Proverbs 13:15
New International Version
Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.

New Living Translation
A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

English Standard Version
Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.

Berean Standard Bible
Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.

King James Bible
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

New King James Version
Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.

New American Standard Bible
Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is their own disaster.

NASB 1995
Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard.

NASB 1977
Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard.

Legacy Standard Bible
Good insight gives grace, But the way of the treacherous is unrelenting.

Amplified Bible
Good understanding wins favor [from others], But the way of the unfaithful is hard [like barren, dry soil].

Christian Standard Bible
Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous never changes.

American Standard Version
Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard.

Contemporary English Version
Sound judgment is praised, but people without good sense are on the way to disaster.

English Revised Version
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of the treacherous is rugged.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Good sense brings favor, but the way of treacherous people is always the same.

Good News Translation
Intelligence wins respect, but those who can't be trusted are on the road to ruin.

International Standard Version
Good understanding produces grace, but the lifestyle of the treacherous never changes.

Majority Standard Bible
Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.

NET Bible
Keen insight wins favor, but the conduct of the unfaithful is harsh.

New Heart English Bible
Good understanding brings favor; but the way of the unfaithful leads to calamity.

Webster's Bible Translation
Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.

World English Bible
Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Good understanding gives grace, "" And the way of the treacherous [is] hard.

Young's Literal Translation
Good understanding giveth grace, And the way of the treacherous is hard.

Smith's Literal Translation
Good understanding shall give grace: and the way of the transgressing is perpetuity.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Good instruction shall give grace: in the way of scorners is a deep pit.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Good doctrine bestows grace. In the way of the contemptuous, there is a chasm.

New American Bible
Good sense brings favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin.

New Revised Standard Version
Good sense wins favor, but the way of the faithless is their ruin.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Good understanding brings mercy; but the way of transgressors leads to destruction.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Good understanding gives compassion, and the way of the evil is unto destruction.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Good understanding giveth grace; But the way of the faithless is harsh.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Sound discretion gives favour, and to know the law is the part of a sound understanding: but the ways of scorners tend to destruction.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Father's Discipline
14The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. 15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult. 16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.…

Cross References
Psalm 1:1-3
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.

Psalm 37:37-38
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.

Psalm 112:5
It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.

Proverbs 3:1-4
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. ...

Proverbs 11:5-6
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.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 15:19
The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Proverbs 21:8
The way of a guilty man is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Isaiah 57:20-21
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.”

Jeremiah 6:16
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!’

Matthew 7:13-14
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.

Matthew 11:28-30
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.”

Luke 1:50
His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 2:6-10
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. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.

good

Proverbs 3:4
So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 14:35
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

1 Samuel 18:14-16
And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him…

but

Proverbs 4:19
The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 15:10
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

Psalm 95:9-11
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work…

Jump to Previous
Approval Behaviour Destruction Faithless Favor Favour Gets Good Grace Hard Harsh Procureth Produces Ruin Sense Transgressor Transgressors Treacherous Understanding Unfaithful Way Wins Wise
Jump to Next
Approval Behaviour Destruction Faithless Favor Favour Gets Good Grace Hard Harsh Procureth Produces Ruin Sense Transgressor Transgressors Treacherous Understanding Unfaithful Way Wins Wise
Proverbs 13
1. a scoffer does not listen to rebuke














Good understanding
The Hebrew word for "understanding" is "sekel," which implies insight, prudence, or wisdom. In the biblical context, this understanding is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). It suggests a discernment that aligns with God's will and purposes. Historically, those who possessed such understanding were often sought after for counsel and leadership, as seen in the lives of Joseph and Daniel. This understanding is a gift from God, cultivated through a relationship with Him and a commitment to His Word.

Wins favor
The phrase "wins favor" indicates the positive outcomes that result from possessing good understanding. The Hebrew word "chen" for "favor" can also mean grace or acceptance. In a conservative Christian perspective, this favor is not just from humans but primarily from God. It reflects the biblical principle that when one's ways please the Lord, He makes even their enemies to be at peace with them (Proverbs 16:7). This favor is a divine endorsement that opens doors and creates opportunities for influence and impact.

But the way of the faithless
The "faithless" are those who lack fidelity to God and His commandments. The Hebrew term "bagad" suggests treachery or deceit. In the biblical narrative, faithlessness is often associated with idolatry and rebellion against God. The "way" of the faithless is a lifestyle or path characterized by moral and spiritual deviation. This path is contrasted with the righteous path, which leads to life and peace. The faithless are those who trust in their own understanding rather than acknowledging God in all their ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Is difficult
The Hebrew word "eytan" translated as "difficult" can also mean perpetual or enduring. It suggests a path that is hard, fraught with obstacles, and ultimately unsustainable. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this difficulty is not merely circumstantial but spiritual, as it reflects the consequences of living apart from God's wisdom and guidance. The faithless path leads to destruction, as it is devoid of the light and truth that come from walking with God. This serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging individuals to seek the Lord while He may be found and to walk in His ways.

(15) Good understanding giveth favour.--Comp. the union of "wisdom" and "favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52).

The way of transgressors is hard.--Rough and barren as the valley described in Deuteronomy 21:4, in contrast to the green "pastures" and "waters of comfort" of Psalm 23:2.

Verse 15. - Good understanding giveth favour (Proverbs 3:4); 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" (Luke 2:52). 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 Proverbs 9:10, "It belongs to a good understanding (διανοίας) to know the Law." The way of transgressors is hard; 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."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Good
ט֭וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

understanding
שֵֽׂכֶל־ (śê·ḵel-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7922: Intelligence, success

wins
יִתֶּן־ (yit·ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

favor,
חֵ֑ן (ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective

but the way
וְדֶ֖רֶךְ (wə·ḏe·reḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of the faithless
בֹּגְדִ֣ים (bō·ḡə·ḏîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 898: To cover, to act covertly, to pillage

is difficult.
אֵיתָֽן׃ (’ê·ṯān)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 386: Perennial, ever-flowing, permanence


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding wins favor (Prov. Pro Pr)
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