Proverbs 19
1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise.
2 Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.
3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God.
4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
Riches add many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of gifts.
7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him— how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.
The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.
8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.
But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.
A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perish.
10 Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes.
11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities.
12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
A foolish son is the grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leaking.
14 Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord.
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.
16 He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.
Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.
17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.
18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.
Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.
19 A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.
Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another.
20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.
21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.
22 The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.
The fear of the Lord is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disaster.
24 The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
The lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline.
26 He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy.
27 If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.
An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Judgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish.
