Proverbs 13:15 Commentary and Bible Study

Here again Solomon teaches that righteousness brings many advantages, above all that it gains favour from God. The believer is warned that through much tribulation he must inherit the kingdom of heaven, but the favour of God makes up for all. Though God allows us to face the hardships of this life, and the malice and cunning of the devil and the hatred of unbelief, his favour is more powerful than all these things, and when he pleases he can lift us clear of them all. Even in this life he appoints seasons of relief for his children which no created power is able to prevent. A good understand even gains favour from men, though this is not the primary meaning, for men admire and reward wisdom when they find it in others, knowing that it is one of the highest attainments on earth. Thus Joseph was honoured by Pharaoh and his wisdom was immediately put to work: ‘And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?’ (Genesis 41:38). By contrast, the way of those who act treacherously is hard. The root of the word translated ‘hard’ means ‘to continue’. It is translated ‘enduring’ or ‘constant’ but also means ‘hard’ or ‘terrible’. It is very much harder to face the disfavour of God than of men. When conscience accuses, men find the going rough, and they rightly interpret trouble that they meet as evidence that God is displeased with them. Knowing that their lives are in his hands they tremble at what lies ahead, for he does not threaten in vain.