1 Better `is' the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse `in' his lips, who `is' a fool.
2 Also, without knowledge the soul `is' not good, And the hasty in feet is sinning.
3 The folly of man perverteth his way, And against Jehovah is his heart wroth.
4 Wealth addeth many friends, And the poor from his neighbour is separated.
5 A false witness is not acquitted, Whoso breatheth out lies is not delivered.
6 Many entreat the face of the noble, And all have made friendship to a man of gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor have hated him, Surely also his friends have been far from him, He is pursuing words -- they are not!
8 Whoso is getting heart is loving his soul, He is keeping understanding to find good.
9 A false witness is not acquitted, And whoso breatheth out lies perisheth.
10 Luxury is not comely for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule among princes.
11 The wisdom of a man hath deferred his anger, And his glory `is' to pass over transgression.
12 The wrath of a king `is' a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will.
13 A calamity to his father `is' a foolish son, And the contentions of a wife `are' a continual dropping.
14 House and wealth `are' the inheritance of fathers, And from Jehovah `is' an understanding wife.
15 Sloth causeth deep sleep to fall, And an indolent soul doth hunger.
16 Whoso is keeping the command is keeping his soul, Whoso is despising His ways dieth.
17 Whoso is lending `to' Jehovah is favouring the poor, And his deed He repayeth to him.
18 Chastise thy son, for there is hope, And to put him to death lift not up thy soul.
19 A man of great wrath is bearing punishment, For, if thou dost deliver, yet again thou dost add.
20 Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.
21 Many `are' the purposes in a man's heart, And the counsel of Jehovah it standeth.
22 The desirableness of a man `is' his kindness, And better `is' the poor than a liar.
23 The fear of Jehovah `is' to life, And satisfied he remaineth -- he is not charged with evil.
24 The slothful hath hidden his hand in a dish, Even unto his mouth he bringeth it not back.
25 A scorner smite, and the simple acts prudently, And give reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge.
26 Whoso is spoiling a father causeth a mother to flee, A son causing shame, and bringing confusion.
27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction -- To err from sayings of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness scorneth judgment, And the mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity.
29 Judgments have been prepared for scorners, And stripes for the back 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).