Proverbs 19:1-29 VOICE

[1] Better to be poor and live with integrity than a fool with a foul mouth. [2] Surely there's no advantage for a person without knowledge, and whoever moves too quickly misses the turn. [3] Foolishness diverts the course of life, yet the heart rebels against the Eternal. [4] Wealth attracts many friends, but the poor are soon separated from theirs. [5] A false witness will not escape punishment, and one who breathes lies will not go free. [6] Many try to win the favor of a generous person, and everyone is a friend to someone who gives gifts. [7] If a poor man is hated by his relatives, it is even more likely his friends will avoid him too! Anyone who is calling after them [is not to be found]. [8] Whoever gains a wise heart loves his own soul, and whoever preserves understanding experiences true goodness. [9] A false witness will not escape punishment, and whoever breathes lies will not survive. [10] Something is wrong when a fool lives a pampered life, but it is much worse when a slave takes charge of princes. [11] A person with discretion is not easily angered; he gains respect by overlooking an offense. [12] A king's rage is like the thunderous roar of a lion, but his favor is like a cooling mist upon the grass. [13] Foolish children bring misery to their fathers, and a wife's bickering is a constant dripping as from a leaky roof. [14] Houses and riches may be inherited from parents, but a sensible wife is a gift from the Eternal. [15] Laziness lulls people into a deep sleep; a slacker will have nothing to eat. [16] Whoever keeps God's commands lengthens his life, but a careless lifestyle ends in death. [17] Whoever cares for the poor makes a loan to the Eternal; such kindness will be repaid in full and with interest. [18] Discipline your children while there is still hope of influencing their future, so as not to play a part in their destruction. [19] A hot-tempered man will pay a penalty; if you bail him out, it will not be the last time; the cycle will repeat. [20] Heed counsel, act on instruction, and you will become wise later in life. [21] The impulses of the human heart may run wild, but the Eternal's plan will prevail. [22] Loyalty is a trait admired in others, and being destitute is better than being a liar. [23] Reverence for the Eternal leads to a fulfilled life; those who have it will sleep well, for disaster will not touch them. [24] Some people are so lazy-they reach for food on the plate but lack the will to bring it up to their mouths. [25] If you beat one who mocks, the naive will see and learn a lesson; if you correct someone with understanding, that's all he needs to grow a little wiser. [26] Children who mistreat their father and run down their mother are a root of shame and disgrace. [27] My child, should you stop listening to instruction, you will wander from the voice of knowledge. [28] A worthless witness ridicules justice, and the mouth of the wrongdoer savors every morsel of trouble. [29] Severe penalties are prepared for those who mock, and fools expect their backs to be flogged.