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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 13:15 Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/13-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_13_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 13:15 - A Father's Discipline" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult." /><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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a treacherous person is headed for destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors <i>is</i> hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful <i>is</i> hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is their own disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Good insight gives grace, But the way of the treacherous is unrelenting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding wins favor [from others], But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sound judgment is praised, but people without good sense are on the way to disaster. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of the treacherous is rugged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Good sense brings favor, but the way of treacherous people is always the same. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Intelligence wins respect, but those who can't be trusted are on the road to ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Good understanding produces grace, but the lifestyle of the treacherous never changes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Keen insight wins favor, but the conduct of the unfaithful is harsh. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding brings favor; but the way of the unfaithful leads to calamity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Good understanding gives grace, "" And the way of the treacherous [is] hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Good understanding giveth grace, And the way of the treacherous is hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good understanding shall give grace: and the way of the transgressing is perpetuity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Good doctrine bestows grace. In the way of the contemptuous, there is a chasm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Good sense brings favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Good sense wins favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Good understanding brings mercy; but the way of transgressors leads to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Good understanding gives compassion, and the way of the evil is unto destruction.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Good understanding giveth grace; But the way of the faithless is harsh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Sound discretion gives favour, and to know the law is the part of a sound understanding: but the ways of scorners tend to destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/13-15.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=2458" 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">14</span>The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Good</a> <a href="/hebrew/7922.htm" title="7922: śê·ḵel- (N-ms) -- Prudence, insight. Or sekel; from sakal; intelligence; by implication, success.">understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·ten- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">wins</a> <a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">favor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: wə·ḏe·reḵ (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">but the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/898.htm" title="898: bō·ḡə·ḏîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To act or deal treacherously. A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage.">of the faithless</a> <a href="/hebrew/386.htm" title="386: ’ê·ṯān (Adj-ms) -- Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence. Or ethan; from an unused root; permanence; hence permanent; specifically a chieftain.">is difficult.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.…<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="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</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. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-37.htm">Psalm 37:37-38</a></span><br />Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace. / But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5</a></span><br />It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1-4</a></span><br />My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; / for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life. / Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5-6</a></span><br />The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. / The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a></span><br />There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Proverbs 15:19</a></span><br />The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Proverbs 21:8</a></span><br />The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20-21</a></span><br />But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, for it cannot be still, and its waves churn up mire and muck. / “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Matthew 7:13-14</a></span><br />Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-50.htm">Luke 1:50</a></span><br />His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Romans 2:6-10</a></span><br />God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” / To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. / But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.</p><p class="hdg">good</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4</a></b></br> So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Proverbs 14:35</a></b></br> The king's favour <i>is</i> toward a wise servant: but his wrath is <i>against</i> him that causeth shame.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-14.htm">1 Samuel 18:14-16</a></b></br> And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD <i>was</i> with him… </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-19.htm">Proverbs 4:19</a></b></br> The way of the wicked <i>is</i> as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Proverbs 15:10</a></b></br> Correction <i>is</i> grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: <i>and</i> he that hateth reproof shall die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/95-9.htm">Psalm 95:9-11</a></b></br> When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/45-12.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-4.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-4.htm">Harsh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Procureth</a> <a href="/psalms/119-38.htm">Produces</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Transgressor</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Transgressors</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Treacherous</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-2.htm">Unfaithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Wins</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Approval</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-28.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-32.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-23.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Harsh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Procureth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm">Produces</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-28.htm">Ruin</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Transgressor</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Transgressors</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Treacherous</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Unfaithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Wins</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-20.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>Good understanding wins favor</b><br>"Good understanding" refers to wisdom and discernment that align with God's principles. In the biblical context, understanding is often linked to the fear of the Lord, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This understanding is not merely intellectual but involves a moral and spiritual insight that guides one's actions and decisions. The favor mentioned here can be seen as both divine and human. Biblically, those who live with wisdom and understanding often find favor with God, as seen in the lives of Joseph (<a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Genesis 39:4</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a>), who were granted favor in the eyes of those around them due to their godly wisdom and conduct. This favor can also extend to relationships with others, as wise and understanding behavior tends to foster trust and respect.<p><b>but the way of the faithless is difficult</b><br>The "way of the faithless" refers to the path chosen by those who reject God's wisdom and live according to their own desires. In biblical terms, faithlessness is often equated with rebellion against God, as seen in the Israelites' repeated turning away from God in the Old Testament (e.g., <a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Judges 2:17</a>). The difficulty of this path is not just about external hardships but also includes internal turmoil and spiritual consequences. The Hebrew word for "difficult" can also mean "hard" or "perpetually barren," suggesting a life that lacks fulfillment and peace. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that sin leads to destruction and hardship, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Proverbs 11:5-6</a>, which contrasts the righteous and the wicked. The New Testament echoes this idea in <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a>, where the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. The faithless path ultimately leads away from God's blessings and into spiritual desolation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed. The wisdom literature was intended to guide the Israelites in living according to God's laws and principles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_faithless.htm">The Faithless</a></b><br>This term refers to those who reject God's ways and live according to their own understanding, often leading to a life of hardship and difficulty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_godly_wisdom.htm">The Value of Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Good understanding, rooted in God's wisdom, leads to favor and success in life. Pursuing wisdom through prayer, study, and application of God's Word is essential for a fruitful Christian life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_faithlessness.htm">Consequences of Faithlessness</a></b><br>Living a life apart from God's guidance results in difficulties and hardships. The faithless path is fraught with challenges that could be avoided by adhering to God's principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_favor.htm">The Importance of Favor</a></b><br>Favor is not merely about human approval but about aligning oneself with God's will, which brings peace and blessings. Seek to live in a way that pleases God, and His favor will follow.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_understanding_in_relationships.htm">The Role of Understanding in Relationships</a></b><br>Good understanding fosters healthy relationships, as it involves empathy, patience, and wisdom. Strive to understand others and apply biblical principles in all interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_the_righteous.htm">The Path of the Righteous</a></b><br>The righteous path, though sometimes challenging, ultimately leads to life and peace. Commit to walking in righteousness, trusting that God's ways are higher and better.<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/what_does_'spare_the_rod'_mean.htm">What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/effects_of_acting_foolishly.htm">What are the consequences of acting foolishly?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_elisabeth_elliot.htm">What does the Bible advise about handling annoying people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_link_between_cleanliness_and_godliness.htm">How can we avoid quarrels and promote peace?</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>(15) <span class= "bld">Good understanding giveth favour.--</span>Comp. the union of "wisdom" and "favour with God and man" (<a href="/luke/2-52.htm" title="And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.">Luke 2:52</a>).<p><span class= "bld">The way of transgressors is hard.--</span>Rough and barren as the valley described in <a href="/deuteronomy/21-4.htm" title="And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley:">Deuteronomy 21:4</a>, in contrast to the green "pastures" and "waters of comfort" of <a href="/psalms/23-2.htm" title="He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.">Psalm 23:2</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Good understanding giveth favour</span> (<a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4</a>); makes one acceptable to God and man. We are told of Christ that "he increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man" (<a href="/luke/2-52.htm">Luke 2:52</a>). As a good and wise man uses his gifts and graces properly, he wins higher favour from God, and kindles the love and respect of his fellow men. Alter this clause the Septuagint introduces that which occurs also in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, "It belongs to a good understanding (<span class="greek">διανοίας</span>) to know the Law." <span class="cmt_word">The way of transgressors is hard;</span> rough and rugged, leading to desolation, not to waters of comfort. Ecclus. 21:10, "The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell." Vulgate, "In the way of scorners is an abyss;" Septuagint, "The ways of scorners end in destruction." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/13-15.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">Good</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֭וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵֽׂכֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(śê·ḵel-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7922.htm">Strong's 7922: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, success</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wins</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(yit·ten-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">favor,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> </span><span class="str2">Graciousness, subjective, objective</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the way</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדֶ֖רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the faithless</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּגְדִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(bō·ḡə·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_898.htm">Strong's 898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, to act covertly, to pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is difficult.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵיתָֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_386.htm">Strong's 386: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/13-15.htm">Proverbs 13:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/13-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding wins favor (Prov. 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