Proverbs 19

1 Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnes, then he that abuseth his lips, and is a foole.

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

2 For without knowledge the minde is not good, and he that hasteth with his feete, sinneth.

It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way.

3 The foolishnesse of a man peruerteth his way, and his heart freateth against the Lord.

The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against the LORD.

4 Riches gather many friends: but the poore is separated from his neighbour.

Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

5 A false witnes shall not be vnpunished: and he that speaketh lyes, shall not escape.

A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

6 Many reuerence the face of the prince, and euery man is friend to him that giueth giftes.

Many will entreat the favour of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

7 All the brethren of the poore doe hate him: howe much more will his friends depart farre from him? though hee be instant with wordes, yet they will not.

All the relatives of the poor shun him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

8 He that possesseth vnderstanding, loueth his owne soule, and keepeth wisdome to finde goodnesse.

He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.

9 A false witnes shall not be vnpunished: and he that speaketh lyes, shall perish.

A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.

10 Pleasure is not comely for a foole, much lesse for a seruant to haue rule ouer princes.

Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11 The discretion of man deferreth his anger: and his glory is to passe by an offence.

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offence.

12 The Kings wrath is like the roaring of a lyon: but his fauour is like the dewe vpon ye grasse.

The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favour is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish sonne is the calamitie of his father, and the contentions of a wife are like a continuall dropping.

A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.

14 House and riches are the inheritance of the fathers: but a prudent wife commeth of the Lord.

House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15 Slouthfulnes causeth to fall asleepe, and a deceitfull person shall be affamished.

Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16 He that keepeth the commandement, keepeth his owne soule: but hee that despiseth his wayes, shall dye.

He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.

17 He that hath mercy vpon the poore, lendeth vnto the Lord: and the Lord will recompense him that which he hath giuen.

He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; he will reward him.

18 Chasten thy sonne while there is hope, and let not thy soule spare for his murmuring.

Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.

19 A man of much anger shall suffer punishment: and though thou deliuer him, yet wil his anger come againe.

A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again.

20 Heare counsell and receiue instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter ende.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

21 Many deuises are in a mans heart: but the counsell of the Lord shall stand.

There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.

22 That that is to be desired of a man, is his goodnes, and a poore man is better then a lyer.

That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.

23 The feare of the Lord leadeth to life: and he that is filled therewith, shall continue, and shall not be visited with euill.

The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.

24 The slouthfull hideth his hand in his bosome, and wil not put it to his mouth againe.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Smite a scorner, and the foolish wil beware: and reproue the prudent, and he wil vnderstand knowledge.

Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He that destroyeth his father, or chaseth away his mother, is a lewde and shamefull childe.

He who robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 My sonne, heare no more the instruction, that causeth to erre from ye words of knowledge.

If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A wicked witnes mocketh at iudgement, and the mouth of ye wicked swalloweth vp iniquitie.

A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

29 But iudgements are prepared for the scorners, and stripes for the backe of the fooles.

Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.