Proverbs 19
[1] Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
[2] Desire without knowledge is not good,
and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
[3] When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin,
his heart rages against the LORD.
[4] Wealth brings many new friends,
but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
[5] A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
[6] Many seek the favor of a generous man,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
[7] All a poor man’s brothers hate him;
how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
[8] Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
he who keeps understanding will discover good.
[9] A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will perish.
[10] It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
much less for a slave to rule over princes.
[11] Good sense makes one slow to anger,
and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
[12] A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
[13] A foolish son is ruin to his father,
and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.
[14] House and wealth are inherited from fathers,
but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
[15] Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,
and an idle person will suffer hunger.
[16] Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;
he who despises his ways will die.
[17] Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,
and he will repay him for his deed.
[18] Discipline your son, for there is hope;
do not set your heart on putting him to death.
[19] A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
[20] Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.
[21] Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
[22] What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
and a poor man is better than a liar.
[23] The fear of the LORD leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied;
he will not be visited by harm.
[24] The sluggard buries his hand in the dish
and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
[25] Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
[26] He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
is a son who brings shame and reproach.
[27] Cease to hear instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
[28] A worthless witness mocks at justice,
and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
[29] Condemnation is ready for scoffers,
and beating for the backs of fools. (ESV)
