Proverbs 19
Better to be poor but honest than stupid and tell lies.
It's not good to be someone who doesn't think. If you rush, things go wrong.
3 The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.
People mess up their lives by their own stupidity, and then get angry with the Lord.
4 Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.
If you're rich, you get a lot of friends, but if you're poor, you lose any friends you had.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.
A false witness will be punished; liars won't get away with their lies.
6 Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to [another] man.
Many ask favors from important people, and everyone's a friend of the generous.
7 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.
If a poor man's relatives can't stand him, how much more will his friends avoid him! He tries to talk with them but they don't listen.
8 He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.
If you become wise, you have good self-esteem; if you learn good sense you'll be successful.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.
A false witness will be punished; people who tell lies will perish.
10 Delight does not suit a fool, nor [is it seemly] if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.
It's not right for stupid people to live in luxury, and it's even worse for a slave to rule over leaders.
11 A merciful man is longsuffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.
If you have good sense you'll be slow to get angry; you gain respect by forgiving wrongs.
12 The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.
When a king gets angry, he sounds like a roaring lion; but his kindness is as soft as dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows [paid out] of the hire of a harlot are not pure.
A stupid son makes his father miserable, and an argumentative wife is like dripping that never stops.
14 Fathers divide house and substance to [their] children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.
You inherit a house and wealth from your father, but a sensible wife is a gift from the Lord.
15 Cowardice possesses the effeminate [man]; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.
Lazy people are often fast asleep, but idleness means they're hungry.
16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.
Keep the commandments, and you'll live; despise them and you'll die.
17 He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.
If you're kind to the poor, you're lending to the Lord, and he will repay you well for what you've done.
18 Chasten your son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in your soul to haughtiness.
Discipline your son while there's still hope, but don't kill him.
19 A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.
People who often get angry have to pay the penalty; if you help them, you'll have to do it again.
20 Hear, son, the instruction of your father, that you may be wise at your latter end.
Listen to advice and accept instruction so that you'll eventually become wise.
21 [There are] many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.
Human beings make many plans in their minds, but the final decision is the Lord's.
22 Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.
The most desirable thing in anyone is trustworthy love; it is better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.
Honoring the Lord is life, and you will rest contentedly, safe from harm.
24 He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even [bring] them up to his mouth.
Lazy people put their hands in a dish, and won't even lift the food to their mouths.
25 When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if you reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.
If you punish someone who mocks, you may help an immature person to learn. Correct the wise, and they become wiser.
26 He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.
A son who abuses his father and chases away his mother brings shame and disgrace.
27 A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.
My son, stop listening to my instruction and you'll soon give up following wisdom.
28 He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgement.
A crooked witness makes a mockery of justice; and the wicked wolf down evil.
29 Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
Punishment is ready for those who mock; flogging is ready for the backs of the stupid.
