19
1 Better
is the poor
who walks in
his integrity
than he who
is perverse in
his lips and
is a fool.
2 It isn’t
good to have zeal
without knowledge,
nor being hasty
with one’s feet
and missing the way.
3 The foolishness of
man subverts his
way;
his heart rages
against the LORD.
4 Wealth
adds many friends,
but the poor
is separated from
his friend.
5 A
false witness
shall not be
unpunished.
He who pours out
lies shall not
go free.
6 Many
will entreat the
favor of a ruler,
and everyone is
a friend to
a man who gives
gifts.
7 All
the relatives of
the poor shun
him;
how much more
do his friends
avoid him!
He pursues them
with pleas, but
they are gone.
8 He
who gets
wisdom loves his
own soul.
He who keeps
understanding shall
find good.
9 A
false witness
shall not be
unpunished.
He who utters
lies shall perish.
10 Delicate living is
not appropriate
for a fool,
much less for a
servant to have
rule over princes.
11 The
discretion of a
man makes him slow
to anger.
It is his
glory to overlook
an offense.
12 The
king’s wrath is
like the roaring
of a lion,
but his favor
is like dew
on the grass.
13 A
foolish son is
the calamity of
his father.
A wife’s quarrels are
a continual
dripping.
14 House
and riches are
an inheritance
from fathers,
but a prudent wife
is from the
LORD.
15 Slothfulness casts
into a deep
sleep.
The idle soul
shall suffer
hunger.
16 He
who keeps the
commandment keeps
his soul,
but he who
is contemptuous in
his ways shall
die.
17 He
who has pity
on the poor
lends to the
LORD;
he will reward
him.
18 Discipline
your son, for
there is hope;
don’t be a willing party
to his death.
19 A
hot-tempered man
must pay the
penalty,
for if you
rescue him, you
must do it
again.
20 Listen
to counsel and
receive instruction,
that you may be
wise in your latter
end.
21 There
are many plans
in a man’s
heart,
but the LORD’s
counsel will prevail.
22 That
which makes a man
to be desired
is his kindness.
A poor man
is better than
a liar.
23 The
fear of the
LORD leads to
life, then contentment;
he rests and will
not be touched by
trouble.
24 The
sluggard buries
his hand in
the dish;
he will not
so much as
bring it to
his mouth again.
25 Flog
a scoffer, and the
simple will learn prudence;
rebuke one who has understanding,
and he will gain
knowledge.
26 He
who robs his
father and drives
away his mother
is a son
who causes shame
and brings reproach.
27 If
you stop listening
to instruction, my
son,
you will stray
from the words of
knowledge.
28 A corrupt
witness mocks justice,
and the mouth
of the wicked gulps
down iniquity.
29 Penalties
are prepared
for scoffers,
and beatings for
the backs of fools.