Proverbs 13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
This is an encouraging text, encouraging in the sense that it will beget desires for a loving reverence for the things of God when it is regarded from an undivided heart.
It is one of the many verses in Proverbs contrasting two sides of a matter, as it were, the righteous side and the unrighteous side; and, as in each case, it is not possible to have both of these things as a manner of life, for one or the other will characterize every individual upon the earth. Jesus says no man can love two masters, and that a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit and an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit for the tree is known by its' fruit. As such, this verse will either encourage you or you will find it not fit for yourself this morning. O!, that it may rejoice your heart!
Two kinds of responses are here contrasted, despising and fearing, one being opposite and contrary to the other. In each of the cases a different word is used for the thing reacted to, being the word and the commandment. And two ends of these thoughts of the heart and reactions of the mind and body are shown to be the end of the matter, that is, destruction and a reward.
At first read, almost anyone will say, Of course it is right and best to obey, yet sadly, when we look at our natural man we don't find any thought or desire to obey, but rather a desire to make our own laws and do with them as we please, and, apart from the saving work of the Holy Spirit, that is what we all do.
To despise the word (here it generally refers to anything God or scripture says, or any cause that is favorable toward Him) means to label and act toward it as something insignificant, and as such, to look down upon it in scorn; it means to hold it in derision, and put it away from one's self as one wiping off something undesirable with a scowl and a curse. Contrastingly, to fear (reverently attend to from awe and respect) the commandment (an instruction from one of Authority) means to act toward it as something needful and urgent, something lovely and encouraging, something life-giving and eternal. It is as the difference of night and day, even as the life of a believer is deeply and profoundly different than the life of an unbeliever. The ends are just as extremely different, one being utterly ruined in the horrors of pain and travail, while the other definitively means to be safe in mind and in a covenant of peace. This is very good contemplation. The things of the LORD are infinitely wondrous, glorious, beautiful, and enriching. The things of self are unthinkably horrid, perverse, and criminal in their utter departure from the love of an eternal God and the tearing down of His Name and Authority. The eternal judgment received by these is righteous and just, and it comes only after they have despised and cast away every goodness and mercy He is faithful to afford them as long as they live upon the earth.
O LORD, grant us to fear You, for every word and commandment is pure and lovely. You are a wonderful God and Saviour.
