20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
that you may be wise in your latter end.

21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.

22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness.
A poor man is better than a liar.

23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment;
he rests and will not be touched by trouble.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother,
is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks justice,
and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers,
and beatings 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?