Proverbs — Chapter 19

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1Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.

2Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.

3A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.

4Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.

6Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

7All the brothers of a poor man hate him—how much more do his friends avoid him! He may pursue them with pleading, but they are nowhere to be found.

8He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.

9A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish.

10Luxury is unseemly for a fool—how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!

11A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

12A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.

14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

16He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul, but he who is careless in his ways will die.

17Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

19A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again.

20Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

21Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

22The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

24The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

26He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

4Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

6Many 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.

8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

2Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

3The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah.

4Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape.

6Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; 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, [but] they are gone.

8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish.

10Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12The king`s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father; And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah.

15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; [But] he that is careless of his ways shall die.

17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again.

18Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; nd set not thy heart on his destruction.

19A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver [him], thou must do it yet again.

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21There are many devices in a man`s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand.

22That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of Jehovah [tendeth] to life; And he [that hath it] shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil.

24The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, [and] he will understand knowledge.

26He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach.

27Cease, my son, to hear instruction [Only] to err from the words of knowledge.

28A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools.

1Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool.

2It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.

3A person’s folly subverts his way, and his heart rages against the Lord.

4Wealth adds many friends, but a poor person is separated from his friend.

5A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out lies will not escape punishment.

6Many people entreat the favor of a generous person, and everyone is the friend of the person who gives gifts.

7All the relatives of a poor person hate him; how much more do his friends avoid him— one who chases words, which are nothing.

8The one who acquires understanding loves himself; the one who preserves understanding will prosper.

9A false witness will not go unpunished, and the one who spouts out lies will perish.

10Luxury is not appropriate for a fool; how much less for a servant to rule over princes!

11A person’s wisdom has made him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

12A king’s wrath is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish child is the ruin of his father, and a contentious wife is like a constant dripping.

14A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

15Laziness brings on a deep sleep, and the idle person will go hungry.

16The one who obeys commandments guards his life; the one who despises his ways will die.

17The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.

18Discipline your child, for there is hope, but do not set your heart on causing his death.

19A person with great anger bears the penalty, but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.

20Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life.

21There are many plans in a person’s mind, but it is the counsel of the Lord that will stand.

22What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor person is better than a liar.

23Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.

24The sluggard has plunged his hand into the dish, and he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

25Flog a scorner, and as a result the simpleton will learn prudence; correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.

26The one who robs his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.

27If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A crooked witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29Penalties have been prepared for scorners, and floggings for the backs of fools.

1Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

2It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one’s feet and missing the way.

3The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.

4Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

6Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

7All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

8He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.

10Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife’s quarrels are a continual dripping.

14House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.

15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.

17He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.

18Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death.

19A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again.

20Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

21There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.

22That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.

24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

29Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Summary
Authorship & Background
Commentary
Videos
Articles
Reflection

Summary

This collection of proverbs opens by valuing integrity over cleverness, warning that a poor person who walks with integrity is better than a fool who twists his words, and that zeal without knowledge or hasty decisions lead a person astray (vv. 1-2). A person's own folly ruins his way, yet his heart still rages against the Lord as if God were to blame (v. 3). Several proverbs contrast wealth and poverty in relationships: riches multiply friends and flattery draws favor-seekers, while the poor are shunned even by family, and a false witness or liar will not go unpunished (vv. 4-9). The chapter warns that luxury does not suit a fool and it is worse still for a servant to rule over princes, while good sense produces patience and the glory of overlooking an offense (vv. 10-11). A king's fury is likened to a lion's roar and his favor to dew on the grass, while a foolish son ruins his father and a quarrelsome wife wears a husband down like constant dripping (vv. 12-13). Houses and wealth may be inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is a gift from the Lord, and laziness leads to hunger while keeping God's commandment preserves life (vv. 14-16). Whoever is generous to the poor is effectively lending to the Lord, who will repay it, and parents are urged to discipline a son while there is still hope for him (vv. 17-18). A person's own plans may multiply, but it is the Lord's purpose that ultimately stands, and the fear of the Lord leads to life, contentment, and protection from harm (vv. 19-23). The chapter closes with warnings against laziness, folly, and disrespect toward parents, noting that correcting a scoffer benefits onlookers even if the scoffer himself resents it, and that punishment is prepared for scoffers and fools (vv. 24-29).

Authorship & Background

Author: Primarily Solomon (1:1, 10:1, 25:1), with sections by Agur (ch.30) and King Lemuel (ch.31). Compiled over several centuries. Proverbs is wisdom literature — practical instruction for godly living. Hebrew title: 'Mishlei' — 'Proverbs/Comparisons.'
Historical Context: Chapter 19 addresses poverty and wealth (vv.1, 4, 6-7, 17, 22), God's sovereignty over human plans (v.21), parenting and discipline (vv.13, 18, 26), and the fear of the LORD as life (v.23). The chapter is notable for its compassion toward the poor (v.17: lending to the poor = lending to God) and its unflinching honesty about how the world treats the poor (vv.4, 7). Verse 21 is one of the great sovereignty statements in Proverbs.
Themes in This Chapter: Poverty, Wealth, and Friendship (vv.1, 4, 6-7, 17, 22); God's Sovereignty (v.21); Discipline and Parenting (vv.13, 18); The Fear of the LORD (v.23); Patience and Passing Over Transgression (v.11)
Classification: Wisdom Literature
Key Themes: integrity preferred over cleverness from the opening verse, better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, poverty's effect on friendship stated without any moralizing, wealth maketh many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbour, the collection's boldest statement on charity, he that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD, discipline urged while there is still hope, chasten thy son while there is hope, and a closing pair naming the fear of the LORD as tending to life while judgment waits for scorners
Poverty, Haste and the Household (vv.1-14): The block opens by preferring integrity to speech, better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips. Several verses observe how poverty affects friendship without moralising about it, wealth maketh many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbour. Two sayings about temper are placed near each other, he that is hasty of spirit sinneth, and the discretion of a man deferreth his anger. And the block closes on domestic life with the chapter's most quoted line, a continual dropping, and beside it a house and riches are the inheritance of fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Instruction, Kindness and the Fear of the LORD (vv.15-29): The second half is about correction and about who deserves care. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD, and that which he hath given will he pay him again, which is the collection's boldest statement about charity. Then a cluster on raising children, chasten thy son while there is hope, and hear counsel, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. The chapter ends on the fear of the LORD tending to life, and on judgment prepared for scorners.

Commentary

  • Enduring Word (David Guzik): enduringword.com Guzik emphasizes v.17's remarkable claim: God considers Himself a debtor to those who show mercy to the poor. He notes this is extraordinary theology — the Creator owing the creature. On v.21, Guzik states: "Man proposes, God disposes. Plan freely but hold loosely, because only God's counsel stands."
  • Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (1871): blueletterbible.org A critical and explanatory commentary on the whole Bible, more concise than Matthew Henry and closer to the Hebrew and Greek, with attention to historical and geographical detail. Public domain.
  • Matthew Henry's Exposition (1710): blueletterbible.org A devotional verse-by-verse commentary in the Puritan tradition, still among the most widely read three centuries on. Public domain.

Videos

Proverbs 17-19 | Laziness and Hard Work | Bible Study
Spoken Gospel

Proverbs 19 Explained - Fools and Family Life
David Guzik

Articles

  • GotQuestions.org: gotquestions.org On the whole book: an overview of the book of Proverbs -- who wrote it, when, why, and how it fits the rest of Scripture.

Links open on the publisher's own site. Nothing here is reproduced on this page.

Reflection

  • The Glory of Overlooking an Offense (v.11) — Patience that lets an insult go without retaliating is called a person's glory, not weakness. What offense are you holding onto that it would honor God to release?
  • Generosity to the Poor Is a Loan to God (v.17) — Kindness shown to the poor is treated as a loan made directly to the LORD, who promises to repay it. Does that change how freely you give?
  • Discipline While There Is Still Hope (v.18) — Correction is meant to happen while a child's character is still forming, not once patterns have hardened. Where do you need to act now instead of putting correction off?
  • Many Plans, One Prevailing Purpose (v.21) — A person can hold many plans in their heart, but only the LORD's purpose ultimately stands. How tightly are you holding your own plans versus God's leading?
  • The Fear of the LORD Leads to Life (v.23) — Reverence for God brings life, contentment, and protection from harm. What would change in your daily choices if you took this connection seriously?