Day 22 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 22  Wisdom is more than knowledge. It is an inner sense of the way things really are, what's actually going on, and what's about to happen. Wise people have awareness and are vigilant and act accordingly. They are safe because they sense trouble before it happens and also know when there is no real danger. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 22:3, 5, & 13 3 A wise person senses trouble before it happens and steers clear; the naive walk right into it and learn a hard lesson. 5 Crooked people walk a prickly path full of hidden traps; be careful to steer clear of them. 13 A lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! I’ll get killed if I go out!” Be wise. Know what's really going on around you and inside you. Avoid trouble when you see it coming, but don't use fear as an excuse when it's unfounded and irrational. Prayer "Father, help me to be vigilant. Don't let me be distracted or caught unaware. Give me insight into the people and situations around me. Don't let me be lazy and use irrational fears as an excuse not to do something You want me to do. Guide me in everything by Your Holy Spirit. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 22
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 22 On Life and Conduct 1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor [a]have a common bond, The Lord is the maker of them all. 3 The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the [b]naive go on, and are punished for it. 4 The reward of humility and the [c]fear of the Lord Are riches, honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards himself will be far from them. 6 Train up a child [d]in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. 8 He who sows iniquity will reap vanity, And the rod of his fury will perish. 9 He who [e]is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor. 10 Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease. 11 He who loves purity of heart And [f]whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man. 13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!” 14 The mouth of [g]an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the Lord will fall [h]into it. 15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him. 16 He who oppresses the poor to make [i]more for himself Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. 17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; 18 For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, [j]That they may be ready on your lips. 19 So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have [k]taught you today, even you. 20 Have I not written to you [l]excellent things Of counsels and knowledge, 21 To make you know the [m]certainty of the words of truth That you may [n]correctly answer him who sent you? 22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor, Or crush the afflicted at the gate; 23 For the Lord will plead their case And [o]take the life of those who rob them. 24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, 25 Or you will learn his ways And [p]find a snare for yourself. 26 Do not be among those who give [q]pledges, Among those who become guarantors for debts. 27 If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take your bed from under you? 28 Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 22:2 Lit meet together b.    Proverbs 22:3 Lit simple c.    Proverbs 22:4 Or reverence d,    Proverbs 22:6 Lit according to his way e.    Proverbs 22:9 Lit has a good eye f.     Proverbs 22:11 Lit has grace on his lips g.    Proverbs 22:14 Lit strange woman h.    Proverbs 22:14 Lit there i.     Proverbs 22:16 Lit much j.     Proverbs 22:18 Lit They together k.    Proverbs 22:19 Lit made you know l.     Proverbs 22:20 Or previous m.   Proverbs 22:21 Lit truth n.    Proverbs 22:21 Lit return to words of truth o.    Proverbs 22:23 Lit rob the soul p.    Proverbs 22:25 Lit take q.    Proverbs 22:26 Lit strike hands	Proverbs 22 1 Pick a good reputation over wealth; grace is better than silver or gold. 2 A rich person and a poor person have something in common: Jehovah made them both. 3 A wise person senses trouble before it happens and steers clear; the naive walk right into it and learn a hard lesson. 4 Humility and reverence for Lord Jehovah lead to riches and honor and life. 5 Crooked people walk a prickly path full of hidden traps; be careful to steer clear of them. 6 Lead a child down the right road of life and they won’t go off course when they grow old. 7 The rich reign over the poor and those who take loans must serve those who lend. 8 People who plant corruption will harvest trouble and they won’t be able to fight their way out of it. 9 People with a generous outlook on life are blessed because they gladly share with those in need. 10 Get rid of the sarcastic guy who makes fun of everything and all the bickering will go too; all the judgment and shame will end. 11 A person with pure motives who is full of grace will be a friend to the king. 12 Jehovah protects the truth and defeats those who would pervert it. 13 A lazy person claims, “There’s a lion out there! I’ll get killed if I go out!” 14 A homewrecker says things that lure people into a deep trap; those who make Jehovah livid will fall into it. 15 Folly is woven into the fabric of a young boy’s heart, but the firm hand of discipline weeds it out. 16 If you take advantage of the poor to make a few extra bucks or to get favor from the rich, you will end up broke yourself. Words of the Wise 17-21 Look this way and listen up to someone who knows; take my advice to heart because you need to be ready to share these truths. I’m teaching you--yes YOU--so you'll trust Jehovah. Here’s thirty important pieces of advice.  You can take these to the bank. Number 1 - 22-23 Don’t rob the poor and vulnerable or push around the guy on the street asking for help; Jehovah stands up for them and will take from your soul whatever you take from them. Number 2 - 24-25 Don’t hang around with angry men or run around with hotheads; you might start acting the same way and lose your soul. Number 3 - 26-27 Don’t be like people who go into debt promising to pay later.  If you can’t pay, you’ll lose everything. Number 4 - 28 Don’t cheat your  neighbor and tamper with the established property lines. Number 5 - 29 Do you know someone who is really good at what the do?  They will serve kings, not ordinary people.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 21 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 21  Success takes planning and hard work. There are no shortcuts in life. You have to know what's really important. Keep your priorities in line and focus your time, energy, resources, and money on what's really important at the expense of everything else. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 21:5, 6, 9, 17, 20 & 25-26 5 Good plans and steady hard work earn great rewards, but reckless haste makes you poor. 6 Treasures earned with deceit lead to death and will soon be gone. 9 It’s better to crash in the corner of some attic than live in a charming home with a wife who’s always angry. 17 People who indulge and party all the time never have enough; people who always have to have the latest, greatest things will never be wealthy. 20 Wise people have lots of wealth and luxury, but fools immediately spend whatever they get. 25-26 A couch potato dies even though he wants more, because he’s too lazy to work for it.  He always wants more, more, more.   Godly people are more givers than takers. Know who you are and God's plans for you. Focus on what really matters and don't worry about everything else too much. Be happy with what you have and don't covet. Be generous and not greedy. Work hard to follow God's plan and be persistent. Good things come to those who are wise. Prayer "God of Heaven and Earth, help me to know Your plans for me and to stay focused on them, working hard to accomplish everything You want me to do. Amen."
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 21 On Life and Conduct 1 The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2 Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. 6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue Is a fleeting vapor, the [a]pursuit of death. 7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, Because they refuse to act with justice. 8 The way of a guilty man is crooked, But as for the pure, his conduct is upright. 9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof Than [b]in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the [c]naive becomes wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The righteous one considers the house of the wicked, Turning the wicked to ruin. 13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be answered. 14 A gift in secret subdues anger, And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath. 15 The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous, But is terror to the workers of iniquity. 16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the [d]dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich. 18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, And the treacherous is in the place of the upright. 19 It is better to live in a desert land Than with a contentious and vexing woman. 20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty Finds life, righteousness and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty And brings down the [e]stronghold in which they trust. 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. 24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, Who acts with insolent pride. 25 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work; 26 All day long he [f]is craving, While the righteous gives and does not hold back. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! 28 A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever. 29 A wicked man [g]displays a bold face, But as for the upright, he makes his way sure. 30 There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the Lord. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 21:6 Lit seekers b.    Proverbs 21:9 Lit with a woman of contentions and a         house of association c.    Proverbs 21:11 Lit simple d.    Proverbs 21:16 Lit departed spirits e.    Proverbs 21:22 Lit strength of trust f.     Proverbs 21:26 Lit desires desire g.    Proverbs 21:29 Lit makes firm with his face	Proverbs 21 1 The king’s heart is like drops of water running down a wall--their paths seem random, but the Lord controls how they flow. 2 Everyone wants to think they’re living right, but Jehovah looks at what’s really going on in your heart. 3 Doing the right thing and following God’s law is better than giving an offering. 4 A pompous air, a huge ego, the work of ungodly hands, are all offensive to God. 5 Good plans and steady hard work earn great rewards, but reckless haste makes you poor. 6 Treasures earned with deceit lead to death and will soon be gone. 7 The ungodly will be swept away by their own violence, because the refuse to do what’s right. 8 People are crazy, but those who’ve been purified do the right thing. 9 It’s better to crash in the corner of some attic than live in a charming home with a wife who’s always angry. 10 The ungodly yearn for evil deep down in their soul; their neighbors shouldn’t expect anything good from them. 11 Simpletons grow wiser when mockers are punished; when you teach a cunning person, they’ll grow even sharper. 12 The righteous know all about the affairs of the ungodly and bring them to utter ruin. 13 If you ignore the needy who are hanging by a thread when they ask for help, you will cry out one day and no one will hear you. 14 A private gift soothes anger; and quietly giving a bribe can calm fury. 15 People who do the right thing are overjoyed when justice prevails, but it’s the worst day ever for villains. 16 People who live carelessly will soon hang out with ghosts. 17 People who indulge and party all the time never have enough; people who always have to have the latest, greatest things will never be wealthy. 18 People will gladly trade the ungodly for people who live right and sneaky schemers for straight shooters. 19 It's better to lay down on the hard ground in the middle of nowhere than in a bed with a angry, belligerent wife. 20 Wise people have lots of wealth and luxury, but fools immediately spend whatever they get. 21 People who try hard to live right and give mercy will find life and righteousness and people will look up to them with great respect. 22 Someone who is cunning can come against a mighty fortress and breach the defenses like they’re they’re nothing. 23 You’ll have a lot less trouble in life is you simply watch what you say and don’t talk too much. 24 A proud, arrogant scoffer is someone who gets puffed up with anger, vainly thinking they know it all and are more important than everyone else. 25-26 A couch potato dies even though he wants more, because he’s too lazy to work for it.  He always wants more, more, more.   Godly people are more givers than takers. 27 The sacrificial offerings of the ungodly are disgusting to God; it’s even worse when they’re part of some evil scheme. 28 A witness who lies will die; so be careful and always tell the truth. 29 The ungodly pretend to be tough, but people who live right think and really know what to do. 30 No wisdom, argument, or plan is greater than Jehovah. 31 Be prepared for the fight, but always know Jehovah brings the victory.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 20 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs

Day 20 Wise living takes discipline, persistence, and trust. Some are tempted to indulge in extra sleep or to procrastinate. Others are tempted to act impulsively or try to control it all. Wise people take a broader view of life and work steadily toward success. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 20:4, 13, 18, & 244 Lazy people don’t plan ahead or prepare and they don’t have what they need when the time comes. 13 If you love to sleep, poverty will take over your life. Get up and get to work so you’ll have enough to eat. 18 Get lots of advice while you’re making your plans. Let people guide when you go to battle. 24 Only the Lord knows everything about our journey. We can’t see or understand everything that’s going on. Don't be lazy. Plan ahead. Seek guidance. Work hard and be persistent. And don't be a control freak. You can have a great deal of influence over your own success, but you are never in complete control and you do not know everything that is going on in the grand picture. Trust God. Prayer "Lord, help me to be a wise planner and a diligent executor. Most of all, help me to trust You with it all. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 20
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 20 On Life and Conduct 1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever [a]is intoxicated by it is not wise. 2 The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; He who provokes him to anger [b]forfeits his own life. 3 [c]Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, But any fool will [d]quarrel. 4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he [e]begs during the harvest and has nothing. 5 A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. 6 Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, But who can find a trustworthy man? 7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity— How blessed are his sons after him. 8 A king who sits on the throne of justice [f]Disperses all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin”? 10 [g]Differing weights and differing measures, Both of them are abominable to the Lord. 11 It is by his deeds that a lad [h]distinguishes himself If his conduct is pure and right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made both of them. 13 Do not love sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with [i]food. 14 “Bad, bad,” says the buyer, But when he goes his way, then he boasts. 15 There is gold, and an abundance of [j]jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. 16 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for foreigners, hold him in pledge. 17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance. 19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with [k]a gossip. 20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in [l]time of darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. 22 Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23 [m]Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, And a [n]false scale is not good. 24 Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord, How then can man understand his way? 25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” And after the vows to make inquiry. 26 A wise king winnows the wicked, And [o]drives the threshing wheel over them. 27 The [p]spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the [q]innermost parts of his being. 28 [r]Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by [s]righteousness. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the [t]honor of old men is their gray hair. 30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, And strokes reach the [u]innermost parts. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 20:1 Lit errs b.    Proverbs 20:2 Lit sins against c.    Proverbs 20:3 Lit Ceasing d.    Proverbs 20:3 Lit burst out e.    Proverbs 20:4 Lit asks f.     Proverbs 20:8 Or Sifts g.    Proverbs 20:10 Lit A stone and a stone, an ephah and           an ephah h.    Proverbs 20:11 Or makes himself known i.     Proverbs 20:13 Lit bread j.     Proverbs 20:15 Or corals k.    Proverbs 20:19 Lit one who opens his lips l.     Proverbs 20:20 Lit pupil (of eye) m.   Proverbs 20:23 Lit A stone and a stone n.    Proverbs 20:23 Lit balance of deceit o.    Proverbs 20:26 Lit turns p.    Proverbs 20:27 Lit breath q.    Proverbs 20:27 Lit chambers of the body r.     Proverbs 20:28 Lit Covenant loyalty s.    Proverbs 20:28 Lit Covenant loyalty t.     Proverbs 20:29 Or splendor u.    Proverbs 20:30 Lit chambers of the body	Proverbs 20 1 Wine will make you a fool, liquor will hit you like a ton of bricks; it’s dumb to drink too much. 2 A king strikes fear in people like the growl of a lion. Why in the world would you do something to make him mad? 3 It’s honorable to avoid a fight; there’s plenty of idiots looking for one. 4 Lazy people don’t plan ahead or prepare and they don’t have what they need when the time comes. 5 People’s true motives are hard to fathom, but a really smart person figures them out. 6 Everyone says they’re a good friend, but who can find one that’s really trustworthy? 7 Godly people do the right thing even when no one’s looking and all their descendants are blessed by it. 8 When a king judges, he can spot evil just by watching a person. 9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart.  I am truly innocent?” 10 Changing the rules and standards to suit oneself is disgusting to Jehovah. 11 Even kids show their true character by the way they act, by whether they are pure and do the right things. 12 A listening ear and a perceptive eye--Jehovah made them both. 13 If you love to sleep, poverty will take over your life.  Get up and get to work so you’ll have enough to eat. 14 They say, “This is junk!” when they’re the ones buying it, but then they go brag about what a great deal they got. 15 Sure, everyone wants a bag of gold and jewels, but words of wisdom are worth way more. 16 Get collateral from someone who cosigns a loan for a stranger; get a security deposit if the person is kinda sketchy. 17 Food you steal taste so sweet, but then it turns to gravel in your mouth. 18 Get lots of advice while you’re making your plans.  Let people guide when you go to battle. 19 A gossip blabs all your secrets; so don’t hang out with people who can’t keep their mouth shut. 20 If you scorn your parents, you’ll lose your light in the middle of the night when you need it most. 21 An inheritance given to you before you’re ready will not turn out to be a blessing in the end. 22 Don’t say, “I’ll pay you back for this evil.”  Wait for Jehovah and he will set you free. 23 It disgusts Jehovah when people cheat and tip the scales in their favor.  Manipulating the truth is not OK. 24 Only the Lord knows everything about our journey. We can’t see or understand everything that’s going on. 25 Carefully consider what you’re doing BEFORE you make an important promise to God. Otherwise, you may feel like you’ve trapped yourself. 26 A shrewd leader draws out the ungodly and crushes them so they can’t do any harm. 27 Jehovah illuminates the spirit inside each of us, so He knows even our deepest secrets and intentions. 28 Kindness and honesty watch over a ruler, and his rule is upheld by kindness. 29 A young man’s vitality is what makes him special, but an elder’s gray hair is a sign of the experience that is their greatest asset. 30 Just as pain can lead to the cleansing and healing of a deep wound, so punishment can correct a person’s attitude.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis

Day 19 of Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs Devotional

Day 19 Fools tell lies. Whether it's an evil scheme to get what they want or just the easy way out of a difficult situation, dishonesty is never the wise course. Truly wise people are honest and have integrity. Pastor Chris' Paraphrase of Proverbs 19:1, 5, 9, 22, & 28 1 It is better to be a poor person with integrity than a fool who twists words. 5 A witness who lies will be convicted. Someone who tells lies will not get away. 9 A witness who lies will be convicted. Someone who tells lies will not get away. 22 We long for people to be faithful; a poor man is better than a liar. 28 An evil witness mocks justice and takes a gulp of terrible trouble with every lie they tell. Notice how verses 5 and 9 say almost the same exact thing. Why would there be two nearly identical proverbs in the same chapter? Because telling the truth is essential to healthy relationships, civil society, and God demands it. Be honest. Strive for integrity. Be a loyal friend. Practice telling the truth in love. Even if it's harder in the short term, it's always better in the long run and God will honor you. Prayer "Father, help me to be honest and faithful in the way I live and the things I do. Amen." Read Proverbs Chapter 19
New American Standard Bible	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase
Proverbs 19 On Life and Conduct 1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in [a]speech and is a fool. 2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries [b]his footsteps [c]errs. 3 The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the Lord. 4 Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend. 5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who [d]tells lies will not escape. 6 Many will seek the favor of a [e]generous man, And every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more do his friends abandon him! He pursues them with words, but they are [f]gone. 8 He who gets [g]wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who [h]tells lies will perish. 10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool; Much less for a slave to rule over princes. 11 A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. 12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is destruction to his father, And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping. 14 House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15 Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle [i]man will suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who [j]is careless of [k]conduct will die. 17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his [l]good deed. 18 Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire [m]his death. 19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again. 20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise [n]the rest of your days. 21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand. 22 What is desirable in a man is his [o]kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar. 23 The [p]fear of the Lord leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, [q]untouched by evil. 24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25 Strike a scoffer and the [r]naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will [s]gain knowledge. 26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away Is a shameful and disgraceful son. 27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28 A rascally witness makes a mockery of justice, And the mouth of the wicked [t]spreads iniquity. 29 [u]Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And blows for the back of fools. Footnotes: a.    Proverbs 19:1 Lit his lips b.    Proverbs 19:2 Lit with his feet c.    Proverbs 19:2 Lit sins d.    Proverbs 19:5 Lit breathes e.    Proverbs 19:6 Or noble f.     Proverbs 19:7 Lit not g.    Proverbs 19:8 Lit heart h.    Proverbs 19:9 Lit breathes i.     Proverbs 19:15 Lit soul j.     Proverbs 19:16 Lit despises k.    Proverbs 19:16 Lit ways l.     Proverbs 19:17 Or benefits m.   Proverbs 19:18 Lit causing him to die n.    Proverbs 19:20 Lit in your latter end o.    Proverbs 19:22 Or loyalty p.    Proverbs 19:23 Or reverence q.    Proverbs 19:23 Lit not visited r.     Proverbs 19:25 Lit simple s.    Proverbs 19:25 Lit discern t.    Proverbs 19:28 Or swallows u.   Proverbs 19:29 Gr Rods	Proverbs 19 1 It is better to be a poor person with integrity than a fool who twists words. 2 It isn't good when ignorant people want something really bad; they'll do something rash and make a big mistake. 3 A fool messes up his own life and gets angry at God about it. 4 Everybody wants to be a rich person's friend, but a poor person doesn't have any. 5 A witness who lies will be convicted.  Someone who tells lies will not get away. 6 Lots of people want face time with important people, and everyone wants to be friends with the generous.  7 If a poor person’s family doesn’t even care about them, you know friends will avoid them; when they come looking for help, everyone disappears.  8 Getting more wisdom is good for your soul. Intelligence brings prosperity.  9 A witness who lies will be convicted. Someone who tells lies will be destroyed.  10 A fool is not suited for a life of luxury any more than a slave should be in charge of their own master.  11 A smart person doesn’t lose their temper. They are honored because they let things slide.  12 A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion in its prime, but his help is like a cool refreshment on a hot day. 13 A stupid, lazy child will ruin their father; and an argumentative wife is like Chinese water torture.  14 You can inherit a house and wealth from your parents, but only Jehovah can give you a wise and careful wife.  15 Laziness will drug you to sleep; slack off and you’ll go without.  16 Following the Law will keep you safe; if you live carelessly, you will die.  17 Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord, and Jehovah will repay the debt.  18 Teach your kids how to behave while there’s still hope; don’t abandoned them to the path of destruction.  19 A hot head gets into trouble; if you bail him out, you’ll have to do it again and again.  20 Pay attention to sound advice and listen when you’re corrected; it will help you live wisely.  21 People have all kinds of plans they want to accomplish, but Jehovah’s are the ones that will last.  22 We long for people to be faithful; a poor man is better than a liar.  23 Deep reverence for Jehovah leads to life; those who have it rest safely because trouble won’t come knocking on their door.  24 A lazy person grabs food off a plate, but won’t even lift it to their mouth and eat.  25 Slap a mocker and the fool will be more careful; correct an intelligent person and they will get even smarter.  26 Children who abuse their father or drive away their mother are an embarrassing disappointment.  27 Stop and listen to reason, my child, and you won’t wander off the path of knowledge. 28 An evil witness mocks justice and takes a gulp of terrible trouble with every lie they tell.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation	Pastor Chris’ Paraphrase of Proverbs (PCP) Copyright © 2018 by Chris Mullis