Proverbs 19
1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
2 Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.
4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.
Many court the favor of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to [another] man.
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.
Every one who hates [his] poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.
8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.
He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.
A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.
10 Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!
Delight does not suit a fool, nor [is it seemly] if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.
11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
A merciful man is longsuffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.
12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favor.
13 A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows [paid out] of the hire of a harlot are not pure.
14 Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Fathers divide house and substance to [their] children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.
15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.
Cowardice possesses the effeminate [man]; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.
16 He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.
He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.
17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.
18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.
Chasten your son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in your soul to haughtiness.
19 A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.
A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.
20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
Hear, son, the instruction of your father, that you may be wise at your latter end.
21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
[There are] many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.
22 The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.
The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.
24 The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.
He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even [bring] them up to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if you reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.
26 He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
He that dishonors his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.
27 If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.
A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.
28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.
He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgment.
29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
