Old Testament · Proverbs

Proverbs 19

The Man of Integrity

1Better is a poor one walking in his integrity than one perverse of his lips, and he a fool.
2Also, without knowledge the soul^a is not good, and one hasty with the feet sins.
3The folly of a man^b perverts his way, and against the LORD his heart rages.
4Wealth adds many friends, but the poor one is separated from his friend.
5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who breathes out lies will not escape.
6Many entreat the face of a noble one, and everyone is a friend to a man^c of gifts.
7All the brothers of a poor one hate him; how much more do his friends keep far from him! He pursues words — they are not his.
8One who gets a heart loves his own soul; one who keeps understanding will find good.
9A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who breathes out lies will perish.
10Luxury is not fitting for a fool; how much less for a servant to rule over princes.
11The prudence of a man makes his anger slow, and his glory is to pass over a transgression.
12A growl like a young lion is the rage of a king, but like dew upon the grass is his favor.
13A ruin to his father is a foolish son, and a continual dripping are the contentions of a wife^d.
14House and wealth are the inheritance of fathers, but from the LORD is a prudent wife.
15Laziness makes deep sleep fall, and a slack soul will go hungry.
16One who keeps the commandment^e keeps his own soul; one who despises his ways will die.
17One who is gracious to the poor lends to the LORD, and his recompense He will repay to him.
18Discipline your son, for there is hope; but to put him to death do not lift up your soul.
19One great in wrath bears a penalty; for if you deliver him, you will do it yet again.
20Hear counsel and receive discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter end.
21Many are the thoughts in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.
22The desire of a man is his kindness, and better is a poor one than a man of lies.
23The fear of the LORD is for life^f, and satisfied one lodges; he will not be visited by evil.
24The sluggard hides his hand in the dish; even to his mouth he will not bring it back.
25Strike a scorner and the simple becomes prudent; reprove an understanding one and he discerns knowledge.
26One who despoils a father, who chases away a mother, is a son causing shame and bringing reproach.
27Cease, my son, to hear discipline that strays from the words of knowledge.
28A witness of worthlessness^g mocks judgment^h, and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.
29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and blows for the back of fools.