Proverbs 19:1-29 AMP

[1] Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than a [rich] man who is twisted in his speech and is a [shortsighted] fool. [2] Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark). [3] The foolishness of man undermines his way [ruining whatever he undertakes]; Then his heart is resentful and rages against the LORD [for, being a fool, he blames the LORD instead of himself]. [4] Wealth makes many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. [5] A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who breathes out lies will not escape. [6] Many will seek the favor of a generous and noble man, And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts. [7] All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are gone. [8] He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper. [9] A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who breathes lies will perish. [10] Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. [11] Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment]. [12] The king’s wrath terrifies like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass. [13] A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water]. [14] House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers, But a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the LORD. [15] Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity], And the idle person will suffer hunger. [16] He who keeps and obeys the commandment [of the LORD] keeps (guards) his own life, But he who is careless of his ways and conduct will die. [17] He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the LORD, And the LORD will repay him for his good deed. [18] Discipline and teach your son while there is hope, And do not [indulge your anger or resentment by imposing inappropriate punishment nor] desire his destruction. [19] A man of great anger will bear the penalty [for his quick temper and lack of self-control]; For if you rescue him [and do not let him learn from the consequences of his action], you will only have to rescue him over and over again. [20] Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come. [21] Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). [22] That which is desirable in a man is his loyalty and unfailing love, But it is better to be a poor man than a [wealthy] liar. [23] The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. [24] The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish, But will not even bring it to his mouth again. [25] Strike a scoffer [for refusing to learn], and the naive may [be warned and] become prudent; Reprimand one who has understanding and a teachable spirit, and he will gain knowledge and insight. [26] He who assaults his father and chases away his mother Is a son who brings shame and disgrace. [27] Cease listening, my son, to instruction and discipline And you will stray from the words of knowledge. [28] A wicked and worthless witness mocks justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. [29] Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.