The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 19

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 19 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips and a fool at the same time.” — the complete text of all 29 verses is below, free to read online.

1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips and a fool at the same time.

2Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

3The foolishness of man perverteth his way; and his heart fretteth against HaShem.

4Wealth addeth many friends; but as for the poor, his friend separateth himself from him.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that breatheth forth lies shall not escape.

6Many will entreat the favour of the liberal man; and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

7All the brethren of the poor do hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He that pursueth words, they turn against him.

8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul; he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished; and he that breatheth forth lies shall perish.

10Luxury is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

11It is the discretion of a man to be slow to anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

12The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the calamity of his father; and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers; but a prudent wife is from HaShem.

15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and the idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his soul; but he that despiseth His ways shall die.

17He that is gracious unto the poor lendeth unto HaShem; and his good deed will He repay unto him.

18Chasten thy son, for there is hope; but set not thy heart on his destruction.

19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment; for if thou interpose, thou wilt add thereto.

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

21There are many devices in a man's heart; but the counsel of HaShem, that shall stand.

22The lust of a man is his shame; and a poor man is better than a liar.

23The fear of HaShem tendeth to life; and he that hath it shall abide satisfied, he shall not be visited with evil.

24The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish, and will not so much as bring it back to his mouth.

25When thou smitest a scorner, the simple will become prudent; and when one that hath understanding is reproved, he will understand knowledge.

26A son that dealeth shamefully and reproachfully will despoil his father, and chase away his mother.

27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

28An ungodly witness mocketh at right; and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

29 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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