Proverbs 19
The poor who live simply are better off than the rich who are unwise. Lack of self-awareness and impulsiveness lead to trouble, while wisdom and prudence bring good things. Wealth and power can bring friends, but true character is revealed in how one treats others, especially the poor. Those who are dishonest, lazy, or foolish will ultimately suffer consequences, while those who are merciful, patient, and wise will be rewarded.
1Better is the poor who walks in his simplicity, than the rich who twists his lips and is unwise2Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good. And whoever hurries with his feet will stumble3The foolishness of a man undermines his steps. And then he seethes in his soul against God4Riches add many friends. But from the pauper, even those whom he had become separated5A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will not escape6Many honor the character of one who is powerful, and there are friends for a giver of gifts7The brothers of the poor man hate him. Moreover, even his friends have withdrawn far from him. Whoever pursues only words shall have nothing8But whoever possesses reason loves his own soul. And one who guards prudence shall discover good things9A false witness shall not go unpunished. And whoever speaks lies will perish10Fine things are not fitting for the foolish, nor is it fitting for a servant to rule over princes11The doctrine of a man is known through patience. And his glory is to pass beyond iniquities12Like the roaring of a lion, so also is the wrath of a king. And his cheerfulness is like the dew upon the grass13A foolish son is the grief of his father. And an argumentative wife is like a roof that is continually leaking14A house and its riches are given by parents. But a prudent wife is particularly from the Lord15Laziness sends one into a deep sleep, and a dissolute soul will go hungry16Whoever guards a commandment guards his own soul. But whoever neglects his own way will die17Whoever is merciful to the poor lends to the Lord. And he will repay him for his efforts18Teach your son; do not despair. But do not set your soul toward putting him to death19Whoever is impatient will sustain damage. And when it has been taken away, he will set up another20Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days21There are many intentions in the heart of a man. But the will of the Lord shall stand firm22An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man23The fear of the Lord is unto life. And he shall linger in plentitude, without being visited by disaster24The lazy conceals his hand under his arm, and he will not so much as bring it to his mouth25When the pestilent are scourged, the foolish will become wiser. But if you chastise the wise, he will understand discipline26Whoever afflicts his father and flees from his mother is disreputable and unhappy27Son, do not cease listening to doctrine, and do not be ignorant of the sermons of knowledge28An unjust witness ridicules judgment. And the mouth of the impious devours iniquity29Judgments are prepared for those who ridicule. And striking hammers are prepared for the bodies of the foolish
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