Tag: Proverbs 10:13

Understanding

Commonplace –

“In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding” (Proverbs 10:13).

In Proverbs 10:13, Solomon contrasts the life of those who seek understanding and those who do not. The pursuit of understanding brings the reward of wisdom to the seeker: words of wisdom are on his lips. Based on what Solomon has already taught us in Proverbs, we know that if wisdom is on a person’s lips, there is a potential for a heart full of wisdom. Further investigation would be required to determine the extent of understanding.

Let’s think about that for a minute. If a person picks up the Bible and reads a Proverb, then, in that moment, wisdom is on their lips. Does that mean their heart is full of wisdom? No, it does not. One quick reminder of this is recalling the temptation of Christ in the desert in Matthew 4:1-11. The devil was able to quote scripture and use it effectively in an argument; he could use verses out of context to support his argument, proof texting. Christ, however, had a heart full of wisdom, was able to discern the devil’s agenda, knew the actual context of those quote verses in relation to the entire message of the Bible, and countered quickly with the correct scripture. Another good reminder of the importance of knowing the word deeply is James 2:19, which says, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble”. So, a person who simply gives lip service to Bible verses does not necessarily have wisdom, understanding is crucial.

For grasp this more clearly, we can turn to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, where he notes the following:

“Wisdom and grace are the honour of good men: He that has understanding, that good understanding which those have that do the commandments, wisdom is found in his lips, that is, it is discovered to be there, and consequently that he has within a good treasure of it, and it is derived thence for the benefit of others. It is a man’s honour to have wisdom, but much more to be instrumental to make others wise” (692).

Works Cited

Henry, Matthew. “Proverbs 10:13.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

© 2025 Angela Hormberg