Proverbs 19 - Modern English Version

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

² It is not good for the soul to be without knowledge, and he misses the way who is hasty with his feet.

³ The folly of man subverts his way, and his heart rages against the Lord.

⁴ Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor.

⁵ A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.

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

⁷ All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with words, yet they abandon him.

⁸ He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.

⁹ A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will perish.

¹⁰ Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to rule over princes.

¹¹ The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

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

¹³ A foolish son is the ruin of his father, and the quarrels of a wife are a constant dripping.

¹⁴ House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

¹⁵ Slothfulness casts a man into a deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger.

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

¹⁷ He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay what he has given.

¹⁸ Discipline your son while there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

¹⁹ A man of great temper will pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you must do it again.

²⁰ Listen to counsel and accept instruction, that you may be wise in your future.

²¹ Many are the plans in the heart of a man, but it is the counsel of the Lord that will stand.

²² What is desirable in a man is kindness, and it is better to be poor than to be a liar.

²³ The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will rest secure; he will not be visited by evil.

²⁴ A sluggard hides his hand in the bowl; he will not bring it to his mouth again.

²⁵ Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn what is prudent; reprove one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

²⁶ He who plunders his father and evicts his mother is a shameful and disgraceful son.

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

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

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