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19:1  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.
19:2  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).
19:3  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].
19:4  Wealth makes many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend.
19:5  A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who breathes out lies will not escape.
19:6  Many will seek the favor of a generous and noble man, And everyone is a friend to him who gives gifts.
19:7  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.
19:8  He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper.
19:9  A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who breathes lies will perish.
19:10  Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes.
19:11  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].
19:12  The king’s wrath terrifies like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass.
19:13  A foolish (ungodly) son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a [quarrelsome] wife are like a constant dripping [of water].
19:14  House and wealth are the inheritance from fathers, But a wise, understanding, and sensible wife is [a gift and blessing] from the Lord.
19:15  Laziness casts one into a deep sleep [unmindful of lost opportunity], And the idle person will suffer hunger.
19:16  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.
19:17  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.
19:18  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.
19:19  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.
19:20  Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come.
19:21  Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand (be carried out).
19:22  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.
19:23  The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
19:24  The lazy man buries his hand in the [food] dish, But will not even bring it to his mouth again.
19:25  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.
19:26  He who assaults his father and chases away his mother Is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
19:27  Cease listening, my son, to instruction and discipline And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
19:28  A wicked and worthless witness mocks justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity.
19:29  Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of [thickheaded] fools.