Proverbs Chapter 13
The Value of Correction
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
A wise son demonstrates humility and discernment by listening to the correction and instruction of his father. Godly wisdom is often transmitted through the family, and a teachable spirit is one of the clearest signs of maturity. The young man who values his father’s counsel will avoid many of the pitfalls of sin and folly. The home is meant to be the first place of instruction, where obedience to authority prepares the heart for obedience to God.
In contrast, the scoffer hardens his heart against correction. He mocks rebuke, rejecting all authority and accountability. His pride blinds him to truth, and as a result, he never learns or grows. The Hebrew word for “scoffer” implies arrogance and disdain. Such a person may hear instruction, but he ridicules it as Lot’s sons-in-law did when warned of destruction (Genesis 19:14), or as Eli’s sons who despised correction (1 Samuel 2:25). Scripture reveals that mockers and fools destroy themselves because they refuse the grace of correction.
Proverbs 13:2
A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
Words bear fruit, whether good or evil. The man who speaks wisely and truthfully reaps blessing, stability, and favor. This principle echoes throughout Proverbs—speech guided by godliness produces life and abundance. As Jesus said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Righteous speech tends to peace, builds trust, and opens doors of opportunity, often leading to material and spiritual prosperity.
By contrast, “the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.” Those who are treacherous and deceitful live by taking from others, thriving on oppression and harm. The Hebrew sense implies that they live off cruelty, consuming the fruits of violence as their sustenance. Ultimately, their corruption becomes their downfall. As Matthew Henry observed, “They who delight in mischief shall have enough of it; it shall be their meat and drink.”
Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
This verse highlights the power and peril of the tongue. The one who guards his mouth—speaking with restraint, wisdom, and discernment—protects his life. The imagery is that of a fortress gate under constant watch. The wise man knows that words cannot be recalled once spoken, and that many lives and reputations have been destroyed by reckless speech. The psalmist prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
To “open wide the lips” is to speak without restraint, carelessly uttering whatever comes to mind. Such behavior leads to ruin. Countless individuals have lost positions, friendships, and even their lives because of an uncontrolled tongue. Ancient proverbs affirm this same truth: “Take heed that your tongue does not cut your throat.” The government of the tongue is indeed a rare but precious discipline. God gave man two ears and one tongue, fenced in by teeth, to remind him that he should listen much and speak little.
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
The lazy man desires prosperity and comfort but refuses the effort required to obtain them. His problem is not lack of ambition but lack of action. He dreams of success but never exerts himself to earn it. His desires remain barren because he will not labor. This truth extends beyond material matters into the spiritual life. Many professing believers claim to long for holiness, knowledge, and closeness with God, yet they neglect prayer, study, and obedience. Desire without diligence is fruitless.
In contrast, “the soul of the diligent shall be made fat,” meaning it shall prosper and be enriched. The one who applies steady effort to his work—whether in worldly tasks or spiritual disciplines—will enjoy the satisfaction of accomplishment and blessing. Diligence, in the biblical sense, is not mere busyness but faithful perseverance under God’s will. As Paul wrote, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). The diligent man’s soul is filled, not with vanity, but with the substance of reward and divine favor.
Proverbs 13:5
A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
The righteous man not only speaks truth but detests falsehood. His character reflects the very nature of God, who is “a God of truth and without iniquity” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Hatred for lying flows from love of righteousness. The godly man understands that deception undermines trust, corrupts justice, and dishonors the Lord who cannot lie. Therefore, he not only avoids lying but despises it, for it is the language of the devil, as our Lord said, “When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).
In contrast, the wicked man delights in falsehood and lives by deceit. His character is offensive both to God and to men. Lying makes him vile, untrustworthy, and shameful. As Poole observes, “He makes himself contemptible and hateful to all that know him; there being scarce any reproach which men more impatiently endure, and severely revenge, than that of being called or accounted a liar.” Eventually, deceit brings humiliation, for “the lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).
Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Righteousness acts as a shield for those who walk in integrity. It is not sinless perfection but the consistent pursuit of godliness that guards the believer. The righteous man’s conduct—shaped by fear of God and adherence to His Word—becomes his protection. As Psalm 25:21 declares, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” God Himself defends those who strive to live blamelessly, for righteousness aligns a person’s life with the divine order of truth and justice.
Conversely, wickedness destroys those who embrace it. Sin carries the seed of its own ruin. Just as righteousness preserves, iniquity consumes. The sinner’s rebellion leads him to moral and spiritual collapse. Poole rightly noted that “the man of sin, who giveth up himself to wicked courses,” brings about his own destruction. The sinner’s downfall is not accidental but the inevitable result of his own corruption.
Proverbs 13:7
There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
This proverb exposes the vanity of worldly wealth and the paradox of true riches. Many strive to make themselves rich yet remain destitute of what truly matters. They amass material possessions but lack peace, wisdom, and eternal hope. As Jesus warned, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Solomon, who knew both wealth and wisdom, observed that riches cannot purchase happiness or contentment. The man who lives for gain alone ends with nothing of eternal worth.
On the other hand, there are those who, for the sake of others and for the glory of God, willingly make themselves poor and yet possess great spiritual treasure. They sacrifice worldly comfort to lay up “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt” (Matthew 6:20). The supreme example is Jesus Christ Himself, who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). As Morgan insightfully noted, “To make self rich, is to destroy the capacity for life. To make self poor, by enriching others, is to live.”
Proverbs 13:8
The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
Wealth can sometimes serve as a ransom in moments of danger. In ancient times, a rich man might be targeted by enemies or corrupt officials but could use his riches to redeem his life. “They may help a man out at a dead lift,” Trapp remarks, referring to those who bribed captors for their release, as in Jeremiah 41:8, where certain men were spared because they had treasures hidden in the field. Yet Scripture reminds us that while riches may ransom the body, they can never redeem the soul: “For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Only the blood of Christ, “as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” can pay that ransom (1 Peter 1:19).
The poor, by contrast, are free from such troubles. Having little to tempt the greedy or corrupt, they are spared the anxieties and dangers that accompany wealth. As Morgan observed, “If wealth has its advantages, so also has poverty.” The poor man escapes the snares that entangle the rich, for “the sleep of a labouring man is sweet” (Ecclesiastes 5:12). Yet if this verse be taken negatively, it may refer to those who, through moral neglect and refusal to heed correction, sink into poverty. They “hear not rebuke,” and their foolish obstinacy ensures their ruin.
Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Light is a frequent symbol in Scripture for righteousness, truth, and the presence of God. The light of the righteous represents their joy, their integrity, and their testimony before men. When a person walks uprightly with the Lord, his life naturally radiates hope and rejoicing. As Psalm 97:11 declares, “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” The joy of the righteous is not shallow or dependent upon circumstance, but springs from their fellowship with God, who is light and in whom is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). True righteousness cannot be divorced from rejoicing, for holiness and happiness go hand in hand.
In contrast, “the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.” The lamp here speaks of their prosperity, influence, and apparent success. For a time, the wicked may seem to shine brightly, but their light is artificial and short-lived. God’s judgment will extinguish it, leaving them in utter darkness. As Job said, “The light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine” (Job 18:5). The joy of the righteous is enduring, but the prosperity of the wicked is temporary and doomed to fade.
Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Pride is the root of strife and the seed of discord. It exalts self, resists correction, and refuses to yield. The proud man insists on his own way and cannot bear contradiction, which inevitably leads to quarrels. Pride is the opposite of humility, which seeks peace and submits to truth. “Only by pride cometh contention,” because pride shuts the ear to counsel and the heart to reason. As Clarke observed, “Perhaps there is not a quarrel among individuals in private life, nor a war among nations, that does not proceed from pride and ambition.” The entire history of humanity is stained by conflicts born of arrogance and self-glory.
On the other hand, “with the well advised is wisdom.” The wise man welcomes counsel, seeks instruction, and values the perspective of others. He is not infallible in his own eyes but understands that “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Wisdom dwells with humility, for the humble heart listens before speaking and considers before acting. Where pride brings ruin, teachability brings life and understanding.
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
This verse teaches the moral and practical law of prosperity. Wealth that is gained by vanity—through deceit, speculation, or dishonor—soon vanishes. God’s blessing does not rest upon dishonest gain. Easy money, acquired through fraud or exploitation, is cursed at its root. Such riches lack the foundation of honest labor and therefore cannot endure. As Jeremiah 17:11 says, “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.”
In contrast, “he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Honest work, patient effort, and faithful stewardship lead to steady increase. Hard work refines character, develops discipline, and aligns a man with the providential order of God’s creation. It is through labor that man participates in the divine principle of fruitfulness. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good” (Ephesians 4:28). God honors diligence and blesses integrity, whereas deceit and greed bring loss and shame.
Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Hope is the anchor of the soul, sustaining man through trials and delays. When hope is postponed or unfulfilled, it can bring deep discouragement—“maketh the heart sick.” Long seasons of waiting test faith, as seen in Abraham’s long patience for the promise of Isaac, or in David’s many years fleeing from Saul before ascending the throne. Yet even when delayed, true hope in God never dies, for “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
“When the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Fulfilled hope revives the soul and brings joy that endures. The phrase “tree of life” recalls the blessings of restored fellowship and vitality in God. When a longed-for desire finally arrives, it breathes life into the weary heart, proving that God’s timing, though often delayed, is always perfect. The principle also reminds believers to be patient in hope and faithful in prayer, knowing that the fruition of godly desires is worth every moment of waiting.
Proverbs 13:13
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
To despise the Word of God is not merely to ignore it but to treat it as worthless or unnecessary. Such contempt toward divine revelation leads inevitably to destruction, whether by the direct judgment of God or through the natural consequences of moral rebellion. The man who despises Scripture closes his heart to the only sure foundation of wisdom and life. As Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Every rejection of truth carries within it the seeds of ruin, for those who spurn God’s Word cannot escape its consequences.
In contrast, the one who fears the commandment finds reward. To fear the commandment means to approach God’s Word with reverence, humility, and a readiness to obey. The one who honors Scripture as divine authority will find blessing in this life and the next. The fear of the Lord brings wisdom, and that wisdom leads to reward both temporal and eternal. Trapp noted that Queen Elizabeth, upon receiving a Bible at her coronation, kissed it and held it to her heart, declaring it her “delight and rule of government.” Such reverence for Scripture illustrates the heart of one who fears the commandment and is therefore rewarded by God’s favor and guidance.
Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
The instruction of the wise is like a fountain of life, ever-flowing and refreshing the soul. God’s truth, when applied, continually renews and sustains spiritual vitality. Just as a spring gives life to all that drink of it, so the wisdom of Scripture nourishes those who receive it with faith and obedience. This living fountain is not stagnant or momentary but ongoing and abundant, for “the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
The second half of the verse shows the practical effect of this divine wisdom: it delivers from the snares of death. The Word of God exposes and warns against the hidden traps of sin, deceit, and destruction. The snares of death—false teachings, moral corruption, and rebellion against God—are many, but the truth of Scripture reveals them before they ensnare the soul. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” There is but one fountain of life, yet countless snares of death, and only those who walk by God’s wisdom escape their grip.
Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Wisdom not only brings spiritual blessing but also favor with others. A person of good understanding—one who acts with discernment, humility, and fairness—wins the trust and respect of those around him. This favor is both divine and human, for God blesses wise conduct and men respond well to integrity. The life that flows from understanding is marked by grace, balance, and discernment in dealing with others.
By contrast, “the way of transgressors is hard.” Sin promises pleasure but delivers pain. The sinner imagines freedom, but his rebellion binds him with cords of misery. As Augustine confessed, before his conversion he was held fast “not with an iron chain, but with the obstinacy of my own will.” The path of disobedience is filled with self-inflicted wounds—regret, guilt, broken relationships, and divine chastisement. Clarke rightly observed that most sinners suffer more in pursuing destruction than the righteous do in pursuing heaven. Sin may seem easy at first, but it always becomes a cruel master.
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
Wisdom is not merely possessing knowledge but acting upon it. The prudent man takes time to understand before he acts. His decisions are measured, thoughtful, and grounded in truth. He applies the principles of God’s Word to daily life, walking carefully in the fear of the Lord. As James 3:13 asks, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
The fool, however, displays his folly openly. His lack of discernment is obvious to all. He speaks rashly, acts without understanding, and exposes his ignorance and pride at every turn. As Bridges notes, “He pours out his wrath, vaunts his vanity, exposes his thoughtlessness, and exercises no judgment.” The fool is not only unwise but unashamed of his foolishness. Where the prudent man conceals his plans until they are ripe with knowledge, the fool proclaims his errors to the world.
Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
A messenger bears the responsibility of truth. When he is wicked—deceitful, careless, or unfaithful—his message becomes corrupted, leading to ruin. Such a messenger brings trouble upon himself and upon those who trust him. In ancient times, a courier held a position of great responsibility and was expected to convey his master’s words with accuracy and loyalty. Likewise, those who serve as spiritual messengers—pastors, teachers, and witnesses for Christ—carry sacred trust. To distort or neglect God’s Word invites severe judgment. “A wicked messenger falleth into mischief,” not only because of his deceit, but because he perverts divine truth, causing harm to others and to his own soul.
In contrast, “a faithful ambassador is health.” The faithful servant who delivers his message truthfully brings refreshment, healing, and peace. This truth applies to all who speak on behalf of God: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). When the gospel is faithfully communicated, it restores spiritual health to those who hear and obey. Truth is medicinal; deceit is poisonous. Faithful messengers bring life, reconciliation, and the favor of God, while unfaithful ones bring confusion and destruction.
Proverbs 13:18
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Refusal to accept correction leads inevitably to ruin. Those who disdain reproof remain trapped in their errors, repeating the same mistakes until poverty and shame follow. This principle applies to both material and moral life. A man too proud to be taught will squander opportunity and invite failure. Proverbs repeatedly connects teachability with success, showing that the inability to receive instruction is a form of rebellion. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
On the other hand, “he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.” To receive correction with humility is to walk in wisdom. A rebuke, though unpleasant, is a gift when it leads to righteousness. Poole wisely notes, “He that considers it seriously, receiveth it kindly, and reformeth himself by it, shall be honoured.” The humble learner grows in both grace and reputation. God exalts those who listen and reform their ways, granting them wisdom, stability, and honor before men.
Proverbs 13:19
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
When a godly desire is fulfilled—especially through perseverance, faith, and labor—it brings deep satisfaction. Accomplished purpose sweetens the soul and strengthens the spirit. This sweetness is not merely the joy of achievement but the spiritual refreshment of seeing God’s providence bring fruit from diligence. Such fulfillment encourages faith and gratitude, reminding us that “in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
By contrast, “it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” The fool clings to his sin as though it were his treasure. To forsake wickedness seems intolerable to him because evil has become part of his identity. His hatred of holiness marks him as one fitted for destruction. As Bridges observes, “Holiness makes heaven; sin makes hell.” Those who despise righteousness find no delight in what is good, for they are bound in spiritual slavery. Therefore, they never taste the sweetness of fulfilled, godly desire.
Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
The influence of companionship cannot be overstated. The one who associates with wise men will himself grow wise. Fellowship with godly people refines character, strengthens virtue, and sharpens discernment. As iron sharpens iron, so “he that walketh with wise men” learns from their example, counsel, and correction. The believer should therefore choose friends who fear God and walk in truth. Psalm 1:1 declares, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.”
In contrast, “a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Foolish company corrupts good morals and leads to ruin. The destruction may come gradually, but it is sure. The fool’s influence is contagious, and his path ends in death. John Knox’s translation of this verse in the Latin Vulgate fittingly summarizes it: “Fool he ends that fool befriends.” Those who choose their companions wisely walk toward life; those who choose foolish friends walk toward judgment.
Proverbs 13:21
Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Evil not only flows from the heart of sinners, but it also hunts them down as a consequence of their rebellion. Sin carries within itself a curse; it brings sorrow, ruin, and judgment. “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Even when the sinner seems to prosper for a time, evil is never far behind. Like a shadow that cannot be shaken, trouble pursues those who live apart from God’s righteousness. The wicked may flee from one misfortune only to meet another, because they have chosen a life outside of divine protection.
In contrast, “to the righteous good shall be repayed.” God ensures that those who love and obey Him are ultimately rewarded. Though trials may come, the end of righteousness is peace, blessing, and restoration. The Lord Himself is a just rewarder, and His recompense is both generous and eternal. Jesus promised that every sacrifice made for His sake would be repaid a hundredfold “now in this time... and in the world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29–30). Even the smallest act of faith, such as giving a cup of cold water in His name, “shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). God’s goodness pursues His people just as surely as evil pursues the wicked.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
The legacy of a righteous man extends far beyond his lifetime. His life is so ordered, disciplined, and blessed by God that his abundance reaches to his grandchildren. This inheritance may include material provision, but it is not limited to it. The greater inheritance is spiritual and moral: faith, integrity, and a godly name. As Proverbs 22:1 declares, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” The righteous man leaves behind prayers, wisdom, and a testimony that blesses generations. Clarke rightly said, “He files many a prayer in heaven in their behalf, and his good example and advices are remembered and quoted from generation to generation.”
Meanwhile, “the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” Though the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, their riches are unstable and will ultimately serve the purposes of God’s righteousness. The Lord governs all possessions, and in His providence, He may transfer what the wicked hoard to the righteous who honor Him. As seen in Exodus, the wealth of Egypt was given to Israel (Exodus 12:35–36). God’s justice ensures that the material success of sinners, gained through greed or oppression, will one day enrich those who walk uprightly.
Proverbs 13:23
Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
This proverb teaches that the earth yields enough for everyone, yet injustice and mismanagement cause scarcity. “Much food is in the tillage of the poor,” meaning that even the humble laborer, through honest work, can find provision in what seems like barren soil. The phrase “fallow ground” implies unused or neglected potential—the blessings of God that lie hidden until cultivated by diligence. In a just society, this hard work would bring sustenance and stability.
However, “there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.” Injustice, corruption, and oppression rob the poor of the fruit of their labor. Governments, landlords, or systems that exploit workers create artificial poverty where there should be abundance. Morgan observed, “There is sustenance in the land, but men are excluded from it by injustice.” Yet this proverb may also serve as a rebuke to the lazy poor who fail to use what God has placed before them. Clarke commented, “How much of the poverty of the poor arises from their own want of management! They have little or no economy, and no foresight.” Thus, both tyranny and laziness lead to waste. True prosperity requires both just rule and personal responsibility.
Proverbs 13:24
He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
This proverb reveals one of the most important principles in parenting—true love disciplines. The “rod” here symbolizes correction, including but not limited to measured physical discipline. It represents the broader concept of firm, loving guidance that trains the will and molds the character of a child. Modern culture often views correction as cruelty, yet Scripture declares the opposite: withholding discipline is the real act of hatred. The parent who refuses to correct a child allows him to persist in folly, rebellion, and sin, which ultimately bring ruin. Such neglect is not mercy but abandonment of responsibility. As Poole wrote, “His fond affection is as pernicious to him as his or another man’s hatred could be.”
True love disciplines promptly—at the right time and in the right way. To delay correction allows disobedience to take root. When done properly, discipline connects the wrong action with its consequence, teaching the child both accountability and moral clarity. It must be carried out with wisdom and tenderness, not anger or abuse. As Ephesians 6:4 instructs, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The godly parent disciplines out of love, not frustration, understanding that “folly is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). Parental correction is therefore not punitive but redemptive, reflecting God’s own loving chastisement of His children (Hebrews 12:6).
Proverbs 13:25
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
The righteous man is content with what God provides. His appetite—both physical and spiritual—is satisfied because his heart is at peace with God. His desires are moderate, his conscience is clear, and his gratitude transforms even little into abundance. As Psalm 37:16 declares, “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” The righteous not only enjoy God’s material blessings but also taste the deeper satisfaction that comes from a contented soul. Clarke aptly said, “His desires are all moderate; he is contented with his circumstances, and is pleased with the lot which God is pleased to send.” This satisfaction is not merely about food but about the spiritual fullness of a godly life.
In contrast, “the belly of the wicked shall want.” Though the wicked may labor for gain or resort to deceit, their souls are never satisfied. Their greed breeds discontent, and their sin brings scarcity—both physical and spiritual. They hunger perpetually, for sin can never fill the void of the human heart. Even in apparent abundance, the wicked live in spiritual famine. As Bridges noted, “Elijah was fed, first by ravens, afterwards by a widow, while the wicked country of Israel went hungry.” Their want is both the consequence of their rebellion and the judgment of God, for “the Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked” (Proverbs 10:3). The righteous live with peace and provision; the wicked live with want and emptiness.
