Proverbs 19

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 being hasty with one’s feet and missing 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 (public domain)