Wisdom · Chapter 19 of 31
Proverbs 19
The sayings weigh integrity against wealth, patience against anger, and the LORD's counsel against human schemes. Better the poor who walks in integrity than a perverse fool. Many devices fill a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD stands. Whoever has pity on the poor lends to the LORD. A man's discretion defers his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
What happens in Proverbs 19
The chapter opens preferring integrity to riches: better the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in speech. It observes soberly how wealth draws friends and poverty scatters them, how many claim to love the giver of gifts. It counsels patience and grace: a man's discretion defers his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression; a man of great wrath will suffer punishment. A famous line lifts charity to the highest level: whoever has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, who will repay what he has given.
The chapter contrasts human planning with divine purpose, there are many devices in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD shall stand. It urges hearing counsel and receiving instruction to be wise at the last. The fear of the LORD tends to life and satisfied rest. It closes commending discipline of a child, correction of the scorner, and ceasing to hear instruction that leads astray.
Proverbs 19 in context
Chapter 19 continues the Solomonic collection of individual proverbs. Its sayings return often to poverty and wealth, viewed with unusual realism about how riches attract false friends and poverty isolates. Alongside this social observation runs a strong theological thread: human plans are many, but the LORD's counsel prevails, and mercy to the poor is reckoned as a loan made to God himself.
The valuing of patience and the overlooking of an offense reflect wisdom's ideal of a self-possessed, gracious character.
Main themes of Proverbs 19
Proverbs 19 (KJV)
1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. 3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD. 4Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. 5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. 6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: 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 pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to 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 speaketh lies shall perish. 10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11The discretion of a man deferreth his 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: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. 17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. 18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. 19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. 20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. 21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. 22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. 23The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. 26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. 27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. 29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Verses to carry from Proverbs 19
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”Proverbs 19:11
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”Proverbs 19:17
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”Proverbs 19:21
Thematic connection
How Proverbs 19 points to Jesus
The connection is thematic. Proverbs declares that whoever has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay (Proverbs 19:17); Jesus takes this to its fullest length when he identifies himself with the needy, saying that whatever is done for the least of these is done for him, and promising the Father's reward (Matthew 25:40). The chapter's confidence that the many devices of the heart give way to the counsel of the LORD which stands is answered in Christ, in whom God's eternal purpose is accomplished and cannot fail.
Its praise of the glory of passing over an offense reflects the heart of the one who prayed forgiveness over his executioners. And the fear of the LORD that tends to life finds its fullness in the life he gives to all who trust him.
Questions about Proverbs 19
In what sense does helping the poor lend to the LORD?
Proverbs pictures God standing behind the poor as the true recipient and guarantor of the gift. To show pity to the needy is to place a loan with God himself, who pledges to repay. It dignifies ordinary charity as sacred and promises that generosity, though it may seem to lose money, is secured by the LORD and never wasted.
Why is overlooking an offense called glory?
Because it takes real strength and greatness of soul to let a wrong pass rather than retaliate. Proverbs says a man's discretion defers his anger, and passing over a transgression is his glory. Far from weakness, restraint here is honor. It reflects a person governed by wisdom rather than reflex, secure enough to absorb an offense in grace.
Reflection
Notice how easily you rank people by their resources, and let Proverbs correct you: integrity outweighs wealth. Consider the poor as those to whom you may lend to the LORD himself. And where you have been wronged, ask for the glory of passing it over, as Christ passed over yours.
A prayer from Proverbs 19
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