Proverbs – Chapter 19

Old Testament • 29 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 19 of Proverbs begins: "Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise." Across its 29 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise.

2Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good: and he that is hasty with his feet shall stumble.

3The folly of a man supplanteth his steps: and he fretteth in his mind against God.

4Riches make many friends: but from the poor man, even they whom he had, depart.

5A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that speaketh lies, shall not escape.

6Many honour the person of him that is mighty, and are friends of him that giveth gifts.

7The brethren of the poor man hate him: moreover also his friends have departed far from him. He that followeth after words only, shall have nothing.

8But he that possesseth a mind, loveth his own soul, and he that keepeth prudence, shall find good things.

9A false witness shall not be unpunished: and he that speaketh lies, shall perish.

10Delicacies are not seemly for a fool: nor for a servant to have rule over princes.

11The learning of a man is known by patience: and his glory is to pass over wrongs.

12As the roaring of a lion, so also is the anger of a king: and his cheerfulness as the dew upon the grass.

13A foolish son is the grief of his father: and a wrangling wife is like a roof continually dropping through.

14House and riches are given by parents: but a prudent wife is properly 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 neglecteth his own way, shall die.

17He that hath mercy on the poor, lendeth to the Lord: and he will repay him.

18Chastise thy son, despair not: but to the killing of him set not thy soul.

19He that is impatient, shall suffer damage: and when he shall take away, he shall add another thing.

20Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayst be wise in thy latter end.

21There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the will of the Lord shall stand firm.

22A needy man is merciful: and better is the poor than the lying man.

23The fear of the Lord is unto life: and he shall abide in the fulness without being visited with evil.

24The slothful hideth his hand under his armpit, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth.

25The wicked man being scourged, the fool shall be wiser: but if thou rebuke a wise man, he will understand discipline.

26He that afflicteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is infamous and unhappy.

27Cease not, O my son, to hear instruction, and be not ignorant of the words of knowledge.

28An unjust witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

29Judgments are prepared for scorners: and striking hammers for the bodies of fools.

Important Verses in Proverbs 19

“Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise.”

Proverbs 19:1

“But he that possesseth a mind, loveth his own soul, and he that keepeth prudence, shall find good things.”

Proverbs 19:8

“He that hath mercy on the poor, lendeth to the Lord: and he will repay him.”

Proverbs 19:17

“There are many thoughts in the heart of a man: but the will of the Lord shall stand firm.”

Proverbs 19:21

Historical Context

Proverbs belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the young and all who seek to live skillfully before God. Chapter 19 of 31 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 29 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise." The final verse reads: "Judgments are prepared for scorners: and striking hammers for the bodies of fools. " Read against its original backdrop, Proverbs distills practical wisdom for daily life—speech, work, friendship, family, money—under one master principle: 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Prov 9:10). The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'

When It Was Written

Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

This chapter offers practical instruction on how to live wisely before God in daily life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise." The passage repeatedly touches on wisdom for daily living.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2340). Here, Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize wisdom for daily living as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Proverbs 19 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Proverbs Chapter 19 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Proverbs Chapter 19. At the moral level, repentance and the mercy of God challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 113).

As you continue through Proverbs, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proverbs Chapter 19 about?

Proverbs 19 contains 29 verses. It opens with "Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise." and closes with "Judgments are prepared for scorners: and striking hammers for the bodies of fools. ". The book as a whole is wisdom sayings and instructions.

What is a key verse in Proverbs 19?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Better is the poor man, that walketh in his simplicity, than a rich man that is perverse in his lips and unwise." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Proverbs and when?

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'. Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Related Chapters

Job 17Shares people and themes with this chapterWisdom 9Shares people and themes with this chapterSirach 4Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer to the Holy Spirit🙏Prayer to St. Thomas Aquinas🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family

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