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.