Chapter 19 of 31

Proverbs 19

Every verse twice: in the King James Version, and in the World Bible Guide plain reading — what it says, in words anyone can follow.

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Illustration for the book of Proverbs

Proverbs 19, verse by verse

Each verse is given twice: first in the King James Version, then in the World Bible Guide plain reading.

1

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

It's more honorable to be poor with a clear conscience, than to be rich, deceitful, and foolish.

2

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

It's harmful for the soul to lack understanding; rushing into action without thought leads to mistakes.

3

The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

A man's foolish actions lead him astray, causing his heart to rebel against God.

4

Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

Having riches attracts numerous companions, but poverty often leaves one feeling isolated.

5

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Those who bear false witness won't go unpunished, and liars will never truly get away.

6

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

Many will seek the prince's kindness, and everyone appreciates a generous giver.

7

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.

Even the family of the poor despise him; his friends avoid him even more. Though he pleads for understanding, they still keep their distance.

8

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Those who seek wisdom show love for themselves, and those who hold onto understanding will discover goodness.

9

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Anyone who bears false witness will not go unpunished, and those who pour out lies will perish.

10

Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Luxury doesn't suit a fool; even less does it suit a servant to rule over leaders.

11

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

A wise person controls their anger and finds honor in forgiving others' mistakes.

12

The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

When the king is angry, it's as terrifying as a lion's roar; but his approval feels as refreshing as morning dew on the grass.

13

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

A father's heart aches for his misguided son, and a wife's constant nagging feels like an endless, dripping leak.

14

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Wealth and property may be passed down from our fathers, but a wise and understanding wife is a priceless gift from God Himself.

15

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Laziness leads to a stagnant life; and a non-productive soul will experience lack.

16

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

If you keep the commandment, you're protecting your own soul. But if you don't care how you live, you will die.

17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

When you show compassion to the poor, it's like giving a loan to God; He will surely repay you for your kindness.

18

Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Discipline your child while there's still hope; don't let their crying make you hold back.

19

A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

A person consumed by anger will pay the penalty. Even if you rescue him once, you'll have to do it again and again.

20

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Listen to advice and accept guidance, so you can gain wisdom for your future.

21

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

A man's heart may be filled with countless plans, but ultimately, it's God's guidance that prevails.

22

The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

A man's kindness reflects his true desires, and an honest person with little means is far superior to a liar.

23

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Respecting God leads to a fulfilling life; those who do, live content and are shielded from harm.

24

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

A lazy person is so idle, they won't even lift their hand to feed themselves.

25

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Strike a mocker, and the naive will learn caution; correct a wise person, and they will gain deeper understanding.

26

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

A child who ruins his father and drives away his mother brings nothing but shame and disgrace.

27

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Stop, my child, from listening to teachings that lead you away from true wisdom.

28

An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

A dishonest person mocks justice, and the words of the wicked are filled with deceit.

29

Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Punishments await those who mock, and beatings await the backs of fools.

Go on with Proverbs 19

Hear it read aloud in the iPhone and iPad app, or bring a question about it to Simon Peter, Paul, Philip, John the Baptist, Judas Iscariot or Jesus. When an answer rests on a passage, you see which one. Each person is an interpretation drawn from the text, never the person.

The chapters of Proverbs