Proverbs 19:1-29

Proverbs 19:1-29 The Message (MSG)

Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust. Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does GOD always get blamed? Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies, but poor people are avoided like a plague. Perjury won’t go unpunished. Would you let a liar go free? Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone’s a friend to the philanthropist. When you’re down on your luck, even your family avoids you— yes, even your best friends wish you’d get lost. If they see you coming, they look the other way— out of sight, out of mind. Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life. The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined. Blockheads shouldn’t live on easy street any more than workers should give orders to their boss. Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget. Mean-tempered leaders are like mad dogs; the good-natured are like fresh morning dew. A parent is worn to a frazzle by an irresponsible child; a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet. House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from GOD. Life collapses on loafers; lazybones go hungry. Keep the rules and keep your life; careless living kills. Mercy to the needy is a loan to GOD, and GOD pays back those loans in full. Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them. Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse. Take good counsel and accept correction— that’s the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD’s purpose prevails. It’s only human to want to make a buck, but it’s better to be poor than a liar. Fear-of-GOD is life itself, a full life, and serene—no nasty surprises. Some people dig a fork into the pie but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth. Punish the insolent—make an example of them. Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson. Kids who lash out against their parents are an embarrassment and disgrace. If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you’ll soon be out of your depth. An unprincipled witness desecrates justice; the mouths of the wicked spew malice. The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way; only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.

Proverbs 19:1-29 King James Version (KJV)

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man perverteth his way: And his heart fretteth against the LORD. Wealth maketh many friends; But the poor is separated from his neighbour. A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall not escape. Many will intreat the favour of the prince: And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him? He pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall perish. Delight is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favour is as dew upon the grass. A foolish son is the calamity of his father: And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: And a prudent wife is from the LORD. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And an idle soul shall suffer hunger. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; But he that despiseth his ways shall die. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; And that which he hath given will he pay him again. Chasten thy son while there is hope, And let not thy soul spare for his crying. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: For if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; Nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. The desire of a man is his kindness: And a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: And he that hath it shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction That causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: And the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs 19:1-29 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs. The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the LORD. Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape. Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. 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. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish. Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die. One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand. What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools.

Proverbs 19:1-29 New Century Version (NCV)

It is better to be poor and honest than to be foolish and tell lies. Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake. People’s own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the LORD. Wealthy people are always finding more friends, but the poor lose all theirs. A witness who lies will not go free; liars will never escape. Many people want to please a leader, and everyone is friends with those who give gifts. Poor people’s relatives avoid them; even their friends stay far away. They run after them, begging, but they are gone. Those who get wisdom do themselves a favor, and those who love learning will succeed. A witness who lies will not go free, liars will die. A fool should not live in luxury. A slave should not rule over princes. The wise are patient; they will be honored if they ignore insults. An angry king is like a roaring lion, but his kindness is like the dew on the grass. A foolish child brings disaster to a father, and a quarreling wife is like dripping water. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a wise wife is a gift from the LORD. Lazy people sleep a lot, and idle people will go hungry. Those who obey the commands protect themselves, but those who are careless will die. Being kind to the poor is like lending to the LORD; he will reward you for what you have done. Correct your children while there is still hope; do not let them destroy themselves. People with quick tempers will have to pay for it. If you help them out once, you will have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept correction, and in the end you will be wise. People can make all kinds of plans, but only the LORD’s plan will happen. People want others to be loyal, so it is better to be poor than to be a liar. Those who respect the LORD will live and be satisfied, unbothered by trouble. Though the lazy person puts his hand in the dish, he won’t lift the food to his mouth. Whip those who make fun of wisdom, and perhaps foolish people will gain some wisdom. Correct those with understanding, and they will gain knowledge. A child who robs his father and sends away his mother brings shame and disgrace on himself. Don’t stop listening to correction, my child, or you will forget what you have already learned. An evil witness makes fun of fairness, and wicked people love what is evil. People who make fun of wisdom will be punished, and the backs of foolish people will be beaten.

Proverbs 19:1-29 American Standard Version (ASV)

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. The foolishness of man subverteth his way; And his heart fretteth against Jehovah. Wealth addeth many friends; But the poor is separated from his friend. A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall not escape. Many will entreat the favor of the liberal man; And every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: How much more do his friends go far from him! He pursueth them with words, but they are gone. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish. Delicate living is not seemly for a fool; Much less for a servant to have rule over princes. The discretion of a man maketh him slow to anger; And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; But his favor is as dew upon the grass. A foolish son is the calamity of his father; And the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. House and riches are an inheritance from fathers; But a prudent wife is from Jehovah. Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; And the idle soul shall suffer hunger. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; But he that is careless of his ways shall die. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto Jehovah, And his good deed will he pay him again. Chasten thy son, seeing there is hope; And set not thy heart on his destruction. A man of great wrath shall bear the penalty; For if thou deliver him, thou must do it yet again. Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; But the counsel of Jehovah, that shall stand. That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of Jehovah tendeth to life; And he that hath it shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil. The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Smite a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; And reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. He that doeth violence to his father, and chaseth away his mother, Is a son that causeth shame and bringeth reproach. Cease, my son, to hear instruction Only to err from the words of knowledge. A worthless witness mocketh at justice; And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs 19:1-29 New International Version (NIV)

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse. Desire without knowledge is not good— how much more will hasty feet miss the way! A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the LORD. Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them. A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. The poor are shunned by all their relatives— how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found. The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish. It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes! A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry. Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life, but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death. A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge. Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace. Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Proverbs 19:1-29 New King James Version (NKJV)

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD. Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given. Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

Proverbs 19:1-29 Amplified Bible (AMP)

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. 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). 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]. Wealth makes many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who breathes out lies will not escape. Many will seek the favor of a generous and noble man, And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts. 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. He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who breathes lies will perish. Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. 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]. The king’s wrath terrifies like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass. A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water]. House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers, But a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the LORD. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity], And the idle person will suffer hunger. 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. 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. 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. 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. Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come. Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). 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. The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish, But will not even bring it to his mouth again. 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. He who assaults his father and chases away his mother Is a son who brings shame and disgrace. Cease listening, my son, to instruction and discipline And you will stray from the words of knowledge. A wicked and worthless witness mocks justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.

Proverbs 19:1-29 New Living Translation (NLT)

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them all away. A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape. Many seek favors from a ruler; everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts! The relatives of the poor despise them; how much more will their friends avoid them! Though the poor plead with them, their friends are gone. To acquire wisdom is to love yourself; people who cherish understanding will prosper. A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will be destroyed. It isn’t right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule over princes! Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish child is a calamity to a father; a quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping. Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the LORD can give an understanding wife. Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry. Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD— and he will repay you! Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again. Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth. If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser. Children who mistreat their father or chase away their mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace. If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge. A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice; the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Punishment is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten.

Proverbs 19:1-29 The Passion Translation (TPT)

It’s better to be honest, even if it leads to poverty, than to live as a dishonest fool. The best way to live is with revelation-knowledge, for without it, you’ll grow impatient and run right into error. There are some people who ruin their own lives and then blame it all on God. Being wealthy means having lots of “friends,” but the poor can’t keep the ones they have. Perjury won’t go unpunished, and liars will get all that they deserve. Everyone wants to be close to the rich and famous, but a generous person has all the friends he wants! When a man is poor, even his family has no use for him. How much more will his “friends” avoid him— for though he begs for help, they won’t respond. Do yourself a favor and love wisdom. Learn all you can, then watch your life flourish and prosper! Tell lies and you’re going to get caught, and the habitual liar is doomed. It doesn’t seem right when you see a fool living in the lap of luxury or a prideful servant ruling over princes. An understanding person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense. The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion, but his sweet favor is like a gentle, refreshing rain. A rebellious son breaks a father’s heart, and a nagging wife can drive you crazy! You can inherit houses and land from your parents, but a good wife only comes as a gracious gift from God! Go ahead—be lazy and passive. But you’ll go hungry if you live that way. Honor God’s holy instructions and life will go well for you. But if you despise his ways and choose your own plans, you will die. Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done. Don’t be afraid to discipline your children while they’re still young enough to learn. Don’t indulge your children or be swayed by their protests. A hot-tempered man has to pay the price for his anger. If you bail him out once, you’ll do it a dozen times. Listen well to wise counsel and be willing to learn from correction so that by the end of your life you’ll be known for your wisdom. A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of God’s purpose will succeed in the end. A man is charming when he displays tender mercies to others. And a lover of God who is poor and promises nothing is better than a rich liar who never keeps his promises. When you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of God, here’s what you’ll experience: Abundant life. Continual protection. And complete satisfaction! There are some people who pretend they’re hurt— deadbeats who won’t even work to feed themselves. If you punish the insolent who don’t know any better, they will learn not to mock. But if you correct a wise man, he will grow even wiser. Children who mistreat their parents are an embarrassment to their family and a public disgrace. So listen, my child. Don’t reject correction or you will certainly wander from the ways of truth. A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice, for the wicked never play by the rules. Judgment is waiting for those who mock the truth, and foolish living invites a beating.

Proverbs 19:1-29 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD. Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them. Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish. It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes. Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again. Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach. Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.