverb is part of a series of contrasting statements in Proverbs 12 and 13, highlighting the wisdom of righteousness versus the folly of wickedness. It follows verses that discuss the consequences of lies and the value of hard work, setting up a direct link between how one treats God's instruction and their ultimate fate. The verse contrasts those who disregard divine truth with those who hold it in reverence, promising destruction for the former and reward for the latter.
This proverb is part of a series of contrasting statements in Proverbs 12 and 13, highlighting the wisdom of righteousness versus the folly of wickedness. It follows verses that discuss the consequences of lies and the value of hard work, setting up a direct link between how one treats God's instruction and their ultimate fate. The verse contrasts those who disregard divine truth with those who hold it in reverence, promising destruction for the former and reward for the latter.
"Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded." — What's easy to miss is that despising God's word doesn't just lead to destruction, but that the one who despises it actively brings that destruction upon himself. Similarly, fearing the commandment…
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Last reviewed October 2026