1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.
2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; Nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.
3 The foolishness of man subverts his way; His heart rages against Yahweh.
4 Wealth adds many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.
6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, And everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
7 All the relatives of the poor shun him: How much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.
10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, Much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.
14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.
18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; Don't be a willing party to his death.
19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, For if you rescue him, you must do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter end.
21 There are many plans in a man's heart, But Yahweh's counsel will prevail.
22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; He rests and will not be touched by trouble.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; He will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother, Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son, You will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, And the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.
29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Proverbs 19
Commentary on Proverbs 19 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 19
Pr 19:1-29.
1. (Compare Pr 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Pr 15:16, 17; 16:8).
2. The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.
3. perverteth … way—turns him back from right (Pr 13:6; Jas 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.
4. (Compare Pr 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.
5. Compare Pr 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Ps 88:9, 10).
8. (Compare Margin; Pr 15:32).
loveth … soul—or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his best interests.
keepeth—or, "regards."
10. (Compare Pr 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (1Co 7:20).
11. (Compare Pr 14:29; 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Mt 5:22-24).
12. (Compare Pr 16:14, 15; 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.
13. calamity—literally, "calamities," varied and many.
continual dropping—a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.
14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.
and—or, "but," implying that the evils of Pr 19:13 are only avoided by His care.
15. a deep sleep—a state of utter indifference.
idle soul—or, "person" (compare Pr 10:4; 12:24).
16. (Compare Pr 10:17; 13:13).
despiseth … ways—opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Pr 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.
17. (Compare Pr 14:21; Ps 37:26).
hath pity—shown by acts (compare Margin).
18. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).
let not … spare—literally, "do not lift up thy soul" (Ps 24:4; 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.
19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.
20. (Compare Pr 13:18-20).
latter end—(Pr 5:11). In youth prepare for age.
21. (Compare Pr 16:1, 9; Ps 33:10, 11). The failure of man's devices is implied.
22. desire—that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Pr 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.
23. The fear … life—(Compare Pr 3:2).
abide—or, "remain contented" (1Ti 4:8).
not visited with evil—(Pr 10:3; Ps 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Ps 89:32; Jer 6:15).
24. bosom—literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Mt 26:23). Compare Pr 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.
25. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.
26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (Pr 17:21-25; 20:20; De 21:18, 21).
27. Avoid whatever leads from truth.
28. ungodly witness—(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Pr 6:12).
scorneth judgment—sets at naught the dictates of justice.
devoureth—literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.
29. Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Pr 3:34; 10:13).