19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity1
than one who is perverse in his speech2 and is a fool.3
19:2 It is dangerous4 to have zeal5 without knowledge,
and the one who acts hastily6 makes poor choices.7
19:3 A person’s folly8 subverts9 his way,
and10 his heart rages11 against the Lord.
19:4 Wealth adds many friends,
but a poor person is separated12 from his friend.13
19:5 A false witness14 will not go unpunished,
and the one who pours out lies will not escape punishment.15
19:6 Many people entreat the favor16 of a generous person,17
and everyone is the friend18 of the one who gives gifts.19
19:7 All the relatives20 of a poor person hate him;21
how much more do his friends go far from him—
he pursues them22 with words, but they do not respond.23
19:8 The one who acquires wisdom24 loves himself;25
the one who preserves understanding will prosper.26
19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
and the one who pours out27 lies will perish.28
19:10 Luxury is not appropriate29 for a fool;30
how much less for a servant to rule over princes!31
19:11 A person’s wisdom32 makes him slow to anger,33
and it is his glory34 to overlook35 an offense.
19:12 A king’s wrath is like36 the roar of a lion,37
but his favor is like dew on the grass.38
19:13 A foolish child39 is the ruin of his father,
and a contentious wife40 is like41 a constant dripping.42
19:14 A house and wealth are the inheritance from parents,43
but a prudent wife44 is from the Lord.
19:15 Laziness brings on45 a deep sleep,46
and the idle person47 will go hungry.48
19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards49 his life;
the one who despises his ways50 will die.51
19:17 The one who is gracious52 to the poor lends53 to the Lord,
and the Lord54 will repay him55 for his good deed.56
19:18 Discipline your child while57 there is hope,
but do not set your heart58 on causing his death.59
19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty,60
but if you deliver him from it, you will have to do it again.61
19:20 Listen to advice62 and receive discipline,
that63 you may become wise64 by the end of your life.65
19:21 There are many plans66 in a person’s mind,67
but it68 is the counsel69 of the Lord which will stand.
19:22 What is desirable70 for a person is to show loyal love,71
and a poor person is better than a liar.72
19:23 Fearing the Lord73 leads74 to life,75
and one who does so will live76 satisfied; he will not be afflicted77 by calamity.
19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish,
and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!78
19:25 Beat79 a scorner, and as a result the simpleton80 will learn prudence;81
correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.82
19:26 The one who robs83 his father84 and drives out his mother
is a son85 who brings shame and disgrace.
19:27 If you stop listening to86 instruction, my child,
you will stray87 from the words of knowledge.
19:28 A crooked witness88 scorns justice,
and the mouth of the wicked devours89 iniquity.
19:29 Judgments90 are prepared for scorners,
and floggings for the backs of fools.