13:18

This proverb contrasts the results of ignoring discipline/correction with the results of heeding it. Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

18a
Poverty and shame come to *him who ignores discipline,

18b but whoever heeds correction is honored.

13:18a–b

Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored: These parallel phrases contrast the result of ignoring correction with the result of heeding it. If a person refuses to accept criticism, he will become poor (his financial condition). He will also be shamed/disgraced (his social condition). If he accepts criticism, he will be honored. Another way to translate this is:

respected (Good News Translation)

The verb is honored contrasts with both Poverty and shame. This contrast implies that a respected person is also wealthy.

ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction: A person who ignores discipline pays no attention or refuses to accept instruction, advice, rebuke, or discipline. The person who heeds correction accepts and learns from criticism or rebuke. No contrast is intended here between the meanings of discipline and correction. See the note on 12:1a–b, where the same two nouns occur.

Some ways to translate these parallel nouns are:

• Use different terms. For example:

ignores instruction…heeds reproof (New Revised Standard Version)

• Use the same term in both lines. For example:

refuses correction…accepts correction (New Century Version)
-or-
ignore criticism…accept criticism (New Living Translation (1996))

13:18a

Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “Poverty and shame ⌊one who⌋ ignores discipline.” English versions supply a verb to clarify that poverty and shame are the result that is caused by ignoring discipline. Two ways to express this relationship are:

• Put the result first. For example:

Poverty and shame befall the man who disregards correction (New American Bible)
-or-
Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction (English Standard Version)

• Put the cause first. For example:

To refuse correction brings poverty and humiliation (Revised English Bible)
-or-
A person who refuses correction will end up poor and disgraced (New Century Version)

You may use whatever order is more natural in your language.

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