Proverbs 19

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 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.

7All 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.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 19 emphasizes the value of integrity over wealth, highlighting that a poor man of integrity is better than a foolish liar. It warns against the dangers of foolishness, slothfulness, and false witness, while extolling the virtues of wisdom, discretion, and the fear of the Lord. The chapter also touches upon family dynamics, the consequences of anger, and the divine reward for showing pity to the poor. Ultimately, it affirms that the counsel of the Lord shall stand.

Medium Summary

This chapter contrasts the upright poor with the perverse fool, asserting that integrity surpasses material wealth. It underscores the importance of knowledge and wisdom, warning that foolishness perverts one's path and leads to resentment against God. The text addresses the transient nature of friendships based on wealth and the certainty of punishment for false witnesses and liars. Family life is explored, noting that a foolish son brings calamity and a contentious wife is a constant vexation, while a prudent wife is a divine gift. The chapter also advocates for diligence over sloth, encourages discipline for children, and promises divine recompense for those who show mercy to the poor. Furthermore, it advises hearing counsel for wisdom and asserts that the king's wrath is fearsome, but his favour is refreshing. Ultimately, it affirms that the counsel of the Lord prevails over human designs and that the fear of the Lord leads to life and satisfaction.

Long Summary

Proverbs 19 opens by declaring that a poor man walking in integrity is superior to a perverse and foolish individual, emphasizing that a lack of knowledge is detrimental and haste leads to sin. It illustrates how human foolishness corrupts one's way, causing the heart to fret against the Lord. The chapter then explores social dynamics, noting that wealth attracts many friends, while poverty isolates, and that many seek the favour of the powerful and those who give gifts. It sternly warns that false witnesses and liars will not escape punishment, and that an ungodly witness scorns judgment. Wisdom is presented as a path to self-preservation and good, while discretion is lauded for deferring anger and forgoing transgression, which is a man's glory. The text describes the king's wrath as the roaring of a lion and his favour as dew upon the grass. Family relationships are addressed, identifying a foolish son as a source of calamity and a contentious wife as a continual dropping, contrasting these with the blessing of a prudent wife from the Lord. The chapter condemns slothfulness, stating it leads to deep sleep and that an idle soul shall suffer hunger. It encourages adherence to the commandment for the preservation of the soul and advocates for the timely chastening of a son while there is hope. Furthermore, it promises divine repayment for those who show pity to the poor, as lending unto the Lord. The chapter advises hearing counsel and receiving instruction for wisdom in one's latter end, affirming that despite many human devices, the counsel of the Lord alone shall stand. It concludes by reiterating that the fear of the Lord brings life and satisfaction, ensuring one shall not be visited with evil, and that judgments are prepared for scorners and stripes for fools.

Core Concepts

  • Integrity and RighteousnessThe chapter highlights that a poor person walking in integrity is better than a perverse fool, and that keeping the commandment preserves the soul, leading to life.
  • Consequences of FoolishnessFoolishness is shown to pervert one's way, cause the heart to fret against the Lord, and bring calamity, especially in the form of a foolish son.
  • Justice for FalsehoodThe text repeatedly warns that false witnesses and liars will not go unpunished, emphasizing the certainty of judgment for those who speak deceit.
  • Value of Wisdom and DiscretionWisdom is presented as loving one's own soul and finding good, while discretion is lauded for deferring anger and passing over transgression.
  • Social Impact of Wealth and PovertyWealth is depicted as attracting many friends and favour, whereas poverty often leads to isolation and abandonment by even brethren and friends.
  • Family Dynamics and DisciplineThe chapter addresses the vexations of a foolish son and a contentious wife, while also encouraging the timely chastening of a son and recognizing a prudent wife as a gift from the Lord.
  • Divine Providence and RewardIt affirms that the counsel of the Lord shall stand above human devices, that the fear of the Lord leads to life, and that showing pity to the poor is a loan to the Lord that He will repay.