Proverbs 19:21-29

The Message

²¹ We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
    but God’s purpose prevails.

²² It’s only human to want to make a buck,
    but it’s better to be poor than a liar.

²³ Fear-of-God is life itself,
    a full life, and serene—no nasty surprises.

²⁴ Some people dig a fork into the pie
    but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth.

²⁵ Punish the insolent—make an example of them.
    Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.

²⁶ Kids who lash out against their parents
    are an embarrassment and disgrace.

²⁷ If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own,
    you’ll soon be out of your depth.

²⁸ An unprincipled witness desecrates justice;
    the mouths of the wicked spew malice.

²⁹ The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way;
    only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.