Proverbs 19:16-29

¹⁶Keep the commandments, and you'll live; despise them and you'll die.

¹⁷If you're kind to the poor, you're lending to the Lord, and he will repay you well for what you've done.

¹⁸Discipline your son while there's still hope, but don't kill him.

¹⁹People who often get angry have to pay the penalty; if you help them, you'll have to do it again.

²⁰Listen to advice and accept instruction so that you'll eventually become wise.

²¹Human beings make many plans in their minds, but the final decision is the Lord's.

²²The most desirable thing in anyone is trustworthy love; it is better to be poor than a liar.

²³Honoring the Lord is life, and you will rest contentedly, safe from harm.

²⁴Lazy people put their hands in a dish, and won't even lift the food to their mouths.

²⁵If you punish someone who mocks, you may help an immature person to learn. Correct the wise, and they become wiser.

²⁶A son who abuses his father and chases away his mother brings shame and disgrace.

²⁷My son, stop listening to my instruction and you'll soon give up following wisdom.

²⁸A crooked witness makes a mockery of justice; and the wicked wolf down evil.

²⁹Punishment is ready for those who mock; flogging is ready for the backs of the stupid.