Proverbs 13:20 kjv

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20 nkjv

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20 niv

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20 esv

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13:20 nlt

Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 13 verses

Proverbs 13 20 Meaning

Proverbs 13:20 conveys a foundational principle of wisdom literature: character and destiny are significantly shaped by the company one chooses. Associating closely with wise individuals leads to personal growth in wisdom, whereas habitually spending time with foolish people inevitably results in spiritual, moral, and practical detriment. It emphasizes the transformative power of close companionship.

Proverbs 13 20 Context

Proverbs chapter 13, like much of the book, consists of independent proverbial sayings offering practical wisdom for daily life, often using antithetical parallelism where two contrasting ideas are presented. The overarching theme of Proverbs is the pursuit of chokhmah (wisdom), which is rooted in the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7), versus kesilut (folly). Throughout the chapter, various topics are covered, including honest speech (v. 3), diligence (v. 4), wealth and poverty (v. 7-8), justice (v. 6), and the consequences of one's actions and associations. Verse 20 directly builds on this by emphasizing that the choices of association have profound, direct, and transformative effects on an individual's character and eventual outcome. Historically and culturally, in ancient Israel, wisdom was not just intellectual prowess but a moral and practical skill for living righteously. Society placed high value on community and the family unit, understanding that one's company deeply influenced one's character, reputation, and fate within the community.

Proverbs 13 20 Word analysis

• He who walks with: הוֹלֵךְ (holekh). This Hebrew verb signifies not merely a casual stroll or acquaintance but an ongoing, active engagement; a consistent lifestyle, fellowship, or chosen direction. It implies sharing a path, values, and journey. This isn't just someone you occasionally see; it's someone with whom you have a sustained, intentional relationship.
• Wise: חֲכָמִים (chakhamim). Refers to those possessing chokhmah (wisdom), which in the biblical context is far more than intellectual intelligence. It denotes practical skill in living, moral discernment, insight into divine truth, and living according to God's will. True wisdom leads to righteous behavior and a productive life.
• Will be wise: יֶחְכַּם (yechkham). This indicates a natural consequence or a causative outcome. It suggests a process of transformation, where one absorbs characteristics through close proximity and shared experience. Proximity to wisdom leads to the acquisition of wisdom.
• But the companion of: וְרֹעֶה (ve-ro'eh). Ro'eh (shepherd/companion) signifies a very close associate, one who feeds, pastures, or tends. It indicates a strong bond or intimate fellowship, highlighting significant influence. It's not a mere passing acquaintance but someone whose company deeply affects one's life direction. Some interpretations also see ro'eh in context of "one who seeks" evil company, implying a deliberate choice.
• Fools: כְסִילִים (kesilim). Kesil (fool) in Proverbs denotes a person who is spiritually dull, resistant to instruction, despises wisdom and correction, often reckless and prone to making self-destructive choices. They are not merely unintelligent but are morally obtuse and unteachable, choosing a path away from God's truth.
• Will suffer harm: יֵרוֹעַ (yero'a). From the root רע (ra), meaning evil, wickedness, trouble, or destruction. This outcome indicates more than just inconvenience; it points to significant damage, ruin, moral decay, or ultimate destruction. It suggests that associating with fools will lead one into trouble, evil, or even cause one to become evil oneself.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He who walks with the wise will be wise": This phrase establishes a direct positive correlation between association and transformation. It highlights that proximity to moral and spiritual excellence cultivates similar qualities within oneself, emphasizing active engagement with the wise, not passive observation. The influence is one of elevation and positive assimilation.
• "but the companion of fools will suffer harm": This phrase presents the antithetical negative consequence. The strong bond implied by "companion" indicates a deep level of influence where the characteristics and destructive tendencies of the foolish are transferred. The "harm" refers to both internal corruption (spiritual and moral decline) and external adversity (trouble, ruin, punishment) that are the natural outcomes of foolish choices. The parallel structure clearly sets wisdom's path against folly's destruction.

Proverbs 13 20 Bonus section

The Hebrew concept of chokhmah (wisdom) often refers to a skill in living or living skillfully, which implies it's a learned behavior. Therefore, this proverb suggests that wisdom is not just an innate trait but something acquired through careful observation, imitation, and learning from those who already possess it. The same principle applies to folly. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on relationship ("walks with," "companion of") underscores that transformation, whether for good or ill, often occurs in community and through the relational bonds we forge. This wisdom is applicable not only to individual life choices but also to the church, encouraging believers to seek out and foster fellowship that leads to mutual edification and growth in Christlikeness. Conversely, it cautions against allowing detrimental influences to compromise one's faith and witness.

Proverbs 13 20 Commentary

Proverbs 13:20 is a potent declaration on the power of influence. It teaches that one's associates are not neutral; they are profoundly transformative. To "walk with" the wise means to align oneself with their way of life, values, and pursuit of God-centered discernment. This active engagement fosters an environment where wisdom is imparted and learned, leading to the one's own character being sharpened and refined. This isn't just about gaining knowledge, but about developing godly living and discernment that allows one to navigate life effectively.

Conversely, becoming a "companion" of fools means choosing a close association with those who reject wisdom, scorn instruction, and live carelessly or rebelliously against divine principles. Such proximity inevitably leads to "harm," which encompasses spiritual degradation, moral corruption, practical ruin, and exposure to destructive consequences. It suggests a contagion where foolish attitudes and behaviors are absorbed, leading to poor judgment and calamity. The verse implicitly encourages intentionality in choosing one's closest circles, understanding that these choices significantly shape one's spiritual, moral, and practical trajectory. It underlines the universal principle that "you become like those you spend the most time with."

Practical examples include:

• A young person choosing friends who prioritize academic excellence and moral integrity tends to develop similar positive habits.
• Someone frequently engaging with individuals involved in dishonest practices will likely find their own ethical boundaries eroding.
• Christians who regularly meet for prayer, Bible study, and accountability find their faith strengthened and wisdom growing.