< Proverbs 19 >

1 Better is a poor [man] that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2 Also that a person be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet maketh false steps. 3 The folly of man distorteth his way, and his heart is irritated against Jehovah. 4 Wealth addeth many friends; but the poor is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall not escape. 6 Many court the favour of a noble; and every one is friend to a man that giveth. 7 All the brethren of a poor [man] hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him: he pursueth [them] with words, — they are not [to be found]. 8 He that getteth sense loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be held innocent, and he that uttereth lies shall perish. 10 Good living beseemeth not a fool; how much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king's displeasure is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father; and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers; but a prudent wife is from Jehovah. 15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep, and the idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; he that is careless of his ways shall die. 17 He that is gracious to the poor lendeth unto Jehovah; and what he hath bestowed will he repay unto him. 18 Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; but set not thy soul upon killing him. 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou deliver [him], yet thou must do it again. 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21 Many are the thoughts in a man's heart, but the counsel of Jehovah, that doth stand. 22 The charm of a man is his kindness; and a poor [man] is better than a liar. 23 The fear of Jehovah [tendeth] to life, and he [that hath it] shall rest satisfied without being visited with evil. 24 A sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it to his mouth again. 25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware; reprove the intelligent, and he will understand knowledge. 26 He that ruineth [his] father and chaseth away [his] mother is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction which causeth to stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A witness of Belial scorneth judgment, and the mouth of the wicked swalloweth down iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of the foolish.

< Proverbs 19 >