Proverbs 19
19:1 a It is better to be . . . honest, though poor, because wealth gained by dishonest means is short-lived (10:2 b) and will not preserve one from harm (11:4 c; see also 15:16-17 d; 16:8 e, 16 f; 17:1 g; 22:1 h; 28:6 i).19:2 j Rushing into things without understanding is dangerous.
19:3 k Rather than acknowledge wrong choices and actions, fools blame the Lord.
19:5 l God will make sure that liars are punished (see 12:17 m, 19 n; 14:5 o, 25 p; 19:9 q).
19:8 r It is in our self-interest to acquire wisdom because understanding helps us prosper.
19:9 s The reference to a false witness (see also 19:5 t) reminds us of the ninth commandment (Exod 20:16 u).
19:12 v A lion’s roar is a frightening prelude to life-threatening violence (cp. 20:2 w). Dew on the grass is soothing and contributes to growth (see 16:14-15 x).
Summary for Prov 19:13-14: 19:13-14 y No choice for a son is more important than a good wife (cp. 31:10-31 z); a poor choice brings agony (see 10:1 aa; 11:22 ab; 12:4 ac; 21:9 ad, 19 ae; 25:24 af; 27:15-17 ag). The wise man will look to the Lord to give an understanding wife.
19:16 ah Keeping God’s commandments (i.e., the law of Moses) protects one’s life (see Deut 28:15-68 ai).
19:18 aj Growing in wisdom requires discipline for everyone, including children (see 10:17 ak; 13:1 al, 10 am; 15:31-32 an; 17:10 ao). The temporary grief that accompanies discipline is worth the protection from ruin.
19:24 ap // 26:15 aq This proverb is a humorous comment on the foolishness of being lazy (see also 10:4-6 ar, 26 as; 12:11 at, 27 au; 13:4 av; 15:19 aw; 18:9 ax).
19:25 ay A mocker is beyond help (see study notes on 1:22; 21:11). A leader should still punish him because the simpleminded will learn a lesson.
19:26 az See Exod 20:12 ba; 21:15 bb, 17 bc.
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