Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Nineteen
We will now look at Proverbs chapter nineteen:
On Life and Conduct
1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1 (NASB)
A blameless life is far more valuable than wealth, but most people don't act as if they believe this. Afraid of not getting everything they want, they will pay any price to increase their wealth – cheating on their taxes, stealing from stores or employers, withholding tithes, refusing to give even if there is a great need are some examples. But when we know and love God, we realize that a lower standard of living – or even poverty – is a small price to pay for personal integrity. Do your actions show that you sacrifice your integrity to increase your wealth? What changes do you need to make in order to get your priorities straight?
2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs. Proverbs 19:2 (NASB)
We often move hastily through life – rushing headlong into the unknown. Some people marry without really getting to know the other person. Others try illicit sex or drugs without considering the consequences. Some plunge into jobs without evaluating whether or not they are suitable to that line of work. Enthusiasm is no good without knowledge, and it will not make a bad situation better. Don't rush into the unknown. Be sure you understand what you're getting into and where you want to go before you take the first step. Obviously you cannot tell all that the future will hold – but do your homework – ask the right questions – and be sure you are following God.
3 The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3 (NASB)
The foolish person makes bad choices and then will blame others – even God.
4 Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. Proverbs 19:4 (NASB)
This verse shows the character of many people. Money and popularity attracts many people – but is that true friendship?
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape. Proverbs 19:5 (NASB)
God knows when a lie has been spoken – and it will not go unpunished. Speak the truth – but remember to speak it in love.
6 Many will seek the favor of a generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. Proverbs 19:6 (NASB)
Fallen human nature is to look out for one self above the needs of others. This is the case here. When there is a “generous man” people will flock to him – not to imitate him – but to get from him. God is generous – O how I wish people would flock to Him.
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. Proverbs 19:7 (NASB)
Again basic fallen human nature is at work here. If a person does not believe that they can receive anything of “value” from another – they will stay clear of them. But much can be learned from those who have little in earthly possessions.
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. Proverbs 19:8 (NASB)
Is it good to love yourself? Yes, when your soul is at stake! This proverb does not condone the self-centered person who loves and protects his or her selfish interests and will do anything to serve them. Instead, it encourages those who really care about themselves to seek wisdom.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish. Proverbs 19:9 (NASB)
You can find in the Bible that God does not like liars (1 Timothy 1:10; 4:2; Revelation 21:8) God says they will perish and a false witness will be punished.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. Proverbs 19:10 (NASB)
There are some things that some people do not deserve. A fool does not deserve luxury – and a slave should not rule over princes.
11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11 (NASB)
I have heard that when Jesus went to temple and saw the money changers there – it was not till the next day that He returned and turned over the tables. We know that He took the time to make a whip. This shows that He did not fly off the handle at the drop of a coin – but He did not ignore the problem either. There are things that can and should be overlooked – this was not one of them.
12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. Proverbs 19:12 (NASB)
It is always better to seek another’s favor rather than fall under their wrath.
13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. Proverbs 19:13 (NASB)
Relationships matter. The first part the verse talks about a foolish son and the second part of the verse talks about a contentious wife. I hope none of you have these types of relationships. Clarke says of the contentious wife:
“The man who has got such a wife is like a tenant who has got a cottage with a bad roof through every part of which the rain either drops or pours. He can neither sit, stand work, nor sleep, without being exposed to these droppings. God help the man who is in such a case, with house or wife!”
14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14 (NASB)
Some inherit land and wealth from their parents – but a good spouse is a gift from God.
15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger. Proverbs 19:15 (NASB)
Everyone should have a good work ethic. We all should be a productive part of society. If you are not contributing you are a burden.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die. Proverbs 19:16 (NASB)
The commandments we are told to obey are those found in God's Word, such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and other passages of instruction. To obey what God teaches in the Bible is self-preserving. To disobey is self-destructive.
17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17 (NASB)
Here God identifies with the poor. As our Creator – God values all of us – whether we are poor or rich. When we help the poor, we honor both the Creator and His creation. God accepts our help as if we had offered it directly to Him. Jesus said:
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:31-46 (NASB)
18 Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. Proverbs 19:18 (NASB)
The Living Bible says:
“Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope. If you don’t you will ruin his life.” Proverbs 19:18 (TLB)
A young child is more easily taught than an old man. Show correction at a young age and hopefully the person will learn from it.
19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. Proverbs 19:19 (NASB)
God’s Word translation says:
“A person who has a hot temper will pay for it. If you rescue him, you will have to do it over and over.” Proverbs 19:19 (GW)
20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days. Proverbs 19:20 (NASB)
There is such a thing as positive criticism – learn from it – grow with it.
21 Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)
There is nothing wrong with planning – but plan with God’s guidance.
22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. Proverbs 19:22 (NASB)
The Message Bibles says:
“It's only human to want to make a buck, but it's better to be poor than a liar.” Proverbs 19:22 (MSG)
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. Proverbs 19:23 (NASB)
Those who fear the Lord follow a path that leads to “life”. They develop holy healthy habits. God will protect them from evil. That does not mean that bad things will not happen in their lives – but God will protect them – that is a promise. Remember God has told us:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:4 (NASB)
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth. Proverbs 19:24 (NASB)
The lazy person reaches their hand into the dish to get food – but it comes up empty. There is a verse in the New Testament that says:
“If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NASB)
25 Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge. Proverbs 19:25 (NASB)
A great difference exists between the person who learns from criticism and the person who refuses to accept correction. How we respond to criticism determines whether or not we grow in wisdom. The next time someone criticizes you, listen carefully to all that is said. You might learn something.
26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. Proverbs 19:26 (NASB)
Who would bite the hand that feeds them? But it happens – even in families It is a shame.
27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. Proverbs 19:27 (NASB)
When you cease to listen you have closed yourself to wisdom and knowledge
28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked spreads iniquity. Proverbs 19:28 (NASB)
A false witness is the worst witness of all. There is no justice when this happens – but only injustice.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools. Proverbs 19:29 (NASB)
The judicial system is there to bring justice. Those who practice evil should be punished. In God’s kingdom there is a place for mercy and grace – but only if one is repentant. Do not be a fool – realize that you have sinned and ask God for His forgiveness. If you don’t – there is a judgment coming.
