Proverbs 13:13
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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It’s easy to read this as a simple "obey God and you'll be blessed" verse, but the Hebrew word translated "fears" here actually carries a sense of reverence and loyal obedience, not just timid apprehension. This isn't about being scared of God; it's about honoring His commands so deeply that you are moved to live by them, and that's where the promised reward—often understood as well-being and peace—lies.
This proverb sits within a larger section of Proverbs offering wisdom for living a righteous life, contrasting the ways of the wise with the foolish. It emphasizes that neglecting or disrespecting God's instructions will lead to ruin, while honoring and obeying them brings security and reward. The verses immediately following explore the consequences of pride and the benefits of wise counsel.
We often think of 'the word' as just rules or advice. But what if it's so much more? This verse points to a deeper reality.
Proverbs 13:13 speaks of 'the word' and 'the commandment.' These aren't merely abstract concepts or a list of dos and don'ts. They represent God's active communication and His authoritative decree.
The verse offers a stark alternative to destruction. What does it mean to 'revere' God's commands, and what kind of 'reward' awaits?
The second half of Proverbs 13:13 presents a clear contrast to the destruction awaiting those who despise God's word. The path of reverence leads to a promised reward.
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.
Jesus himself declared that rejecting His words means judgment; this passage directly echoes Proverbs' warning about the destruction that comes from despising God's message.
Hebrews 2:1-4This passage highlights the grave consequences of ignoring the message delivered through Jesus, reinforcing the idea that 'despising the word' leads to ruin, just as Proverbs states.
Matthew 7:24-27Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the ultimate reward of hearing and acting on His words, and the destruction that comes from ignoring them, mirroring the proverb's core contrast.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20This foundational passage from the Law presents a stark choice between life and death, blessing and cursing, based on obedience or disobedience to God's commands, aligning perfectly with the proverb's reward/destruction dichotomy.
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…
It’s easy to read this as a simple "obey God and you'll be blessed" verse, but the Hebrew word translated "fears" here actually carries a sense of reverence and loyal obedience, not just timid apprehension. This isn't about being scared of God; it's about honoring His commands so deeply that you are moved to live by them, and that's where the promised reward—often understood as well-being and peace—lies.
This proverb sits within a larger section of Proverbs offering wisdom for living a righteous life, contrasting the ways of the wise with the foolish. It emphasizes that neglecting or disrespecting God's instructions will lead to ruin, while honoring and obeying them brings security and reward. The verses immediately following explore the consequences of pride and the benefits of wise counsel.
This proverb sits within a larger section of Proverbs offering wisdom for living a righteous life, contrasting the ways of the wise with the foolish. It emphasizes that neglecting or disrespecting God's instructions will lead to ruin, while honoring and obeying them brings security and reward. The verses immediately following explore the consequences of pride and the benefits of wise counsel.
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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.
"Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded." — It’s easy to read this as a simple "obey God and you'll be blessed" verse, but the Hebrew word translated "fears" here actually carries a sense of reverence and loyal obedience, not just timid appreh…
