20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

22 What is desired in a man is loyalty, and a poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; and he who has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.

29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging for the backs of fools.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 19:20-29

Commentary on Proverbs 19:20

(Read Proverbs 19:20)

Those that would be wise in their latter end, must be taught and ruled when young.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:21

(Read Proverbs 19:21)

What should we desire, but that all our purposes may agree with God's holy will?

Commentary on Proverbs 19:22

(Read Proverbs 19:22)

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.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:23

(Read Proverbs 19:23)

Those that live in the fear of God, shall get safety, satisfaction, and true and complete happiness.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:24

(Read Proverbs 19:24)

Indolence, when indulged, so grows upon people, that they have no heart to do the most needful things for themselves.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:25

(Read Proverbs 19:25)

A gentle rebuke goes farthest with a man of understanding.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:26

(Read Proverbs 19:26)

The young man who wastes his father's substance, or makes his aged mother destitute, is hateful, and will come to disgrace.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:27

(Read Proverbs 19:27)

It is the wisdom of young men to dread hearing such talk as puts loose and evil principles into the mind.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:28

(Read Proverbs 19:28)

Those are the worst of sinners, who are glad of an opportunity to sin.

Commentary on Proverbs 19:29

(Read Proverbs 19:29)

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?