Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 13:15

"Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard." — Proverbs 13:15 (ASV)

Hard - The primary meaning of the original word is permanence (Micah 6:2). This may be applied as here to the hard dry rock, to running streams, or to stagnant pools. In either case, the idea is that of the barren dry soil, or the impassable marsh, in contrast with the fountain of life, carrying joy and refreshment with it.