Old Testament
Proverbs 29:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The poor and the deceitful person meet together; the LORD enlightens both their eyes.
Compare translations
The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.
What Proverbs 29:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the meeting of two contrasting individuals: the poor, who often face hardship, and the deceitful, who may manipulate others for gain. Despite their differences, both are under the watchful eye of the LORD, who provides insight and understanding to all. The phrase 'enlightens both their eyes' suggests that God offers wisdom and clarity to everyone, regardless of their social status or moral standing. This serves as a reminder that divine insight is available to all, encouraging humility and the pursuit of truth. It also implies that God sees beyond our circumstances and character, offering guidance to those who seek it. The verse invites reflection on how we view others and reminds us that everyone has the potential for enlightenment and change, regardless of their current situation or behavior.
How to apply Proverbs 29:13 to your life
In our daily interactions, we should remember that everyone, regardless of their status or behavior, can receive wisdom from God. This encourages us to approach others with compassion and understanding, recognizing that we all have the potential for growth and enlightenment.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 29:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 29:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 29:13 mean by 'the poor and the deceitful'?
Proverbs 29:13 contrasts two different types of people: the poor, who often endure hardships, and the deceitful, who may manipulate others for personal gain. This juxtaposition highlights that despite their differing circumstances and moral standings, both groups are seen by God and can receive His wisdom and understanding.
How can this verse apply to my daily life?
This verse encourages us to approach everyone with compassion and understanding, regardless of their social status or behavior. It reminds us that everyone has the potential for growth and enlightenment, urging us to be humble and open to learning from others, while also recognizing that God offers guidance to all.
What does 'the LORD enlightens both their eyes' signify?
The phrase 'the LORD enlightens both their eyes' signifies that God provides insight and understanding to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances or moral choices. It emphasizes that divine wisdom is accessible to everyone, encouraging us to seek clarity and truth in our lives and interactions with others.
Why is it important to recognize social equality in this verse?
Recognizing social equality in Proverbs 29:13 is important because it challenges us to see beyond external circumstances and moral failings. It teaches us that everyone, whether poor or deceitful, has the potential for transformation and enlightenment through God's guidance, promoting a more compassionate and understanding approach to others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.