The Church Fathers on this verse

Proverbs 29:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The poor man and the creditor have met one another: the Lord is the enlightener of them both.

Douay-Rheims

רָ֤שׁ וְאִ֣ישׁ תְּכָכִ֣ים נִפְגָּ֑שׁוּ מֵ֤אִיר־עֵינֵ֖י שְׁנֵיהֶ֣ם יְהוֽ͏ָה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

A wise individual brings happiness to their parents and, if they are a ruler, brings honor to their nation; however, a sycophant merely misleads those around him while a rogue incites anger within the community. Even a prudent person who associates with a fool cannot find tranquility, for such a person is consistently despised by the wicked. The integrity and fairness of a leader profoundly influence their closest aides and the well-being of the populace; similarly, a child's upbringing significantly shapes their future conduct, and a firm hand dictates the actions of a servant.

Read more (58 words)

It is evident that the wicked sow strife among their peers, bring shame upon themselves, and harbor hatred for their own well-being, while the righteous attain honor and safety by resting under the Lord's divine care. Just as the path of the wicked is detestable to the righteous, so too is the righteous person reviled by the unrighteous.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.