He who walks with the wise will become wise
This phrase emphasizes the importance of companionship and influence. In biblical context, wisdom is highly valued, often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Walking with the wise implies a close relationship or fellowship, suggesting that wisdom is not only taught but also caught through association. Historically, wisdom literature in the Bible, such as Proverbs, was used to instruct young people in the ways of righteousness and practical living. The concept of walking with the wise can be seen in the mentorship relationships throughout Scripture, such as Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2) or Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5-6). This phrase also reflects the broader biblical principle that one's character is shaped by their companions (1 Corinthians 15:33).

but the companion of fools will be destroyed
The contrast here highlights the consequences of associating with those who lack wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a fool was not merely someone lacking intelligence but someone who rejected God's ways and wisdom (Psalm 14:1). The term "destroyed" suggests severe consequences, both spiritually and practically. This aligns with the biblical theme of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7-8). The destruction mentioned can be seen as both temporal and eternal, reflecting the ultimate fate of those who reject wisdom and God’s guidance. The warning here is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 1, which contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. This phrase serves as a cautionary note, urging believers to choose their associations wisely, as they have profound implications for one's spiritual and moral well-being.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Wise
Individuals who possess and live by godly wisdom, often characterized by their fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments.

2. The Fool
Those who reject wisdom and understanding, often living in a way that is contrary to God's teachings.

3. The Companion
A person who associates closely with others, sharing in their habits and behaviors.

4. The Path of Wisdom
A metaphorical journey or lifestyle that aligns with God's principles and leads to spiritual growth and understanding.

5. Destruction
The negative consequences or ruin that result from living a life contrary to God's wisdom.

Teaching Points

The Influence of Companionship
Our close associations significantly impact our character and decision-making. Choose friends who encourage spiritual growth.

Pursuing Wisdom
Actively seek out wise mentors and immerse yourself in Scripture to cultivate godly wisdom.

Avoiding Destructive Paths
Recognize and distance yourself from relationships or environments that lead you away from God's truth.

The Consequences of Foolishness
Understand that aligning with foolishness leads to spiritual and sometimes physical ruin.

The Role of Community
Engage in a faith community that supports and challenges you to grow in wisdom and Christlikeness.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:20?2. How can you "walk with the wise" in your daily life choices? 3. What does Proverbs 13:20 teach about the consequences of associating with fools? 4. How does Proverbs 13:20 connect with 1 Corinthians 15:33 on companionship? 5. In what ways can you identify wise individuals to learn from? 6. How can you apply the wisdom of Proverbs 13:20 in your community?7. How does Proverbs 13:20 define the impact of companionship on personal growth and wisdom? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 13:20? 9. How does archaeology support the teachings found in Proverbs 13:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13?11. Can Christians join fraternities or sororities?12. How does bad company affect good character?13. How can a young man purify his path?14. What does "unequally yoked" mean in the Bible?

What Does Proverbs 13:20 Mean

He who walks with the wise

Walking implies steady, day-by-day movement. God’s wisdom often comes to us along the path of daily relationships.

• Psalm 1:1 reminds us that blessing begins with avoiding “the counsel of the wicked,” while Proverbs 27:17 declares, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

• Choosing wise companions means seeking out people who prize Scripture, love righteousness, and practice discernment. Their habits, speech, and outlook rub off on us just as surely as iron sharpens iron.

• Notice that Solomon doesn’t tell us merely to listen to the wise; he tells us to walk with them—share life, decisions, and struggles together.

Will become wise

Influence is powerful. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still,” and James 1:5 promises that God generously supplies wisdom to those who ask.

• When we surround ourselves with godly voices, we learn how Scripture applies to real life.

• Wisdom is not instantaneous; it is cultivated. Repeated exposure to truth, honest accountability, and practical counsel form a pattern that shapes our thinking and character.

• The verse assures us this process is reliable: walking with the wise leads to becoming wise.

But the companion of fools

A fool, in biblical language, ignores God’s commands and despises correction (Proverbs 1:7, 12:26).

• 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Bad company corrupts good character.”

• Proverbs 14:7 adds, “Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.”

• Being a “companion” goes beyond casual contact; it entails close association—sharing values, laughing at the same jokes, adopting the same priorities. Such alignment with folly is spiritually dangerous.

Will be destroyed

Foolish influence always carries a cost. Proverbs 10:14 states, “The mouth of the fool invites destruction,” and Luke 6:39 pictures the blind leading the blind until “both fall into a pit.”

• Destruction may appear as shattered relationships, squandered resources, moral compromise, or even physical harm.

• God’s Word does not exaggerate: persistent fellowship with those who reject wisdom moves a person toward ruin.

• The contrast is stark—wisdom produces life and growth; folly produces loss and devastation.

summary

Proverbs 13:20 sets two pathways side by side. Share life with the wise, and their God-given insight will shape you for good. Bind yourself to fools, and their recklessness will pull you toward destruction. Scripture calls each believer to choose companions intentionally, trusting that God’s promise of wisdom is sure for those who walk with the wise.

(20) Shall be destroyed--i.e., morally ruined.

Verse 20. - He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; or, according to the Khetib, walk with wise men, and thou shall be wise. Ecclus. 6:36, "If thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door." So the Greek maxim -

Σοφοῖς ὁμιλῶν καὐτὸς ἐκβήσῃ σοφός.

"With wise conversing thou wilt wise become."

and Eurip., 'Rhesus,' 206 - . . . Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

He who walks
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ‪‬‪‬ (hō·w·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the wise
חֲכָמִ֣ים (ḥă·ḵā·mîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2450: Wise

will become wise,
יֶחְכָּ֑ם (yeḥ·kām)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2449: To be wise

but the companion
וְרֹעֶ֖ה (wə·rō·‘eh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

of fools
כְסִילִ֣ים (ḵə·sî·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool

will be destroyed.
יֵרֽוֹעַ׃ (yê·rō·w·a‘)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7321: To mar, to split the ears, shout

Links

Proverbs 13:20 NIV
Proverbs 13:20 NLT
Proverbs 13:20 ESV
Proverbs 13:20 NASB
Proverbs 13:20 KJVProverbs 13:20 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 13:20 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 13:20 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 13:20 French Bible
Proverbs 13:20 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 13:20 One who walks with wise men grows (Prov. Pro Pr)