Proverbs 19:18-29

English Standard Version

^18 (A)Discipline your son, for there is hope;
    do not set your heart on ^(B)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 ^(C)the future.
^21 (D)Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but ^(E)it is the purpose of the Lord ^(F)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 ^(G)leads to life,
    and whoever has it rests ^(H)satisfied;
    he will ^(I)not be visited by harm.
^24 (J)The sluggard buries his hand in ^(K)the dish
    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
^25 (L)Strike ^(M)a scoffer, and the simple will ^(N)learn prudence;
    ^(O)reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
²⁶ He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
    is ^(P)a son who brings shame and reproach.
²⁷ Cease to hear instruction, my son,
    ^(Q)and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
²⁸ A worthless witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked ^(R)devours iniquity.
²⁹ Condemnation is ready for ^(S)scoffers,
    and ^(T)beating for the backs of fools.