Proverbs 19 - Meaning, Themes & Application

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

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

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

Proverbs 19:3 means our own bad choices often ruin our lives, yet we turn around and blame God. Instead of admitting fault, we get angry …

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

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

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

Proverbs 19:6 means people often chase those with power or money because they hope to gain something. It warns that “friendship” based on gifts isn’t …

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.

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

Proverbs 19:8 means that choosing wisdom is an act of self-care. When you learn God’s way of thinking and stick to it, you protect your …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 19:17 means that when you help people in need, God sees it as if you’re giving directly to Him, and He promises to reward …

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

Proverbs 19:18 means parents should lovingly correct their children while they are still teachable, even when it’s hard and they resist or cry. Consistent discipline …

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

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

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

Proverbs 19:21 means we can make all kinds of plans, but God’s purpose is what ultimately happens. Our ideas are limited, but God sees the …

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

Proverbs 19:22 means that real value is found in kindness and honesty, not in money or image. It’s better to be poor and truthful than …

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

Proverbs 19:23 means that respecting and trusting God leads to real life, lasting contentment, and protection from many dangers. When you put God first in …

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

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

Proverbs 19:25 means people learn from how others are corrected. When a stubborn mocker is punished, naive people think twice about following their path. When …

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

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

Proverbs 19:27 warns you to stop listening to voices that pull you away from God’s truth. If advice, media, or friends encourage you to ignore …

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

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