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Proverbs 19

World English Bible

WEB

1Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty with one’s feet and miss the way. 3The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh. 4Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend. 5A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free. 6Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7All the relatives of the poor shun him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone. 8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good. 9A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish. 10Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense. 12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping. 14House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh. 15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die. 17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him. 18Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death. 19A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again. 20Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. 21There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail. 22That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. 23The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble. 24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who robs his father and drives away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity. 29Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 19 presents a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of wisdom, integrity, and the consequences of one's actions. The chapter begins by stating that it is better to be poor and have integrity than to be a fool who speaks lies (#integrity, #wisdom). This sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which contrasts the outcomes of righteous living versus foolish behavior. The text highlights that a person’s character is revealed through their actions and decisions, reminding us that our choices have lasting effects on our lives and relationships.

The chapter also addresses the value of listening to counsel and the importance of discipline. It warns against the dangers of laziness and foolishness, stating that a lazy person will suffer want and hunger (#laziness). Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of being kind to the poor, as it is an act of righteousness that pleases the Lord (#charity). The chapter concludes with a reminder that the fear of the Lord leads to life, and those who pursue wisdom will find favor and peace. Overall, Proverbs 19 encourages us to seek wisdom, act justly, and live in a way that honors God and benefits others.

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Referenced by

  1. Exodus 23:1v5Exodus 23:1 warns against spreading false reports and being a false witness, a theme echoed in Proverbs 19:5, which states that a false witness will not go unpunished.
  2. 2 Samuel 17:14v212 Samuel 17:14 shows how the LORD's purpose prevails over human plans, as Ahithophel's counsel is thwarted. Proverbs 19:21 echoes this truth, stating that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
  3. Psalms 41:1v17Psalm 41:1 speaks of the blessings for those who consider the poor, which is echoed in Proverbs 19:17, where lending to the poor is equated with lending to the Lord, promising divine reward.
  4. Isaiah 14:24v21Isaiah 14:24 emphasizes the certainty of the Lord's plans, stating that what He has purposed will stand. Proverbs 19:21 echoes this by affirming that while humans may have many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
  5. Matthew 25:40v17Matthew 25:40, where Jesus states that whatever is done for the least of His brothers is done for Him, aligns with Proverbs 19:17, which teaches that kindness to the poor is lending to the Lord, emphasizing the value God places on acts of mercy and compassion.

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