Proverbs Chapter 19
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
Proverbs 19:1
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1Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
A poor man who fears God, is more honourable and happy, than a man without wisdom and grace, however rich or advanced in rank.
Proverbs 19:2
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2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
What good can the soul do, if without knowledge? And he sins who will not take time to ponder the path of his feet.
Proverbs 19:3
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3The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord.
Men run into troubles by their own folly, and then fret at the appointments of God.
Proverbs 19:4
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4Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
Here we may see how strong is men's love of money.
Proverbs 19:5
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5A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Those that tell lies in discourse, are in a fair way to be guilty of bearing false-witness.
Proverbs 19:6
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6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
We are without excuse if we do not love God with all our hearts. His gifts to us are past number, and all the gifts of men to us are fruits of his bounty.
Proverbs 19:7
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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.
Christ was left by all his disciples; but the Father was with him. It encourages our faith that he had so large an experience of the sorrows of poverty.
Proverbs 19:8
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8He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
Those only love their souls aright that get true wisdom.
Proverbs 19:9
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9A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Lying is a damning, destroying sin.
Proverbs 19:10
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10Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
A man that has not wisdom and grace, has no right or title to true joy. It is very unseemly for one who is a servant to sin, to oppress God's free-men.
Proverbs 19:11
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11The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
He attains the most true glory who endeavours most steadily to overcome evil with good.
Proverbs 19:12
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12The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
Christ is a King, whose wrath against his enemies will be as the roaring of a lion, and his favour to his people as the refreshing dew.
Proverbs 19:13
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13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
It shows the vanity of the world, that we are liable to the greatest griefs where we promise ourselves the greatest comfort.
Proverbs 19:14
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14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.
A discreet and virtuous wife is more valuable than house and riches.
Proverbs 19:15
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15Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
A sluggish, slothful disposition makes men poor; it brings them to want. And this applies both to the present life and that which is to come.
Proverbs 19:16
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16He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
If we keep God's word, God's word will keep us from every thing really hurtful. We abuse the doctrine of free grace, if we think that it does away the necessity and advantage of obedience. Those that live at random must die. This truth is clearly taught in words enough to alarm the stoutest sinner.
Proverbs 19:17
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17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
God has chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom.
Proverbs 19:18
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18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
When parents keep under foolish tenderness, they do their best to render children a comfort to them, and happy in themselves.
Proverbs 19:19
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19A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
The spared and spoiled child is likely to become a man of great wrath.
Proverbs 19:20
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20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Those that would be wise in their latter end, must be taught and ruled when young.
Proverbs 19:21
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21There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.
What should we desire, but that all our purposes may agree with God's holy will?
Proverbs 19:22
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22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
It is far better to have a heart to do good, and want ability for it, than to have ability for it, and want a heart to it.
Proverbs 19:23
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23The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
Those that live in the fear of God, shall get safety, satisfaction, and true and complete happiness.
Proverbs 19:24
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24A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Indolence, when indulged, so grows upon people, that they have no heart to do the most needful things for themselves.
Proverbs 19:25
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25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding.
Proverbs 19:26
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26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
The young man who wastes his father's substance, or makes his aged mother destitute, is hateful, and will come to disgrace.
Proverbs 19:27
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27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
It is the wisdom of young men to dread hearing such talk as puts loose and evil principles into the mind.
Proverbs 19:28
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28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
Those are the worst of sinners, who are glad of an opportunity to sin.
Proverbs 19:29
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29Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
The unbelief of man shall not make God's threatenings of no effect. Christ himself, when bearing sins not his own, was not spared. Justice and judgment took hold of our blessed Surety; and will God spare obstinate sinners?