Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 13

Hears - The verb of the second clause is inserted in the first, just as in the next verse that of the first is inserted in the second. Stress is laid upon the obstinacy of the scorner who refuses to hear, not only “instruction,” but also the much stronger “rebuke.”

The fruit of his mouth - Speech rightly used is itself good, and must therefore bring good fruit.

Eat violence - that is, bring upon itself repayment in kind for its deeds of evil.

Compare Proverbs 11:24. There is a seeming wealth behind which there lies a deep spiritual poverty and wretchedness. There is a poverty which makes a person rich for the kingdom of God.

On the one side is the seeming advantage of wealth. The rich man who gets out of many troubles often escapes from a just retribution by his money. But then the poor man in his turn is free from the risk of the threats and litigation that beset the rich. He hears no rebuke (the words are not used as in Proverbs 13:1) just as the dead hear not the voice of the oppressor (Job 3:18) or the abuse of the envious.

Very beautiful in its poetry is the idea of the light rejoicing in its brightness (Job 38:7). Note also the distinction between the light and the lamp. The righteous ones have the true light in them. That which belongs to the wicked is only derived and temporary, and even that shall be extinguished before long. Compare a like distinction in John 1:8; John 5:35.