Proverbs 13:13-14 (ESV)
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
To despise God’s word is to treat it lightly, reject its authority, or assume that one knows better than God. Scripture repeatedly warns that there are consequences for despising the Lord and his commands. Numbers 15:31 says, “Because he has despised the word of the Lord… his iniquity shall be on him.” A person may ignore God’s word for a season and even appear to prosper, but she will one day give an account. Those who walk according to what seems right in their own eyes while refusing to obey God’s commands will surely suffer in the judgment.
In contrast, “he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.” The woman who fears, loves, and obeys God’s word receives blessing. Psalm 119:162 says, “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.” By listening to and following the wisdom found in Proverbs, she learns to navigate life in a way that honors God and avoids unnecessary destruction. Ultimately, those who listen to and obey the word of the Lord receive the reward of eternal life promised by God himself.
Solomon describes “the teaching of the wise” as “a fountain of life.” The Hebrew word translated “teaching” is torah, a word often used to describe instruction flowing from God. His wisdom is not restrictive, but a life giving fountain that refreshes and sustains the soul. Those who reject God’s word eventually move toward death and destruction, but those who love his instruction find life in both quality and quantity. A woman who consistently lives according to biblical wisdom avoids countless sorrows. God’s wisdom preserves and protects those who walk in it.
Finally, Solomon says that wisdom helps a person “turn away from the snares of death.” The Hebrew word translated “snares” is moqesh, referring to a hidden trap set for an unsuspecting animal. The world is filled with such traps. False teaching, manipulative people, worldly philosophies, and ungodly influences quietly lure foolish people toward destruction. We are surrounded by snares promising happiness through wealth, appearance, comfort, sexual freedom, self worship, and endless entertainment. Yet those traps eventually lead to sinful thoughts, sinful speech, sinful behavior, and spiritual ruin.
Many deceptions threaten to overcome the gullible woman. Evil people, evil desires, and evil forces are scattered along the path of those who reject the Lord. Just as traps are hidden for hunted animals, the fool is eventually caught by one or more of these snares. What sin easily entangles you? Pride? Materialism? Gossip? Lust? Bitterness? People pleasing? What are you doing today to avoid its lure? The woman who responds humbly to God’s instruction enjoys fellowship with him both in this life and in the life to come.