“Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored” (v.18). This proverb shows that rejecting correction introduces personal ruin and disgrace, while humbly receiving discipline leads to lasting honor. In Proverbs, the Hebrew word for “poverty” appears only a handful of times and often pairs with “shame,” highlighting how ignoring wise counsel can open the door to hardship that flows relentlessly, much like a steady stream. By refusing discipline, people lock themselves out of the natural blessings that come from living rightly, inviting instead the consequences of their own negligence.
On the other hand, “he who regards reproof will be honored.” From the earliest chapters of Proverbs, we see that correction and instruction are the path to wisdom for those willing to listen. Discipline often means learning to align with God’s design for our lives, allowing reproofs to keep us on the path of flourishing. Accepting loving discipline, whether human or divine, nurtures virtues such as humility and teachability, opening the way to deeper insight and recognition in one’s community. As one commentary puts it, ignoring correction “disrupts the intended trajectory of our journey” and causes us to veer from the life God offers.
The path of discipline is not always comfortable, but Proverbs lifts up reproof and instruction as loving, necessary tools for growth. Yielding to correction protects us from self-inflicted loss and fosters genuine relationship with God and others. Rather than stumbling into “poverty and shame,” we stand poised to gain honor if we are attentive to wisdom’s voice and willing to be shaped by it.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 13:18 meaning
“Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, But he who regards reproof will be honored” (v.18). This proverb shows that rejecting correction introduces personal ruin and disgrace, while humbly receiving discipline leads to lasting honor. In Proverbs, the Hebrew word for “poverty” appears only a handful of times and often pairs with “shame,” highlighting how ignoring wise counsel can open the door to hardship that flows relentlessly, much like a steady stream. By refusing discipline, people lock themselves out of the natural blessings that come from living rightly, inviting instead the consequences of their own negligence.
On the other hand, “he who regards reproof will be honored.” From the earliest chapters of Proverbs, we see that correction and instruction are the path to wisdom for those willing to listen. Discipline often means learning to align with God’s design for our lives, allowing reproofs to keep us on the path of flourishing. Accepting loving discipline, whether human or divine, nurtures virtues such as humility and teachability, opening the way to deeper insight and recognition in one’s community. As one commentary puts it, ignoring correction “disrupts the intended trajectory of our journey” and causes us to veer from the life God offers.
The path of discipline is not always comfortable, but Proverbs lifts up reproof and instruction as loving, necessary tools for growth. Yielding to correction protects us from self-inflicted loss and fosters genuine relationship with God and others. Rather than stumbling into “poverty and shame,” we stand poised to gain honor if we are attentive to wisdom’s voice and willing to be shaped by it.