Pro 19 | BSB | STEP | Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.

Proverbs 19

The Man of Integrity

1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. 2 Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark. 3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD. 4 Wealth attracts many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. 6 Many seek the favor of the prince, and everyone is a friend of the gift giver. 7 All 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. 8 He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. 10 Luxury is unseemly for a fool— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! 11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. 12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping. 14 Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife [is] from the LORD. 15 Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps a commandment preserves his soul; [but] he who is careless in his ways will die. 17 Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay [the lender] . 18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. 19 A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue [him] , you will have to do so again. 20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. 21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. 22 The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar. 23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm. 24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25 Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning [man] , and he will gain knowledge. 26 He who assaults his father and evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. 27 If you cease to hear instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.