Proverbs 13:13 A Listening Heart
The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:13 NASB
Or another translation says:
He that despises a matter, shall get pledged thereto; but he that reveres a commandment, the same shall be recompensed. Proverbs 13:13 Rotherham
“The word” say Strongs, can mean: speech, a saying, a word, business, occupation, acts, matter, case, or something as generic as anything.
Many commentators simply say “the word” refers to the word of God. Or the expression of God in the living word, Christ. I can see this, but what is Solomon getting at? There is a temptation to “despise” something. What is it and why? The saying is juxtaposed next to respecting the “command” — which in the Bible often refers to the command of God. So there are two extremes: words without an obligation a those that have one. The hearer has a responsibility to both. One cannot un-hear something.
With hearing comes a responsibility, some would even say an obligation, to the words spoken. I have words cascading toward me all day long via e-mail, news, texts, social media… you name it. It’s overwhelming. So how do I know that the “word” I am hearing is something to which I need to pay attention? Yet, what I do with it is my responsibility. When I know something and disregard it, there is often the feeling of “I could have avoided the consequences if I had only listened.”
Solomon launched the book of Proverbs with a plea to value “the word” which result in great reward:
My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5 NASB
“Will be rewarded” is contrasted with owing a debt. Following a command seems simple. It’s the rule, just do it. Yes, there is reward for being a rule follower. But what about the other side of the spectrum? There are words the Father whispers to me daily. He’s constantly speaking. Now that I am filled with the Holy Spirit, my spirit understands His language.
Far from being merely restrictive, the words or instruction or commandments from God are freeing:
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
Psalms 19:7-9 NASB
Listening and hearing. Understanding and acting. They not only help me avoid a debt, they are the key to great wealth. If the book of Proverbs was a court case for wisdom, then Solomon’s opening arguments may be found in the first few chapters. The case for listening is compelling:
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom… long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor… she is a tree of life to those who take hold of her.
Proverbs 3:13-18 NASB