NET Bible

The First Collection of Solomonic Proverbs1

^19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool. ^19:2 It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices. ^19:3 A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the Lord. ^19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but a poor person is separated from his friend. ^19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out lies will not escape punishment. ^19:6 Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone is the friend of the person who gives gifts. ^19:7 All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends avoid him— one who chases words, which are nothing. ^19:8 The one who acquires understanding loves himself; the one who preserves understanding will prosper. ^19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out lies will perish. ^19:10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a servant to rule over princes! ^19:11 A person’s wisdom has made him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. ^19:12 A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. ^19:13 A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping. ^19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. ^19:15 Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and the idle person will go hungry. ^19:16 The one who obeys commandments guards his life; the one who despises his ways will die. ^19:17 The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed. ^19:18 Discipline your child, for there is hope, but do not set your heart on causing his death. ^19:19 A person with great anger bears the penalty, but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again. ^19:20 Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life. ^19:21 There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the Lord that will stand. ^19:22 What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor person is better than a liar. ^19:23 Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity. ^19:24 The sluggard has plunged his hand into the dish, and he will not even bring it back to his mouth! ^19:25 Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge. ^19:26 The one who robs his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. ^19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will stray from the words of knowledge. ^19:28 A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. ^19:29 Penalties have been prepared for scorners, and floggings for the backs of fools.