Proverbs 19
1 Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse [in] his lips, who [is] a fool.
The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.
2 Also, without knowledge the soul [is] not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.
3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
4 Wealth addeth many friends, And the poor from his neighbour is separated.
Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.
5 A false witness is not acquitted, Whoso breatheth out lies is not delivered.
A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.
6 Many entreat the face of the noble, And all have made friendship to a man of gifts.
Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to [another] man.
7 All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words — they are not!
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 Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.
He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.
9 A false witness is not acquitted, And whoso breatheth out lies perisheth.
A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whosoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.
10 Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes.
Delight does not suit a fool, nor [is it seemly] if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.
11 The wisdom of a man hath deferred his anger, And his glory [is] to pass over transgression.
A merciful man is long-suffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.
12 The wrath of a king [is] a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will.
The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.
13 A calamity to his father [is] a foolish son, And the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dropping.
A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows [paid out] of the hire of a harlot are not pure.
14 House and wealth [are] the inheritance of fathers, And from Jehovah [is] an understanding wife.
Fathers divide house and substance to [their] children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.
15 Sloth causeth deep sleep to fall, And an indolent soul doth hunger.
Cowardice possesses the effeminate [man]; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.
16 Whoso is keeping the command is keeping his soul, Whoso is despising His ways dieth.
He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.
17 Whoso is lending [to] Jehovah is favouring the poor, And his deed He repayeth to him.
He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.
18 Chastise thy son, for there is hope, And to put him to death lift not up thy soul.
Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in thy soul to haughtiness.
19 A man of great wrath is bearing punishment, For, if thou dost deliver, yet again thou dost add.
A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.
20 Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.
Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.
21 Many [are] the purposes in a man's heart, And the counsel of Jehovah it standeth.
[There are] many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.
22 The desirableness of a man [is] his kindness, And better [is] the 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 Jehovah [is] to life, And satisfied he remaineth — he is not charged with evil.
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 slothful hath hidden his hand in a dish, Even unto his mouth he bringeth it not back.
He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even [bring] them up to his mouth.
25 A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.
When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.
26 Whoso is spoiling a father causeth a mother to flee, A son causing shame, and bringing confusion.
He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction — To err from sayings of knowledge.
A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.
28 A worthless witness scorneth judgment, And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth 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 have been prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools!
Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
