Proverbs 19:16-29

English Standard Version

¹⁶ Whoever ^(A)keeps the commandment keeps his life;
    he who despises his ways will die.
^17 (B)Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
    and he ^(C)will repay him for his ^(D)deed.
^18 (E)Discipline your son, for there is hope;
    do not set your heart on ^(F)putting him to death.
¹⁹ A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
    for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
²⁰ Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom in ^(G)the future.
^21 (H)Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but ^(I)it is the purpose of the Lord ^(J)that will stand.
²² What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
    and a poor man is better than a liar.
²³ The fear of the Lord ^(K)leads to life,
    and whoever has it rests ^(L)satisfied;
    he will ^(M)not be visited by harm.
^24 (N)The sluggard buries his hand in ^(O)the dish
    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
^25 (P)Strike ^(Q)a scoffer, and the simple will ^(R)learn prudence;
    ^(S)reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
²⁶ He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
    is ^(T)a son who brings shame and reproach.
²⁷ Cease to hear instruction, my son,
    ^(U)and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
²⁸ A worthless witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked ^(V)devours iniquity.
²⁹ Condemnation is ready for ^(W)scoffers,
    and ^(X)beating for the backs of fools.