Proverbs 19

The Man of Integrity

1 Better a poor man who walks straight than a fool with twisted talk.

2 It is not good to act without knowledge, and rushing feet miss the way.

3 A man’s own foolishness wrecks his life, yet he blames God for it.

4 Wealth brings many fake friends, but the poor get ditched by their people.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever spits lies will not escape.

6 Many try to butter up rulers; everyone is a friend to the one who gives gifts.

7 A poor man’s family avoids him, how much more his friends who vanish! He chases them with words, but they are gone.

8 Whoever gains wisdom loves himself; whoever keeps understanding finds good.

9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed.

10 It is not fitting for a fool to live large, even less for a slave to boss over princes.

11 A man’s wisdom makes him patient; it is his glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king’s wrath like a lion’s roar, but his favor like morning dew.

13 A foolish son is disaster to his father, and a nagging wife like constant leaking.

14 Houses and wealth are inherited, but a prudent wife comes from the Lord.

15 Laziness brings deep sleep, and an idle person goes hungry.

16 Whoever keeps the command keeps his life; whoever ignores instruction dies.

17 Whoever helps the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay him back.

18 Discipline your son while there is hope; do not be part of his destruction.

19 A man of great anger pays the price; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you will be wise later on.

21 Many plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose stands.

22 What is desired in a man is loyalty; better poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; rest content, untouched by trouble.

24 The lazy dips his hand in the bowl and will not even lift it to his mouth.

25 Beat a mocker and the simple get smart; correct the wise and they gain knowledge.

26 Whoever robs his father and drives out his mother is a disgraceful child.

27 Stop listening to instruction if you are going to stray from knowledge.

28 A worthless witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.

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