Proverbs 19
Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise.
Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble.
3 The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.
The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God.
4 Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has.
Riches add many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape.
A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape.
6 Many court the favor of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to [another] man.
Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of 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.
The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing.
8 He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good.
But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it.
A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perish.
10 Delight does not suit a fool, nor [is it seemly] if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness.
Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes.
11 A merciful man is longsuffering; and his triumph overtakes transgressors.
The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities.
12 The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favor.
Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon 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 grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leaking.
14 Fathers divide house and substance to [their] children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.
A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord.
15 Cowardice possesses the effeminate [man]; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger.
Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry.
16 He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish.
Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die.
17 He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift.
Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts.
18 Chasten your son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in your soul to haughtiness.
Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death.
19 A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.
Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another.
20 Hear, son, the instruction of your father, that you may be wise at your latter end.
Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.
21 [There are] many thoughts in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.
There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm.
22 Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.
An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.
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 is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disaster.
24 He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even [bring] them up to his mouth.
The lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouth.
25 When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if you reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.
When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline.
26 He that dishonors his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach.
Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy.
27 A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs.
Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge.
28 He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgment.
An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity.
29 Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.
Judgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish.
