13:20

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

20a
He who walks with the wise will become wise,

20b but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

This proverb contrasts the differing effects of wise and foolish companions. A person who associates with wise people becomes like them in character. A person who associates with fools will suffer the same consequences that fools suffer for their foolish behavior.

13:20a–b

He who walks with the wise…the companion of fools: In this context, the phrase walks with means the same thing as the companion of. Both phrases mean to associate with someone or to be someone’s companion or friend.

Versions such as the Contemporary English Version and the Good News Translation use “you” instead of He. The New Revised Standard Version uses “Whoever.” Some languages use “we(dual) ” or “we(incl.).” Use whatever form is most appropriate in your language for giving advice of this kind.

13:20b

the companion of fools will be destroyed: This phrase can refer to physical suffering or injury. Here it probably refers to undergoing trouble or hardship, as in 11:15a. Other ways to translate 13:20b are:

the friends of fools will suffer (New Century Version)
-or-
whoever mixes with fools will be ruined (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
if you associate with fools, you will get in trouble

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