Proverbs Chapter 19
Fools and Family Life
Proverbs 19:1
“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
It is far better to be poor and maintain one’s integrity than to be corrupt, deceitful, and foolish. Integrity is the true measure of a person’s worth, not wealth. Many times, people judge worth by possessions, status, or success, but God values honesty and uprightness above all. Poverty in this world does not mean poverty of character or spirit. A man who walks righteously before God, even if he has little, is greater in God’s sight than one who lives in sin and deceit while possessing riches. As Bridges observed, “Often men put under their feet those whom God carries in His heart. Man honors the perverse for their riches and despises the poor because of their poverty.” The world esteems those who prosper in wickedness, but heaven honors the humble and righteous. To be poor in this life but rich in faith is better than to be rich in this world and a fool in eternity. Waltke noted rightly that “The poor may be miserable for the moment, but the unethical rich are miserable for eternity.” The wise walk by faith, not by sight, trusting that righteousness has eternal reward, while folly only brings destruction.
Proverbs 19:2
“Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.”
Lack of knowledge leads to spiritual and moral ruin. A person without knowledge of God and His Word wanders in darkness, unable to discern truth from error. It is never good for a soul to live without understanding, for ignorance leads to sin. The fool rushes into action without wisdom, and by his impulsiveness, he sins. To “hasten with his feet” speaks of acting rashly, without prayer or consideration of God’s will. The wise pause before they proceed, but the foolish run headlong into error. The believer should seek knowledge through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel so that his steps are ordered by the Lord. Sin often springs from haste, but righteousness is cultivated through careful thought and obedience to divine instruction. The one who fears God learns to move slowly, deliberately, and faithfully, rather than reacting out of emotion or ignorance.
Proverbs 19:3
“The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the Lord.”
A fool’s own sin and poor decisions bring ruin upon his life, yet he blames God for the consequences. His own foolishness “twists his way,” meaning that his path becomes crooked and troubled because of his choices. Sin always bends what God intended to be straight. Instead of accepting responsibility, the fool grows angry with God, resenting His sovereignty and justice. His heart “frets against the Lord,” rebelling against the One who would have guided him rightly. Ross explains, “Fools will try to blame God when they ruin their lives… The fool is not willing to accept failure as his own.” This resentment reveals the pride of the sinner’s heart. Bridges adds, “Such is the pride and blasphemy of a proud spirit. The criminal blames the judge for his righteous sentence.” God designed man to live in harmony with Him, but rebellion and self-will twist the way of life into confusion. True wisdom begins when one humbly acknowledges his own fault and submits to God’s correction rather than resenting His hand of discipline.
Proverbs 19:4
“Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.”
Wealth attracts many companions, but often those friendships are superficial and self-serving. People are drawn to wealth for what they can gain, not for genuine love or loyalty. As Waltke noted, “Although a crowd, each one forms the friendship out of what he can gain, not for what he can give.” Material abundance creates an illusion of companionship, but such bonds are often shallow and fleeting. When the riches fade, so do the so-called friends. In contrast, the poor man finds himself deserted, “separated from his friend.” True friendship is tested by adversity. The righteous rich man is called to use his wealth for eternal purposes, not for self-glory. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 16:9, “And I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” Earthly wealth should be used to glorify God and help others, for worldly riches cannot buy eternal companionship.
Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies will not escape.”
God takes truth seriously, both in the courtroom and in everyday life. A “false witness” refers to someone who deliberately distorts or fabricates the truth, often to harm another or gain personal advantage. In ancient Israel, the entire judicial system depended upon truthful testimony, and the Mosaic Law commanded strict penalties for perjury. Deuteronomy 19:18–19 says, “And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother; then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.” Justice cannot stand where falsehood prevails, and God’s character, being wholly righteous and true, demands that deceit be punished.
This principle extends far beyond the court. Falsehood in speech corrupts communities, poisons relationships, and undermines trust. God’s commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16), reflects His divine nature, for He is the God of truth. Though a liar may escape human judgment for a time, he will not escape divine accountability. Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” As Kidner observed, “This is a statement made in faith, for perjurers may escape human justice. Even the stern law of Deuteronomy 19:18–21 availed nothing for Naboth—or for Jesus.” Yet before the throne of God, no deceit will go unpunished.
Proverbs 19:6
“Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.”
People are naturally drawn to power and wealth, often seeking the approval and favor of those in positions of authority. Solomon here observed human nature realistically—many will seek the friendship of the noble or the generous because they hope to gain from it. This is not genuine friendship but calculated self-interest. As long as gifts and benefits flow, so will the supposed loyalty of those around them.
This truth exposes a corruption in human motives. Rather than pursuing friendship grounded in character, virtue, or godliness, many are enticed by influence or wealth. James 2:2–4 warns believers against such favoritism: “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel… and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place… are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” True righteousness values integrity over influence. While worldly men cultivate relationships for personal advantage, the wise build friendships rooted in sincerity and mutual faithfulness, knowing that honor with God outweighs the favor of the powerful.
Proverbs 19:7
“All the brothers of the poor hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.”
Poverty often brings isolation and rejection, even from one’s own family. The poor man is easily despised because he offers no material benefit to others. This proverb is both an observation of human nature and a lament over its cruelty. Even brothers may turn away, unwilling to be burdened by his need. The so-called friends of the poor man withdraw entirely, revealing that their affection was based on convenience, not compassion.
This stands in stark contrast to the heart of Christ. Though He was rich, “yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). The Lord identifies with the lowly and the afflicted, not the proud and self-sufficient. He draws near to those whom the world neglects. While men turn away from the poor, God draws near, for “the Lord heareth the poor” (Psalm 69:33). The believer should imitate this compassion, seeing the image of God in every soul, regardless of economic status. To reject the poor is to reject Christ’s example of love and humility.
Proverbs 19:8
“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.”
The pursuit of wisdom is an act of self-preservation and self-love in the godly sense. To seek wisdom is to care for one’s own soul, for it leads to life, righteousness, and peace. The one who rejects wisdom harms himself, but the one who embraces it prospers spiritually and morally. As Poole commented, “He loveth himself, because he procures great good to his soul, as sinners, on the contrary, are said to hate their souls, because they bring mischief upon them.”
To “keep understanding” means more than to acquire knowledge; it means to treasure it, guard it, and apply it in daily life. True wisdom must be maintained through continual obedience and humility before God. The wise man not only seeks truth but also holds fast to it. As Proverbs 4:7 declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Those who keep understanding “will find good,” for the fruit of wisdom is a life blessed by God’s favor and guided by discernment.
Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish.”
This proverb repeats the truth already expressed in Proverbs 19:5, emphasizing its great importance. God hates dishonesty, and His Word consistently declares that deceitful speech will not escape His judgment. The repetition serves as a solemn reminder that truthfulness is not optional in the eyes of God. Just as in the courtroom of ancient Israel, where justice required faithful witnesses, so in all areas of life God’s people must walk in truth. The Lord cannot and will not overlook deceit. Though human courts may fail to administer justice, divine judgment never errs.
The second line intensifies the warning: “He who speaks lies shall perish.” This reveals that the punishment for lying extends beyond temporal consequences to eternal ones. Revelation 21:8 declares, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” To lie is to align oneself with Satan, whom Jesus called “a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). Therefore, truthfulness is a moral reflection of God’s character, while falsehood is evidence of rebellion. God’s justice is sure, and every false word will one day be brought to account.
Proverbs 19:10
“Luxury is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to rule over princes.”
Solomon here observed that prosperity and power often magnify a fool’s corruption. “Luxury is not fitting for a fool,” for wealth and ease in the hands of a morally bankrupt man only feed his arrogance and folly. When a fool gains comfort or privilege, he mistakes it for endorsement of his behavior. Luxury without wisdom becomes a curse, inflaming pride and indulgence rather than gratitude and humility.
The second line raises the warning even higher: “Much less for a servant to rule over princes.” This expression reflects the instability that results when social order and wisdom are overturned. A servant, untrained in leadership and unseasoned in wisdom, becomes tyrannical when granted power he cannot handle. Waltke explains, “The slave, who is incompetent both by disposition and training, will be drunk from the feeling of power and his rulership will develop into unbearable despotism.” Ecclesiastes 10:5–7 makes the same observation: “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun… folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place. I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.”
Bridges rightly adds that though the general principle holds, there are exceptions, such as Joseph, whose humility and wisdom made him fit to rule Egypt under Pharaoh. The New Covenant later redefines greatness altogether: Jesus said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matthew 20:26). God’s kingdom inverts earthly hierarchies—true greatness is not in being served, but in serving others in righteousness and humility.
Proverbs 19:11
“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.”
True wisdom produces patience and self-control. A man’s discretion—his ability to discern and judge rightly—restrains him from hasty anger. Anger is often the reaction of the foolish or the proud; the wise learn to govern their temper through understanding. Being “slow to anger” is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual maturity. As James 1:19 teaches, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
The second half of the verse presents one of the most noble traits of wisdom: “His glory is to overlook a transgression.” It is not weakness to forgive or to forbear, but glory. A man of God gains honor by refusing to let minor offenses control him. The wise man overlooks an insult or injury because he knows that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19) and that he himself has been forgiven much. McKane notes that this virtue “includes the ability to shrug off insults and the absence of a brooding hypersensitivity.” Trapp adds, “The manlier any man is, the milder and readier to pass by an offence.” To overlook a transgression when done from a godly heart is to imitate the long-suffering mercy of God Himself, who “bears with our evil manners, and forgives our trespasses.”
Proverbs 19:12
“The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”
This proverb vividly compares royal anger to the terrifying roar of a lion. A lion’s roar alone can paralyze its prey with fear, even before it attacks. In the same way, the wrath of a king—or any person in authority—can bring swift and devastating consequences. Trapp comments, “The roar of a young lion, being in his prime, amazeth the other creatures whom he hunteth, so that they have no power to flee from him.” A ruler’s anger, therefore, is something to be respected and feared, for those who provoke it may bring destruction upon themselves. Clarke observed, “The king who rules without law, and whose will is his own law, is like the lion; at the sound of his wrath all tremble.”
Yet the proverb balances this warning with the sweetness of favor: “His favor is like dew on the grass.” In a hot, arid land such as Israel, dew was a precious blessing, refreshing the fields and sustaining life. So too, the goodwill of a ruler brings blessing, stability, and prosperity to his people. Waltke remarks that “dew, which in the climatic conditions of Palestine was essential to the survival of vegetation, is a gift from God.” The king’s subjects, therefore, are wise to act with discretion, seeking peace rather than conflict. Ross summarizes it well: “This proverb would advise the king’s subjects to use tact and the king to cultivate kindness.”
Spiritually, this verse also foreshadows divine realities. The wrath of God is fierce and righteous, as Revelation 5:5 portrays Christ as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” Yet for those who are in Christ, His favor is indeed like refreshing dew—life-giving, sustaining, and eternal.
Proverbs 19:13
“A foolish son is the ruin of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.”
Few burdens pierce deeper into a man’s heart than the grief caused by his own family. Solomon here captures two sorrows that strike the home—one from a rebellious child, the other from a contentious spouse. “A foolish son is the ruin of his father.” It is not merely grief, but destruction; his actions can bring shame, drain resources, and even shorten his father’s life. A son who refuses correction often destroys the peace and honor of his family. This is why Proverbs 10:1 declares, “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” Foolishness brings ruin, while wisdom preserves the household.
The second line extends this picture of domestic misery: “And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.” Like the slow, unrelenting leak of rain through a roof, constant quarreling wears down the soul. It is an annoyance that never stops, a subtle erosion of joy and strength. Clarke aptly compared it to “a tenant who has got a cottage with a bad roof, through every part of which the rain either drops or pours.” Trapp likewise wrote that a man hopes for comfort at home after hardship abroad, yet “the rain, dropping through the roof upon his head, drives him out of doors again.” A contentious wife turns the home, which should be a refuge, into a place of unrest. Kidner even noted an Arab proverb: “Three things make a house intolerable—leaking rain, a nagging wife, and bugs.” The lesson is clear: peace in the home is worth more than wealth, and harmony within the family is a divine blessing to be guarded and cultivated.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers: but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
Material blessings—houses, land, and riches—may come from one’s earthly parents, but a truly wise and virtuous wife is a gift that only God can bestow. “A prudent wife” is one endowed with wisdom, self-control, and discretion. She strengthens her household through her godly character, whereas a foolish wife can destroy a man’s prosperity and peace. Proverbs 31:10 asks, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
Trapp insightfully wrote, “Nature makes a woman, election a wife; but to be prudent, wise, and virtuous is of the Lord.” No inheritance compares with the blessing of a godly spouse, for she enriches not only her husband’s life but also his relationship with God. Waltke observes that this proverb directs believers “to look to God and find his favor through wisdom to obtain from him a competent wife.” When a marriage prospers in mutual respect and godliness, it is not luck but divine providence. Ross likewise comments, “The verse does not answer questions about unhappy marriages or bad wives; rather, it simply affirms that when a marriage turns out well, one should credit God.” Earthly inheritance can be lost, but a prudent wife from the Lord is a treasure that endures.
Proverbs 19:15
“Laziness casts one into a deep sleep; and an idle person will suffer hunger.”
Laziness is not merely a habit—it is a downward spiral that leads to ruin. The slothful man falls into a “deep sleep,” a state of dullness where both body and spirit waste away. As Waltke explains, “Laziness plunges him into a state of being so deep in sleep that he is totally unconscious of his situation.” The sluggard’s inactivity breeds more inactivity, until his life becomes characterized by neglect and want. Hunger naturally follows idleness, for the one who refuses to work forfeits the fruit of labor.
Proverbs 6:10–11 offers a similar warning: “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” Laziness blinds a man to the danger he is in, and by the time he awakens, it is too late—his opportunities are gone, his resources depleted. In contrast, diligence brings satisfaction and security. Scripture teaches that hard work is not merely practical but moral, reflecting obedience to God’s command that man should labor faithfully.
Proverbs 19:16
“He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul; but he who is careless of his ways will die.”
Obedience to God’s commandments is life-preserving, both physically and spiritually. To “keep the commandment” means not only to observe God’s Word outwardly but to hold it in reverent obedience. Proverbs 13:13 says, “Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Those who cherish the Word guard their souls from ruin, while those who live carelessly invite destruction.
The second half of the verse makes this contrast unmistakable: “He who is careless of his ways will die.” To be careless is to live without moral vigilance, ignoring God’s direction. The end of such a path is death—whether through physical consequences of sin or through spiritual separation from God. Obedience leads to preservation; carelessness leads to perishing. God’s commandments are not chains that bind, but boundaries that protect. To disregard them is to wander from the way of life into the road of death.
Proverbs 19:17
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and He will pay back what he has given.”
This verse reveals a remarkable truth about God’s character—He identifies Himself with the poor and promises to repay those who show mercy to them. When we give to the needy, it is as if we are lending directly to God. Acts of charity are therefore not mere generosity but sacred investments in eternity. Waltke observed, “Their just and gracious Creator takes it upon himself to assume their indebtedness and so he will repay the lender in full.”
God will never allow Himself to be anyone’s debtor. He rewards every act of compassion, whether materially or spiritually. Meyer reflected, “God will never be in your debt. He is exact and punctual in His repayment.” Clarke exclaims, “O what a word is this! God makes himself debtor for every thing that is given to the poor! Who would not advance much upon such credit?” While the return may not always be monetary, the promise stands—God blesses the giver with favor, joy, and eternal reward.
Proverbs 22:9 reinforces this truth: “He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.” Compassion is a reflection of God’s heart, and those who show mercy will receive mercy. To pity the poor is to act as God acts, for He is the defender of the weak and the sustainer of the needy.
Proverbs 19:18
“Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.”
Discipline must be timely. Solomon warns that there is a limited window in which correction can shape a child’s character. To “chasten your son while there is hope” means to instruct, guide, and correct him before his heart grows hardened in rebellion. Delay or neglect in discipline allows sin to take deep root. As Bridges wisely wrote, “It is far better that the child should cry under healthy correction than that parents should later cry under the bitter fruit of neglected discipline.”
To withhold correction is to contribute to a child’s ruin. “Do not set your heart on his destruction” cautions against false compassion that refuses to confront wrongdoing. True love disciplines; false pity destroys. Waltke comments that parents who fail to discipline “are in fact unwittingly party to the worst punishment—his death.” Discipline must be firm, fair, and motivated by love, mirroring the Lord’s correction of His own children: “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Proverbs 3:12). The goal of chastening is restoration, not punishment—guiding the child toward wisdom and life before the opportunity for correction is lost.
Proverbs 19:19
“A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.”
An angry man brings destruction upon himself and others. His lack of self-control leads to repeated trouble and lasting consequences. Anger may flare quickly, but its damage is long-lasting. Proverbs warns that such a man “will suffer punishment,” not merely from external circumstances, but from the inward torment his rage produces. Bridges observes, “He punishes himself. Wounded pride and resentment leave the wretched criminal brooding in his room. He suffers an intolerable burden of self-inflicted punishment.” The angry man destroys his own peace, relationships, and reputation.
The warning continues, “For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.” Those who constantly bail out an angry or impulsive person only enable their sin. Because the problem lies not in their circumstances but in their character, rescuing them from one consequence ensures they will soon need rescuing again. Wisdom allows the angry man to experience the fruit of his own behavior so that he might finally learn humility and self-restraint. Kidner notes, “An ungovernable temper will repeatedly land its owner in fresh trouble.” True help is not in shielding such a person but in leading them toward repentance and the Spirit’s transforming work of self-control, as Galatians 5:23 teaches.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.”
Wisdom begins with humility—the willingness to listen and to be taught. The one who “listens to counsel and receives instruction” demonstrates a teachable heart, which is one of the most essential marks of the wise. Proverbs 12:15 echoes this: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
The reward of such teachability is long-term growth. “That you may be wise in your latter days” reminds us that wisdom accumulates over time. A person who rejects instruction when young will bear the fruit of folly in old age, while one who receives correction early will enjoy stability and discernment later in life. The “latter days” reveal whether one’s life was built upon wisdom or pride. Those who would end their days in peace and honor must start now by humbly learning and applying God’s truth.
Proverbs 19:21
“There are many plans in a man’s heart; nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
This verse reveals both the freedom and limitation of human planning. “There are many plans in a man’s heart,” for it is natural to think ahead, set goals, and pursue dreams. Yet every plan must be viewed in light of God’s sovereignty. No matter how detailed or determined our intentions may be, “the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” Only His will is certain and enduring.
James applied this truth directly to believers, warning against self-confident planning: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.… Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’” (James 4:13–15). Man proposes, but God disposes. To make plans without reference to God is presumption; to make them with submission to His will is wisdom. Morgan rightly noted, “The one thing in the heart that may be depended upon is the counsel or guidance of Jehovah.” All things stand or fall according to His purpose, not ours.
Proverbs 19:22
“What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.”
Of all virtues admired among men, kindness stands out as universally desired. It is the quality that reflects the mercy and goodness of God Himself. A kind man is patient, gentle, and generous, even when wronged or inconvenienced. His character draws others because it mirrors the lovingkindness of the Lord, who is “gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8).
Yet this proverb balances kindness with integrity: “A poor man is better than a liar.” Wealth and status cannot redeem a deceitful heart. It is better to be poor and honest than prosperous and false. The world may prize charm or generosity without truth, but God esteems righteousness above all. Kindness without honesty becomes manipulation; honesty without kindness becomes cruelty. The wise therefore pursue both virtues, knowing that the truly godly person unites mercy with truth, as Psalm 85:10 declares: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
Proverbs 19:23
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil.”
The fear of the Lord is not a mere emotion of terror, but a reverent awe and submission to God’s authority that produces obedience and holiness. It is the foundation of wisdom and the pathway to true life. Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” To fear God rightly is to love Him supremely, honor Him sincerely, and obey Him willingly. Such a fear leads not to bondage, but to abundant life, for those who walk humbly with God live under His protection and blessing.
“He who has it will abide in satisfaction.” A life anchored in the fear of the Lord is one marked by peace and contentment. The world, the flesh, and the devil would have us believe that obedience to God leads to misery and restriction, but the opposite is true. The one who fears God finds satisfaction that worldly pleasures cannot offer. Psalm 34:9–10 declares, “O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” This satisfaction comes not from possessions or achievements, but from fellowship with the living God.
Finally, Solomon adds, “He will not be visited with evil.” This does not mean that trouble will never touch the righteous, but that no evil can ultimately overcome the one who fears the Lord. Even in adversity, the believer is secure in God’s sovereign care. Ross notes, “When one lives a life of piety, the Lord provides a quality of life that cannot be disrupted by such evil.” God shields those who trust in Him, and whatever trials He allows are transformed into instruments of His grace. The fear of the Lord thus brings life, satisfaction, and divine protection.
Proverbs 19:24
“A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.”
Here Solomon paints a vivid, almost humorous picture of extreme laziness. The image is of a man seated before his food, his hand in the bowl, too slothful to lift the food to his mouth. It is a satire on the utter helplessness that laziness produces. As Ross explains, “This humorous portrayal is certainly an exaggeration. It probably was meant more widely for anyone who starts a project but lacks the energy to complete it.” The Hebrew word for “bowl” is the same used in 2 Kings 21:13, leaving no doubt that the scene describes mealtime. Kidner observes that it is “a meal, and the example comically extreme.”
The deeper truth is that laziness is self-defeating. The sluggard cannot finish what he begins, and so he starves both literally and figuratively. Poole comments that “he expects that the meat should drop into his mouth.” Such exaggerated sloth mocks the order of creation, for man was made to labor and find satisfaction in his work. As Proverbs 12:27 says, “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” Morgan asks rhetorically, “Is it possible to find anywhere a more graphic or sarcastic description of absolute laziness?” The lesson is that laziness leads to decay—spiritually, morally, and practically. Diligence, by contrast, brings life and blessing.
Proverbs 19:25
“Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.”
This proverb illustrates how people of different dispositions respond to correction. The scoffer, a hardened fool who mocks truth and rejects wisdom, learns nothing even through severe punishment. Yet his punishment serves a purpose—it warns the simple, those still impressionable and teachable, to take heed and avoid his path. Trapp observes, “Smite him never so much, there is no beating any wit into him. Pharaoh was not a button the better for all that he suffered; but Jethro, taking notice of God’s heavy hand upon Pharaoh, was thereby converted.” The correction of the scoffer, though fruitless for him, becomes instruction for others.
In contrast, “rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.” The wise man welcomes correction, knowing that reproof refines character and deepens understanding. Proverbs 9:8–9 expresses this truth beautifully: “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Kidner summarizes, “Here are three varieties of mind: closed (the scoffer), empty (the simple—he must be startled into attention), and open (the understanding—he accepts even a painful truth).”
The truly wise are marked not by the absence of error but by their response to correction. A teachable heart is fertile soil for divine wisdom. As Psalm 141:5 declares, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.” The proud scoffer perishes, the simple becomes cautious, but the wise grow in grace through rebuke.
Proverbs 19:26
“He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.”
This proverb speaks to the deep moral corruption of one who dishonors his parents. God commands in Exodus 20:12, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” To mistreat or reject one’s parents is to rebel not only against them but against the divine order God has established for family and society. The word “mistreats” implies more than simple disobedience—it carries the sense of abuse, neglect, or scorn toward the very ones who gave life and nurture.
Waltke insightfully notes, “When the father and his household lies in ruin, the mother is left in a tragic situation without the provision and protection of her husband. By ruining his father, the imbecile leaves his mother as good as a defenseless widow.” To “chase away his mother” paints the picture of a heart hardened by selfishness and pride, showing no gratitude for her sacrifice. Such a son not only brings sorrow to his parents but also shame and reproach upon himself. God takes the mistreatment of parents seriously because it reflects rebellion against His authority. Proverbs 30:17 warns, “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” Honor in the home is the seedbed of righteousness; dishonor brings ruin.
Proverbs 19:27
“Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
Wisdom requires continual attention. Solomon warns his son that to stop listening to instruction is to begin wandering from the truth. There is no neutral ground in the pursuit of wisdom—one is either growing in it or drifting from it. The moment a man ceases to listen, pride begins to take root, and folly follows. The Hebrew verb “to stray” suggests a gradual but inevitable departure from the right path once instruction is neglected.
Morgan wisely remarked, “The meaning here is that it is better not to learn than to learn to refuse to obey.” In other words, knowledge without obedience becomes self-condemning. Waltke adds, “Without constant attention to wisdom, depraved human beings unconsciously stray from it. Even Solomon, ancient Israel’s paragon of wisdom, strayed when he ceased listening to his own proverbs.” Spiritual vigilance is therefore essential. The believer must continually feed upon the Word, receive correction, and remain humble before God, lest the heart grow cold and wandering begin. Proverbs 4:13 commands, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”
Proverbs 19:28
“A disreputable witness scorns justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.”
When truth is despised, justice collapses. The “disreputable witness” here is one who lies without conscience, showing contempt for fairness and righteousness. He “scorns justice,” caring nothing for the ruin he causes. His deceit poisons courts, destroys reputations, and erodes trust within society. The Hebrew term for “disreputable” (beliyyaal) often denotes worthlessness or moral corruption. Waltke points out that “the perjurers in the lawsuit against Naboth are called beliyyaal (1 Kings 21:10, 13), a story that illustrates the lying witnesses’ lethal power.” Such corruption led to the murder of an innocent man—a sobering reminder of what happens when truth is abandoned.
The second line deepens the portrait: “The mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.” The wicked not only speak lies but consume sin eagerly, as though it were food. Sin has become their appetite; they relish evil rather than resist it. Psalm 52:4 describes such a one: “Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.” When lying and injustice become a man’s pleasure, his conscience is dead, and his destruction is near. God hates “a false witness that speaketh lies” (Proverbs 6:19), for it undermines the moral foundation of both family and nation.
Proverbs 19:29
“Judgments are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.”
Here Solomon concludes the chapter with a sober reminder of divine justice. “Judgments are prepared for scoffers,” meaning that God’s retribution is not uncertain—it is already prepared and waiting. The scoffer, who mocks righteousness and despises reproof, cannot escape the consequences of his rebellion. Trapp comments, “For these scorners that promise themselves impunity are judgments, not one, but many, not appointed only, but prepared long since, and now ready to be executed.” Though scoffers may prosper for a season, their punishment is certain, for God is never mocked (Galatians 6:7).
The parallel statement warns that “beatings [are prepared] for the backs of fools.” The fool, resistant to instruction and hardened in pride, invites painful correction. The “beatings” here symbolize both divine chastening and the natural consequences of folly. As Clarke notes, “Profane and wicked men expose themselves to the punishments denounced against such by just laws. Avoid, therefore, both their company and their end.” While wisdom yields peace and honor, folly yields stripes and shame. The Lord’s justice is sure, and His judgments are both righteous and instructive—to turn the wise to fear Him and to leave the fool without excuse.
