Proverbs 19
19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity1
than one who is perverse in his speech2 and is a fool.3
19:2 It is dangerous4 to have zeal5 without knowledge,
and the one who acts hastily6 makes poor choices.7
19:3 A person’s folly8 subverts9 his way,
and10 his heart rages11 against the
19:4 Wealth adds many friends,
but a poor person is separated12 from his friend.13
19:5 A false witness14 will not go unpunished,
and the one who spouts out15 lies will not escape punishment.16
19:6 Many people entreat the favor17 of a generous person,18
and everyone is the friend19 of the person who gives gifts.20
19:7 All the relatives21 of a poor person hate him;22
how much more do his friends avoid him –
he pursues them23 with words, but they do not respond.24
19:8 The one who acquires wisdom25 loves himself;26
the one who preserves understanding will prosper.27
19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and the one who spouts out28 lies will perish.29
19:10 Luxury is not appropriate30 for a fool;31
how much less for a servant to rule over princes!32
19:11 A person’s wisdom33 makes him slow to anger,34
and it is his glory35 to overlook36 an offense.
19:12 A king’s wrath is like37 the roar of a lion,38
but his favor is like dew on the grass.39
19:13 A foolish child40 is the ruin of his father,
and a contentious wife41 is like42 a constant dripping.43
19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents,44
but a prudent wife45 is from the
19:15 Laziness brings on46 a deep sleep,47
and the idle person48 will go hungry.49
19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards50 his life;
the one who despises his ways51 will die.52
19:17 The one who is gracious53 to the poor lends54 to the
and the
19:18 Discipline your child, for58 there is hope,
but do not set your heart59 on causing his death.60
19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty,61
but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.62
19:20 Listen to advice63 and receive discipline,
that64 you may become wise65 by the end of your life.66
19:21 There are many plans67 in a person’s mind,68
but it69 is the counsel70 of the
19:22 What is desirable71 for a person is to show loyal love,72
and a poor person is better than a liar.73
19:23 Fearing the
and one who does so will live77 satisfied; he will not be afflicted78 by calamity.
19:24 The sluggard plunges79 his hand in the dish,
and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!80
19:25 Flog81 a scorner, and as a result the simpleton82 will learn prudence;83
correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.84
19:26 The one who robs85 his father86 and chases away his mother
is a son87 who brings shame and disgrace.
19:27 If you stop listening to88 instruction, my child,
you will stray89 from the words of knowledge.
19:28 A crooked witness90 scorns justice,
and the mouth of the wicked devours91 iniquity.
19:29 Judgments92 are prepared for scorners,
and floggings for the backs of fools.