Proverbs 19

1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

4Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.footnote a

6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.footnote b

7All the 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.

8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.footnote c

9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.footnote d

12The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.footnote e

18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.footnote f

19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.footnote g

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.footnote h

26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.footnote i

29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

The Man of Integrity

1Better a poor man who walks with integritythan a fool whose lips are perverse.

2Even zeal is no good without knowledge,and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

3A man’s own folly subverts his way,yet his heart rages against the LORD.

4Wealth attracts many friends,but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished,and one who utters lies will not escape.

6Many seek the favor of the prince,and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

7All the brothers of a poor man hate him—how much more do his friends avoid him!He may pursue them with pleading,but they are nowhere to be found.

8He who acquires wisdom loves himself;one who safeguards understanding will find success.

9A false witness will not go unpunished,and one who pours out lies will perish.

10Luxury is unseemly for a fool—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11A man’s insight gives him patience,and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

12A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is his father’s ruin,and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers,but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Laziness brings on deep sleep,and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul,but he who is careless in his ways will die.

17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD,and He will repay the lender.

18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;do not be party to his death.

19A man of great anger must pay the penalty;if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.

20Listen to counsel and accept discipline,that you may be wise the rest of your days.

21Many plans are in a man’s heart,but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

22The desire of a man is loving devotion;better to be poor than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD leads to life,that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

24The slacker buries his hand in the dish;he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware;rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

26He who assaults his father or evicts his motheris a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27If you cease to hear instruction, my son,you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A corrupt witness mocks justice,and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for mockers,and beatings for the backs of fools.