19:1 Better a poor person Poverty with integrity is better than wealth gained deceitfully (16:8; 28:6; see note on 15:16).

one who is perverse in his speech Proverbs frequently connects a person’s speech and character (e.g., 14:25; 16:23; 17:27). The contrast in this proverb implies that wealth does not always go to people who deserve it.

19:2 he who moves quickly with his feet misses the mark Acting impulsively or recklessly causes mistakes. Instead, Proverbs encourages caution and restraint (14:16; 17:27).

19:3 against Yahweh his heart will rage Rather than accept responsibility for their actions, fools blame God for their mistakes (compare 1:7 and note).

The Fool in Proverbs

19:4 Wealth adds many friends Riches bring the numerous superficial friends described in 18:24.

the poor will be left by his friends Even close friends may abandon a person who becomes impoverished (compare 14:20; 19:7).

19:5 A witness of falsehood will not go unpunished A person who gave false testimony was to receive the same punishment as the accused (Deut 19:18–19).

19:6 the generous The Hebrew term used here refers to a man with high standing who may also be generous. The second line of this proverb confirms that he is a man who gives gifts. However, the proverb is ambiguous about whether this is a truly generous man or someone who gives gifts for self-serving purposes.

Topics in Proverbs Table

gifts The Hebrew word used here, mattan, differs from the term for bribe (shochad; Prov 17:8) and is intended more innocently to appease or gain favor. Compare 18:16 and note.

19:7 the brothers of the poor, if they hate him Expands the idea of v. 4. A brother should be faithful, but Proverbs relates life as it really is—i.e., people are fickle and relationships often go awry.

19:10 for a slave to rule over princes In the ancient Near East, a slave was viewed as the lowest person in the social structure and as having no rights. A slave coming into power would be so improbable that it would seem absurd. This proverb is not arguing against slaves obtaining an elevated status, but instead showing the absurdity of a fool becoming wealthy (compare Eccl 10:6–7 and note).

19:11 The understanding of The Hebrew word used here, sekhel, refers to good sense or discretion, a characteristic of the wise. A person with good sense is level headed and can defuse conflict (Prov 15:18). Elsewhere, the person who is patient or self-controlled is said to be better than the mighty (16:32).

Wisdom and Related Terms

overlooks offense Wise people do not hold grudges, which only cause strife (10:12) and ruin relationships (18:19).

19:12 growls like a lion An ominous sign of coming disaster. An angry ruler is an unpredictable threat (see 16:14 and note).

19:16 commandments In Proverbs, this word typically refers to wisdom teaching in general (see note on 13:13). The reward for following the commandment here is life (see note on 3:2).

19:17 He who lends to Yahweh Those who give generously to the impoverished are being generous with God. Previously, oppression of the poor has been called an insult to God, the Creator of both the rich and poor (see 17:5 and note; compare 14:31; 22:2).

19:18 on his destruction do not set your desire Discipline must be an act of love because it is life-saving (23:13–14; see note on 13:24).

19:19 you will do it yet again Seems to contradict the advice in 10:12 and 19:11 to forgive offenses. However, proverbs are not rules or promises, but general principles that require wise application to different situations. See note on 26:4–5.

19:24 and even to his mouth he will not bring it back Comically portrays the destructive nature of exaggerated laziness: the sluggard is too lazy to even feed himself. See 6:9 and note.

19:25 The scoffer you shall strike, and the simple, may they learn prudence While scoffers do not learn from discipline, the simple learn from their example (compare 13:1; 21:11; see 1:4 and note; 1:22 and note).

he will gain knowledge See note on 9:8.

19:27 my child See 1:8 and note; note on 1:8–9:18.

19:28 A worthless witness Someone who is false, rebellious, or evil (see 6:12 and note; note on 6:19).

19:29 flogging for the back of fools See note on 14:3.