Proverbs

Proverbs 19 ©

Various observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.

1

aBETTER is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2

Also, that bthe soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that chasteth with his feet sinneth.

3

The dfoolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart *fretteth against the LORD.

4

eWealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5

A ffalse witness shall not be 1unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

6

gMany will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to 2him that giveth gifts.

7

All hthe brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

8

He that getteth 3wisdom iloveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9

A jfalse witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

10

kDelight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11

The 4discretion of a man deferreth his anger; land it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12

The mking's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but nhis favour is as dew upon the grass.

13

A ofoolish son is the calamity of his father: pand the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14

qHouse and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and ra prudent wife is from the LORD.

15

sSlothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16

He tthat keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17

He uthat hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and 5that which he hath given will he pay him again.

18

v*Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare 6for his crying.

19

A wman of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must 7do it again.

20

xHear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21

There are ymany devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22

The zdesire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23

The afear of the LORD tendeth bto life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24

A cslothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25

dSmite a scorner, and the simple 8will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

26

He ethat wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27

fCease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

28

9An ungodly witness gscorneth judgment: hand the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

29

iJudgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes jfor the back of fools.