← Back to Proverbs Hub

Proverbs Chapter Study

The Counsel of the LORD Shall Stand

Proverbs 19 (KJV)

Proverbs 19 teaches wisdom about integrity, knowledge, anger, discipline, poverty, kindness, counsel, and the fear of the LORD. Solomon shows that a poor man with integrity is better than a fool with perverse speech, that false witnesses will not escape, that wisdom listens to instruction, and that while many plans may be in a man’s heart, the counsel of the LORD shall stand.

What You’ll Learn

• Why integrity is better than foolish speech
• How haste, ignorance, and foolishness lead people into sin
• Why false witnesses and liars will not escape judgment
• How discretion helps a person defer anger and forgive offenses
• Why the counsel of the LORD stands above every human plan
• How the fear of the LORD leads to life, satisfaction, and safety

Wisdom walks in integrity, receives correction, shows mercy to the poor, controls anger, fears the LORD, and trusts that God’s counsel will stand.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Proverbs 19:1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

Proverbs 19:4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Proverbs 19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

Proverbs 19:7 All 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.

Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Proverbs 19:10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Proverbs 19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Proverbs 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Proverbs 19:16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Proverbs 19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 19:24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Proverbs 19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Proverbs 19:1

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Study: This verse teaches that integrity is greater than status, wealth, or clever speech. Spiritually, God values a truthful walk more than outward appearance. Practically, it is better to be poor and honest than to gain attention while speaking perversely and living foolishly.

Proverbs 19:2

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Study: A life without knowledge is dangerous, and haste often leads to sin. Spiritually, zeal without wisdom can move a person in the wrong direction. Practically, rushing into decisions without understanding can create damage that patience would have prevented.

Proverbs 19:3

The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.

Study: A person’s own foolishness can twist his path, yet his heart may still complain against the LORD. Spiritually, sin often blames God for consequences caused by human folly. Practically, wisdom requires honest ownership instead of blaming God, others, or circumstances for foolish choices.

Proverbs 19:4

Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

Study: Wealth often attracts many companions, while poverty can leave a person isolated. Spiritually, this exposes the shallow nature of relationships built on advantage. Practically, wisdom looks beyond money and treats the poor with dignity, loyalty, and compassion.

Proverbs 19:5

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

Study: False testimony and lying will not escape judgment. Spiritually, God sees every dishonest word. Practically, lies may seem useful for a moment, but they eventually bring consequences, damaged trust, and accountability.

Proverbs 19:6

Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

Study: Many people seek favor from the powerful, and gifts often attract friends. Spiritually, this warns against relationships motivated only by gain. Practically, wisdom can tell the difference between true loyalty and people who appear close only when benefits are available.

Proverbs 19:7

All 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.

Study: Poverty can expose how quickly people withdraw when there is no advantage to gain. Spiritually, this shows the brokenness of human partiality. Practically, believers should not abandon people in hardship but show mercy, presence, and faithful love.

Proverbs 19:8

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Study: Seeking wisdom is an act of care for one’s own soul. Spiritually, wisdom protects and nourishes the inner life. Practically, those who hold on to understanding find good because wisdom shapes better choices, relationships, and direction.

Proverbs 19:9

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

Study: This verse repeats and intensifies the warning against false witness and lies. Spiritually, truth matters deeply to God. Practically, dishonest words are not small things; they carry consequences that can destroy reputations, relationships, and souls.

Proverbs 19:10

Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Study: Luxury and authority are dangerous in the hands of someone who lacks wisdom and character. Spiritually, blessing without maturity can become corruption. Practically, leadership requires more than position; it requires wisdom, discipline, humility, and readiness.

Proverbs 19:11

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Study: Discretion helps a person slow down anger, and it is honorable to overlook an offense. Spiritually, wisdom does not react to every wrong with immediate retaliation. Practically, maturity often shows itself by restraint, patience, and the ability to forgive what does not need to become a larger conflict.

Proverbs 19:12

The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

Study: The wrath of a ruler can be terrifying, while his favor refreshes like dew. Spiritually, authority carries weight and should be handled with righteousness. Practically, those under authority should act wisely, and those in authority should understand how deeply their anger or favor affects others.

Proverbs 19:13

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Study: Folly in the home brings deep sorrow and ongoing strife. Spiritually, wisdom matters inside family relationships, not only in public life. Practically, foolishness and constant contention wear down a household, while wisdom and peace help strengthen it.

Proverbs 19:14

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Study: Material inheritance can come from family, but a prudent wife is a gift from the LORD. Spiritually, wisdom in marriage is a blessing from God. Practically, wealth can be passed down, but character, prudence, and godly companionship are treasures that money cannot manufacture.

Proverbs 19:15

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Study: Laziness dulls a person and leads to lack. Spiritually, slothfulness weakens stewardship and responsibility. Practically, idleness may feel comfortable for a moment, but it produces hunger, missed opportunity, and unnecessary hardship.

Proverbs 19:16

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

Study: Obedience guards the soul, while despising God’s ways leads to death. Spiritually, God’s commandments are not burdens meant to harm but wisdom meant to preserve. Practically, a person who rejects correction and instruction walks into danger.

Proverbs 19:17

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Study: Showing mercy to the poor is treated as lending to the LORD Himself. Spiritually, God sees generosity toward the needy. Practically, kindness to the poor is never wasted; God honors mercy, compassion, and faithful stewardship.

Proverbs 19:18

Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Study: Loving correction should happen while there is still hope for change. Spiritually, discipline is meant to guide, not destroy. Practically, avoiding necessary correction can leave a child or student in patterns that become harder to break later.

Proverbs 19:19

A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.

Study: A person ruled by anger will suffer consequences, and rescuing him repeatedly may only delay the lesson. Spiritually, wrath must be dealt with at the heart level. Practically, constantly saving someone from the results of uncontrolled anger can keep the pattern alive.

Proverbs 19:20

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

Study: Wisdom requires listening to counsel and receiving instruction. Spiritually, teachability prepares a person for a wiser future. Practically, the person who accepts correction now is better equipped for decisions, relationships, leadership, and old age.

Proverbs 19:21

There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Study: People may have many plans, but the counsel of the LORD is what stands. Spiritually, God’s purpose is greater than human strategy. Practically, wise planning should remain humble, prayerful, and submitted to the Lord’s will.

Proverbs 19:22

The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Study: Kindness is a desirable quality, and poverty with truth is better than lying. Spiritually, character matters more than image. Practically, it is better to be limited in resources and honest than to appear impressive while lacking integrity.

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Study: The fear of the LORD leads to life, satisfaction, and safety. Spiritually, reverence for God brings a person into the path of wisdom. Practically, those who fear the LORD are anchored by something deeper than circumstances, cravings, or pressure.

Proverbs 19:24

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Study: This verse gives a vivid picture of extreme laziness. Spiritually, slothfulness can make a person passive even toward his own needs. Practically, laziness does not merely slow progress; it can make someone unwilling to act even when action is clearly necessary.

Proverbs 19:25

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Study: Correction affects people differently depending on their heart. Spiritually, the simple may learn by observing consequences, while the wise learn directly from reproof. Practically, discipline and correction should aim to awaken wisdom, not merely punish behavior.

Proverbs 19:26

He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

Study: A son who mistreats his parents brings shame and reproach. Spiritually, dishonoring parents reflects deep disorder in the heart. Practically, wisdom values family responsibility, gratitude, and honor rather than selfishly using or rejecting those who cared for us.

Proverbs 19:27

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Study: Not all instruction is good instruction. Spiritually, a person must stop listening to teaching that pulls him away from truth. Practically, wisdom means filtering voices, influences, advice, and content by whether they lead toward or away from God’s knowledge.

Proverbs 19:28

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

Study: An ungodly witness mocks justice, and the wicked consume iniquity. Spiritually, the heart that rejects God also loses reverence for truth and judgment. Practically, wicked speech feeds on wrongdoing instead of correcting it.

Proverbs 19:29

Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.

Study: Scorners and fools should expect judgment and correction. Spiritually, God does not treat arrogant rebellion as harmless. Practically, mockery, stubbornness, and foolishness eventually meet consequences that wisdom would have avoided.

Proverbs 19 teaches that wisdom is seen in integrity, self-control, teachability, kindness, discipline, and reverence for the LORD. The chapter opens by showing that poverty with integrity is better than foolish speech and a perverse life. Solomon warns that ignorance and haste can lead to sin, and that a person’s own foolishness can twist his path while his heart complains against God. The chapter repeatedly exposes the danger of lies, false witness, shallow friendships, laziness, uncontrolled anger, and dishonoring parents. It also gives strong instruction about mercy toward the poor, correction while there is still hope, receiving counsel, and rejecting instruction that leads away from truth. One of the central truths of the chapter is that many plans may live in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19 closes by warning that scorners and fools will face judgment and correction.

Lord, teach me to walk in integrity even when it costs me. Keep me from foolish speech, haste, laziness, anger, lies, and blame. Give me a teachable heart that hears counsel and receives instruction. Help me show mercy to the poor, honor my family, and correct what needs to be corrected while there is still hope. Guard me from advice that pulls me away from Your truth. Let my plans be submitted to You, knowing that Your counsel will stand. Teach me to fear You, walk in wisdom, and live satisfied in Your ways. Amen.

• Read Proverbs 19 every day this week
• Memorize Proverbs 19:11, Proverbs 19:20, Proverbs 19:21, or Proverbs 19:23
• Pause before making one rushed decision and ask God for wisdom
• Identify one area where you need to receive counsel instead of resisting correction
• Show mercy to someone in need through a practical act of kindness
• Review one plan in your life and submit it to the counsel of the LORD in prayer
• Remove or limit one voice, influence, or habit that pulls you away from God’s truth

Proverbs 19 is a chapter about integrity, correction, mercy, discipline, and trusting the counsel of the LORD. Solomon teaches that it is better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be foolish and perverse in speech. The chapter warns against haste, ignorance, false witness, lying, shallow friendships, laziness, uncontrolled anger, and dishonoring parents. It also teaches the importance of showing mercy to the poor, correcting children while there is hope, receiving counsel, and rejecting instruction that leads away from knowledge. A key verse in the chapter is Proverbs 19:21, which reminds the reader that although many plans may be in a person’s heart, the counsel of the LORD will stand. The chapter also teaches that the fear of the LORD leads to life, satisfaction, and safety. Proverbs 19 calls the reader to live with integrity, humility, mercy, teachability, and reverence before God.

Proverbs 19 completed

Check this box when you finish this chapter study.

You have completed 0 of 31 chapters in Proverbs.

View your full progress on the Proverbs Hub.

Still Studying?

Have a Question About This Chapter?

Ask a Bible question and receive a Scripture-guided study response designed to help point you back to God’s Word.

Ask a Bible Question →

Back to Proverbs Hub Next Chapter →