Proverbs 19
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way.
3 The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.
The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.
Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
6 Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to [another] man.
Many will entreat the favour of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
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.
All the relatives of the poor shun him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
8 He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.
A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.
10 Delight does not suit a fool, nor [is it seemly] if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.
Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 A merciful man is longsuffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offence.
12 The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.
The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favour is like 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 foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.
14 Fathers divide house and substance to [their] children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.
House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Cowardice possesses the effeminate [man]; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.
Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.
He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
17 He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; he will reward him.
18 Chasten your son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in your soul to haughtiness.
Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.
19 A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.
A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again.
20 Hear, son, the instruction of your father, that you may be wise at your latter end.
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.
21 [There are] many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.
There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.
22 Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.
That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better 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.
The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
24 He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even [bring] them up to his mouth.
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if you reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.
Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.
He who robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.
If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgement.
A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
29 Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
