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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/13-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/20_Pro_13_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 13:20 - A Father's Discipline" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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associate with fools and get in trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that walketh with wise <i>men</i> shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who walks with wise <i>men</i> will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who walks with wise people will be wise, But a companion of fools will suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will be wise, But the friend of fools will suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise: but the companion of fools shall smart for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever walks with wise people will be wise, but whoever associates with fools will suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever keeps company with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is walking with wise men is wise, "" And a companion of fools suffers evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is walking with wise men is wise, And a companion of fools suffereth evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He going with the wise, and he is wise: and the companion of the foolish shall become evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that walketh with the wise, shall be wise: a friend of fools shall become like to them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever keeps step with the wise shall be wise. A friend of the foolish will become like them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Walk with the wise and you become wise, but the companion of fools fares badly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who walks with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall suffer harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that walks with the wise will be wise, and he that walks with a fool will harm himself.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; But the companion of fools shall smart for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If thou walkest with wise men thou shalt be wise: but he that walks with fools shall be known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/13-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2495" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/13.htm">A Father's Discipline</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hå̄·lōḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">He who walks</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: wa·ḥă·ḵå̄m (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">will become wise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: wə·rō·‘eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">but the companion</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: ḵə·sî·lîm (N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">of fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: yê·rō·w·a‘ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">will be destroyed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-14.htm">2 Corinthians 6:14</a></span><br />Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-24.htm">Proverbs 22:24-25</a></span><br />Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, / or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-17.htm">Proverbs 27:17</a></span><br />As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">1 Corinthians 5:11</a></span><br />But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-63.htm">Psalm 119:63</a></span><br />I am a friend to all who fear You, and to those who keep Your precepts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a></span><br />Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-6.htm">Proverbs 9:6</a></span><br />Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a></span><br />Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Proverbs 28:7</a></span><br />A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3-4</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. / Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-14.htm">Proverbs 4:14-15</a></span><br />Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-11.htm">Ephesians 5:11</a></span><br />Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">Proverbs 2:20</a></b></br> That thou mayest walk in the way of good <i>men</i>, and keep the paths of the righteous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-63.htm">Psalm 119:63</a></b></br> I <i>am</i> a companion of all <i>them</i> that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/songs/1-7.htm">Song of Solomon 1:7,8</a></b></br> Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest <i>thy flock</i> to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? … </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11-19</a></b></br> If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Proverbs 2:12-19</a></b></br> To deliver thee from the way of the evil <i>man</i>, from the man that speaketh froward things; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Proverbs 7:22,23,27</a></b></br> He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; … </p><p class="hdg">destroyed or broken </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/6-15.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-14.htm">Company</a> <a href="/psalms/53-3.htm">Depraved</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-19.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-19.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Smart</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Suffereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Suffers</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-9.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Company</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-47.htm">Depraved</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/songs/6-10.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Smart</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Suffereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Suffers</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">a scoffer does not listen to rebuke</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He who walks with the wise will become wise</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of companionship and influence. In biblical context, wisdom is highly valued, often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). Walking with the wise implies a close relationship or fellowship, suggesting that wisdom is not only taught but also caught through association. Historically, wisdom literature in the Bible, such as Proverbs, was used to instruct young people in the ways of righteousness and practical living. The concept of walking with the wise can be seen in the mentorship relationships throughout Scripture, such as Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2) or Paul and Timothy (<a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5-6</a>). This phrase also reflects the broader biblical principle that one's character is shaped by their companions (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a>).<p><b>but the companion of fools will be destroyed</b><br>The contrast here highlights the consequences of associating with those who lack wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a fool was not merely someone lacking intelligence but someone who rejected God's ways and wisdom (<a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>). The term "destroyed" suggests severe consequences, both spiritually and practically. This aligns with the biblical theme of reaping what one sows (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>). The destruction mentioned can be seen as both temporal and eternal, reflecting the ultimate fate of those who reject wisdom and God’s guidance. The warning here is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1</a>, which contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. This phrase serves as a cautionary note, urging believers to choose their associations wisely, as they have profound implications for one's spiritual and moral well-being.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>Individuals who possess and live by godly wisdom, often characterized by their fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fool.htm">The Fool</a></b><br>Those who reject wisdom and understanding, often living in a way that is contrary to God's teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_companion.htm">The Companion</a></b><br>A person who associates closely with others, sharing in their habits and behaviors.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_wisdom.htm">The Path of Wisdom</a></b><br>A metaphorical journey or lifestyle that aligns with God's principles and leads to spiritual growth and understanding.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/destruction.htm">Destruction</a></b><br>The negative consequences or ruin that result from living a life contrary to God's wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_companionship.htm">The Influence of Companionship</a></b><br>Our close associations significantly impact our character and decision-making. Choose friends who encourage spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_wisdom.htm">Pursuing Wisdom</a></b><br>Actively seek out wise mentors and immerse yourself in Scripture to cultivate godly wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_destructive_paths.htm">Avoiding Destructive Paths</a></b><br>Recognize and distance yourself from relationships or environments that lead you away from God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>Understand that aligning with foolishness leads to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>Engage in a faith community that supports and challenges you to grow in wisdom and Christlikeness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_join_greek_life.htm">Can Christians join fraternities or sororities?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_bad_company_harm_character.htm">How does bad company affect good character?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_definition_of_actual_grace.htm">How can a young man purify his path?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'unequally_yoked'_mean.htm">What does "unequally yoked" mean in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Shall be destroyed--</span><span class= "ital">i.e.</span>, morally ruined.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that walketh with wise men shall be wise;</span> or, according to the Khetib, <span class="accented">walk with wise men</span>, <span class="accented">and thou shall be wise.</span> Ecclus. 6:36, "If thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door." So the Greek maxim - <p><span class="greek">Σοφοῖς ὁμιλῶν καὐτὸς ἐκβήσῃ σοφός</span>. <p><span class="accented">"With wise conversing thou wilt wise become."</span> <p>and Eurip., 'Rhesus,' 206 - . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/13-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He who walks</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹלֵ֣ךְ‪‬‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲכָמִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will become wise,</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶחְכָּ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(yeḥ·kām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the companion</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרֹעֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rō·‘eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fools</span><br /><span class="heb">כְסִילִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be destroyed.</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵרֽוֹעַ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yê·rō·w·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7321.htm">Strong's 7321: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mar, to split the ears, shout</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:20 One who walks with wise men grows (Prov. 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