Proverbs 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 All 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.⋮

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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