Definition: A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this proverb from Proverbs 13:2. It's a really powerful and insightful message about how our actions affect us – both internally and externally. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that doing good (producing good things) will lead to happiness and fulfillment, while doing bad or harmful things will lead to suffering and unhappiness. It's a warning against focusing on short-term gains at the expense of long-term well-being. Let’s unpack it further: “A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth…” – This is about living a life of righteousness, doing what's right and kind. It means acting with integrity, honesty, and compassion. It suggests that living well is tied to doing well . Think of it as cultivating your character – being a good person. "...but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.” – This is where it gets really important. "The soul" refers to your inner spirit, your thoughts, feelings, and intentions. “Violence” means harm – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It’s about causing pain, destruction, and disruption. So, what does this mean practically? It's a warning against greed and selfishness: Focusing solely on getting rich or having more things doesn’t bring lasting happiness if it comes at the cost of your peace of mind, relationships, and overall well-being. It emphasizes kindness and compassion: Treating others with respect and empathy is essential for building a fulfilling life. It encourages a balanced approach: It’s not just about doing good ; it's also about avoiding doing bad . We need to be mindful of our choices and their consequences. In short, the verse urges us to prioritize goodness and virtue over fleeting pleasures and destructive actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., what "fruit of your mouth" represents?) Give you examples of how this principle applies to everyday life?

Definition: He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down Proverbs 13:20 – it’s a really important and thought-provoking verse. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that wisdom isn’t just about having knowledge; it’s about how you use your knowledge. It highlights that being surrounded by foolish people can actually lead to trouble, while surrounding yourself with wise people will help you succeed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He who walks with wise men…” – This refers to someone who chooses to live a life of wisdom and understanding. It’s about actively seeking knowledge and making good decisions. “…shall be wise” - This is the key part. It means that those who prioritize learning, thoughtful decision-making, and sound judgment will naturally become wiser. “But a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” – This is the consequence of choosing to surround yourself with foolish people. A fool’s company leads to mistakes, poor choices, and ultimately, trouble or hardship. In simpler terms: It's about quality over quantity . It’s better to have wise friends and advisors than a bunch of silly ones. What does this mean practically? Listen to advice: Don’t just blindly follow others – consider their perspectives, especially when they aren't experts in the same field. Seek out knowledge: Continuously learn and grow your understanding of the world. Avoid foolish behavior: Be mindful of your choices and actions; don’t fall into patterns that lead to problems. Essentially, Proverbs 13:20 is a call to prioritize wisdom and good judgment over fleeting amusement or shallow opinions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail?

Definition: Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and important verse from Proverbs 13:21: “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” Here’s a simple explanation in easy terms: Basically, it means that those who pursue (or try to harm) people who are righteous will eventually face consequences. Let's unpack it further: “Evil pursueth sinners”: This is the core of the verse. "Pursue" means to follow or chase someone. “Evil” refers to harmful actions, wrongdoing, or negativity. So, “evil pursueth sinners” means someone who tries to harm or persecute others is actively trying to cause them pain and trouble. “But to the righteous good shall be repayed.”: This is the important part! This speaks about the result of this action. When someone acts with righteousness – when they are just, kind, and true to God – things will happen in their favor. Goodness, faithfulness, and doing what’s right will ultimately lead to a positive outcome. Think of it like this: It's not always about immediate retaliation. It’s about the long-term reward for righteous behavior. In simpler terms, it’s a promise that good deeds will be rewarded, and bad actions will have consequences. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be kind and compassionate: It reminds us to treat others with respect and avoid causing them harm. Live righteously: It suggests that living a moral life is the best path to a fulfilling and blessed life. Trust in God's plan: It implies that God has a purpose for everything, and even those who try to hurt us will ultimately be met with good. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like to know: Why it’s often called a “promise”? How it relates to forgiveness?

Definition: A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 13:22. It’s a really important message about how our lives impact others and what truly matters in life. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that good people leave a positive legacy – a good example, a valuable thing – behind for their families. It suggests that the things we do and the way we live will influence those around us, ultimately benefiting them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “A good [man] leaveth…” - This means a person who is kind, honest, and helpful leaves something behind. It's not just about being nice; it's about actively contributing positively to the world. "...an inheritance to his children..." – This refers to the legacy we create for our families. Think of it as what we leave them after we’re gone. "...and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just." - This is where it gets interesting. A "sinner" isn't necessarily a bad person, but someone who doesn't value goodness or right living. The verse says that their wealth – their actions and how they treat others – will ultimately be used to benefit those who are righteous (those who live in accordance with God’s word). It means that the things they don’t do, or the way they treat others, will be weighed against them. So, what does this mean practically? It's a reminder that: Kindness and integrity matter: Doing good deeds, being honest, and treating people with respect creates a positive impact on the world. Our actions have consequences: What we do now will influence the future. True wealth isn’t about money: It's about living a life that reflects God’s character – a life of goodness and love. In short, Proverbs 13:22 encourages us to live a life that is beneficial to others, as it will ultimately benefit those who follow our example. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For instance, we could talk about the symbolism behind “inheritance” or the difference between a “sinner” and a “just” person?

Definition: Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 13:23. It's a really interesting and layered message about wealth and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “Much food is in the tillage of the poor” : This part speaks to abundance . When people are struggling, when they have little or no money, there's a lot of food available – enough to feed themselves and their families. Think about farmers working hard and harvesting a good crop. "...but there is that destroyed for want of judgment." : This is where it gets deeper. It means that even with all that abundance , if people aren’t careful, thoughtful, or wise in how they use their wealth, it can be lost or ruined. “Judgment” here refers to good judgment, ethical behavior, and being aware of the consequences of your actions. Putting it together – a simple explanation: It's saying that while having plenty is good, it’s not enough if you don’t use your resources wisely . When people are lazy, selfish, or make bad choices with their wealth, it can all be lost or destroyed because they lack the wisdom to handle it responsibly. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be careful with our money: Don’t waste it recklessly. Think before we act: Consider the consequences of our choices, especially when it comes to wealth and possessions. Practice good judgment: Make wise decisions based on what is right and just. In essence, it's a reminder that true prosperity isn't just about having more money; it’s about using it wisely and responsibly. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse in the Bible? Give examples of how we can practice good judgment in our lives?

Definition: He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and insightful verse from Proverbs 13:24. It's a really wise piece of advice about how to treat your loved ones. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that kindness and tenderness are important, but firm discipline is necessary when you need to correct someone. It’s not enough to just be gentle; sometimes, you have to gently guide them to right their mistakes. Let's unpack it word by word: “He that spares his rod…” – Think of a rod as a tool or a way of dealing with a problem. "Spares" means to not use it harshly. “…hateth his son” - This means he really doesn’t like being treated poorly, criticized, or ignored. He feels hurt and uncomfortable when someone isn't given the care they need. “But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” – "Chasten" means to gently correct or discipline someone. “Betimes” is a fancy word for "early." This means you should address the issue with them immediately . So, putting it all together: It’s saying that when you love and care for someone, you need to be firm in correcting their behavior. Don't let your love go unrequited – gently guide them towards righting their wrongs before they become a bigger problem. It's about setting boundaries and making sure they understand the consequences of their actions. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes that discipline is a part of loving someone. It’s not just about punishment; it's about helping them grow and learn to make better choices. In essence, Proverbs 13:24 encourages a balance – love and care combined with firm guidance when necessary. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Proverbs? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle might be applied in a real-life situation?

Definition: The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It's a really powerful and insightful one about how we live our lives. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that righteousness – living a life of honesty, fairness, and doing what’s right – brings true satisfaction and contentment. It's not just about following rules; it’s about being good. But, the verse also points out that the opposite – a life filled with greed, selfishness, and wanting for things – will ultimately lead to unhappiness and lack. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul” : This is the key part. "Eating" here doesn't necessarily mean eating food. It means living a life that fulfills your inner needs, your spiritual purpose, and your sense of rightness. It’s about feeling good, knowing you’re doing what’s just and beautiful. Think of it like when you do something you believe is good – it feels good inside! “But the belly of the wicked shall want” : This part highlights the consequence of a life that doesn't prioritize rightness. "The belly" refers to your desires, needs, and wants – what fills your stomach and makes you feel hungry for more. A wicked person’s belly will always be empty because they aren’t focused on fulfilling their own inner needs or doing what is morally correct. In short: Living a righteous life provides lasting satisfaction and happiness, while a life of greed and selfishness ultimately leads to emptiness and dissatisfaction. Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Focus on our values: Live according to principles that are good for ourselves and others. Prioritize spiritual well-being: It's about more than just following rules; it’s about cultivating a heart filled with goodness. Don’t chase fleeting things: True happiness isn’t found in material possessions or external validation, but in living a life of integrity and purpose. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, would you like to know more about: The concept of “righteousness”? How this applies to everyday situations?