Bible Strands
Proverbs 13:15
Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs delivers this instruction as a wisdom maxim addressing the reader regarding the practical outcomes of two opposing life orientations. It immediately follows a statement on how wise teaching preserves life from death’s snares.
The words — שֵׂכֶל (se.khel) translates literally as insight, and אֵיתָן ('ei.Tan) means enduring or difficult. These terms anchor the verse’s structural contrast between the accessibility of favor and the persistent hardship of treachery.
The thread — The difficult path of the faithless recurs in Proverbs 4:19 and 15:10, which describe the stumbling and harsh discipline awaiting those who abandon the path of correction. Jeremiah 2:19 similarly notes that apostasy itself disciplines and reproaches the one who forsakes God.
Why it lands — The verse demands a practical assessment of one’s current conduct, recognizing that insight yields favorable outcomes while treachery guarantees persistent hardship. It calls for deliberate alignment with understanding rather than complacency in deceit.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 2:19 Your own evil will discipline you; your own apostasies will reprimand you. Consider and realize how evil and bitter it is for you to forsake the LORD your God and to have no fear of Me,” declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.
- Proverbs 4:19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble.
- Proverbs 15:10 Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
- Romans 6:21 What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.
- Psalms 95:9 where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work.
- Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!
- Proverbs 3:4 Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.
- Acts 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.
- Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.