Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryProverbs 19

The Value of Integrity Over WealthThis verse teaches us that being honest and living with integrity is better than having riches without wisdom. Even if a person is poor, his good character makes him more honorable than a rich person who speaks and acts in a foolish or dishonest way. The world often values wealth and success, but God and wise people value honesty and sincerity much more.v. 1: A poor person who walks in integrity is better than someone who is rich but perverse in his lips and is a fool (Proverbs 19:1). If a poor person keeps a clear conscience and is always sincere, even when tempted to lie or cheat, he has a better reputation and a happier life. People respect and love someone who is honest, even if he does not have much. On the other hand, a rich man who gains wealth through lies or wrong actions is truly foolish, no matter how important he seems. God values a good heart over money or status (better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice, Proverbs 16:8 ).

The Danger of Ignorance and RashnessThis verse warns us about two things that can harm our lives: being ignorant and acting too quickly. It is important to have knowledge, especially about ourselves and about God. Without understanding, our souls cannot do what is right. It is also dangerous to rush into actions without thinking. Wise people take time to think before they act.v. 2: It is not good for a person to live without knowledge. If we do not understand ourselves or what is right, we are no better than animals (man who is in honor and does not understand is like the beasts that perish, Psalm 49:20 ). An ignorant soul cannot be a good soul, and it cannot please the Lord

Foolishness Brings Trouble—Not GodThis verse teaches us an important lesson about responsibility for our actions. Many times, people have problems because of their own unwise choices. However, instead of admitting their mistakes, they blame the Lord

Wealth Attracts Many, But Poverty Separates FriendsThis verse shows the difference between how people treat the rich and the poor. Money can attract many so-called friends, but these friendships are often not real. People may pretend to like someone just because he is rich and generous. When someone becomes poor, even old friends may turn away. True friendship is not based on wealth, but on real care and kindness.v. 4: Rich people often have many friends because others hope to benefit from their wealth. People love those who have money and give gifts or hold parties. However, this love is not always sincere. Most of these friends only want to gain something for themselves. When a person becomes poor, he is often separated from his neighbour (Proverbs 19:4). Friends who once enjoyed his company may now ignore him, avoid him, or pretend not to see him. This shows how weak and selfish human love can be when it is based only on what people can get, not on true friendship.

The Danger of False Witness and LyingThis verse warns us about the serious sin of lying, both in court and in daily life. Speaking lies, even in jokes or small matters, can lead to bigger sins, like giving false witness in important situations. Some people lie because they think they will not be punished, but God always sees and will judge every lie. Truthfulness is important to the Lord

The Rich Are Sought After, the Poor Are IgnoredThis verse explains how wealth and generosity often attract many friends, while poverty can make even family members turn away. People quickly show respect and seek favors from those in power or those who give gifts. But the poor are often left alone, even by their relatives. This teaches us not to judge people by their wealth, but to show kindness to everyone. We should also remember that the favor of the Lord

Wisdom Is Good for the Soul This section encourages people to seek wisdom and understanding. It explains that gaining wisdom is an act of self-love, and keeping understanding brings lasting benefits. True wisdom is not just about knowing facts, but about living in a way that brings happiness and blessing both now and in the future. v. 8: He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. The commentary says that people who work hard to gain wisdom and knowledge show real love for themselves. They are doing themselves the greatest possible favor. Many people take care of their bodies, but only those who seek true wisdom really care for their souls. Also, those who hold on to understanding—by remembering good lessons and living by them—will experience good things. Wisdom is like health, wealth, and honor for the soul. Those who keep it will find happiness in their own hearts, both now and forever.

The Destruction Awaiting Liars and False WitnessesThis verse repeats the warning against lying and being a false witness. It reminds us how serious this sin is in the eyes of the Lord

Pleasure and Power Are Not Fitting for FoolsThis verse teaches that some things do not suit certain people. Pleasure and freedom do not fit a fool, just as power and honor do not fit someone with a servant’s heart. When people who lack wisdom or self-control get these things, it often leads to trouble and shame. True joy and honor belong to those who are wise and live to please the Lord

The Wisdom of Controlling AngerThis verse gives advice about how a wise person should handle anger. It teaches that we should not react quickly or harshly when we feel upset. Instead, wisdom helps us to stay calm, think carefully, and sometimes even overlook the mistakes of others. Forgiving others and letting go of small offenses brings honor to us and pleases the Lord

The Power of a King’s Anger and FavorThis verse explains how powerful a king’s anger and favor are. A king’s displeasure can be very frightening, but his approval brings joy and comfort. Both kings and their people should remember how much influence authority has. It is important for rulers to be wise and fair, and for people to respect their leaders. The same lesson applies to our relationship with Christ, the greatest King of all.v. 12: The anger of a king is like the roaring of a lion—it is strong and can be dangerous (Proverbs 19:12; see also Proverbs 16:14 ). People should be careful not to make their rulers angry, because it brings trouble. But when a king is pleased, his favor is like dew on the grass, bringing refreshment and blessing (see also Proverbs 16:15 ). Rulers should use their power wisely, never punishing good people or rewarding the wicked. In the same way, we remember that Christ is a King. His anger against those who oppose Him is powerful (his voice was like the roar of a lion, Revelation 10:3 ), but His favor to His people is gentle and life-giving (he will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth, Psalm 72:6 ).

Family Troubles: A Foolish Son and a Quarrelsome WifeThis verse shows that some of life’s greatest joys—family and home—can also bring deep sadness. People hope for happiness from their children and spouse, but sometimes these relationships cause the most pain. When a child makes bad choices, or a spouse is always quarrelsome, it becomes a heavy burden to bear. Wisdom and patience from the Lord

A Prudent Wife Is a Gift from GodThis verse teaches that while people can inherit houses and wealth from their parents, a wise and good wife is a special blessing from the Lord

The Dangers of Laziness This section warns about the bad results of being lazy. It talks about how laziness affects both our daily life and our spiritual life. Laziness does not just waste time, but also ruins opportunities and blessings that God gives us. v. 15: Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. The commentary explains that laziness makes people dull and careless about their responsibilities, as if they were in a deep sleep. Lazy people waste their time and do nothing useful. They do not use their talents or help others, so they become a burden to those around them. Even their minds become slow and cold, not caring about important things. Laziness leads to poverty, because those who refuse to work will not have what they need to live. This is true in spiritual life as well. If someone is lazy about caring for their own soul and does not try to grow in faith, they will not have what is needed for happiness and eternal life. An idle soul will suffer from spiritual hunger and miss out on the blessings God wants to give.

The Importance of Obeying God’s CommandsThis verse teaches that obeying the commandments of the Lord

The Blessing of Helping the PoorThis verse teaches about the importance of showing kindness to people in need. True charity is more than just giving money; it starts with caring in your heart and having real compassion. If you feel sorry for the poor but have little to give, your attitude still matters to God. But we should also be generous and give as we are able. Even small acts of kindness to those in need are noticed by the Lord

Correcting Children with Hope and Wisdom This section advises parents to discipline their children in a wise and timely way. It warns against letting bad behavior go uncorrected and against being too soft just because the child is upset. True love means guiding children firmly, but always with hope for their improvement. v. 18: Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. The commentary teaches that parents should not give in to foolish kindness when their children act badly. If a child shows a bad attitude, parents must act quickly to correct it before it becomes a permanent habit. It is easier to fix a problem early, just like pulling up weeds when they are small. Some parents may feel sorry for their children and avoid punishment because the child cries or begs to be forgiven. But if parents always forgive, children may just pretend to be sorry and repeat the same mistakes, especially if the behavior is truly wrong, like lying or stealing. In these cases, parents must be strong and not let their feelings stop them from correcting their children. It is better for a child to cry now because of discipline than to suffer much more later because of bigger consequences, like legal trouble or even God's judgment.

The Trouble Caused by an Angry TemperThis verse warns about the dangers of uncontrolled anger. People who cannot control their temper often create problems for themselves and others. Their constant quarrels and outbursts bring trouble again and again. Both adults and children with a quick temper need to learn self-control, or they will keep facing the same problems. Wisdom is learning to rule over your own spirit, as the Lord

Listen to Advice and Accept InstructionThis section teaches us the importance of being open to advice and learning from others. It reminds us that true wisdom is not just for today, but for our future and especially for our final days. The commentary encourages us to seek wisdom early in life, so we are prepared when it matters most.v. 20: If you want to be wise at the end of your life, you must listen to advice and accept instruction now. It is good to be wise for your future, for your eternal state, and to be ready when your last days come. People who only care about this world and ignore God will be shown to be foolish in the end—at his end shall be a fool (Jeremiah 17:11 ). But those who follow God will see that godliness is true wisdom. To be wise later, you must be willing to learn and be corrected when you are young. Just as you must gather food in summer to have enough in winter, you must seek wisdom early to be prepared for the future.

The Lord’s Purpose PrevailsThis section teaches us that people often make many plans, but it is God's purpose that will always happen in the end. We may keep our ideas to ourselves, but God knows everything in our hearts. God is wise and just, and His plans are always sure, while ours can be uncertain or even wrong.v. 21: People make many plans in their hearts, but only the purpose of the Lord

The Value of Kindness and HonestyThis section talks about the importance of having a desire to do good, even if we do not have much to give. It shows that wanting to help others is valuable in God’s eyes. It also warns that pretending to be generous, but not actually helping, is worse than being poor but honest.v. 22: It is good to want to do kind things for others. If you have any goodness in your heart, you will want to help and care for people. Even if you are not rich, wanting to do good is something God values—the desire of a man is his kindness. God will accept your good intentions, even if you cannot give much (according to what he has; see also 2 Corinthians 8:12 ). A poor person who wants to help, but cannot, is better than someone who promises to help but does not keep their word—a poor man is better than a liar. People who cannot do much are still better than those who pretend to be generous but do nothing, because being honest is always better than raising false hopes (men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie Psalm 62:9 ).

The Blessings of Fearing the LordThis section explains the benefits for those who live with respect and reverence for God. It shows that fearing God brings safety, true satisfaction, and leads to real happiness. These blessings are lasting and cannot be taken away by life’s troubles.v. 23: Those who fear the Lord

The Folly of LazinessThis section points out how foolish it is to be lazy. It uses a picture of a lazy person to show how such a life leads to nothing good. Laziness keeps a person from even doing simple things to help themselves.v. 24: The lazy person is described as someone who only thinks about avoiding work and staying comfortable. He hides his hand in his bosom, pretending he is too weak or cold to work. He just wants to enjoy his own comfort and refuses to work hard. He is so lazy that he will not even bring food to his own mouth. This is an exaggeration to show how extreme laziness can be. If a person refuses to work, even though the law says, If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ), the lazy man would rather go hungry than make an effort. In this way, his laziness punishes him, and it shows how foolish it is to live like this.

The Effects of Punishment and CorrectionThis section teaches that how people respond to correction or punishment can affect both themselves and others. Punishing those who mock and reject wisdom can serve as a warning to others. Meanwhile, wise people benefit from being corrected, because they learn and grow from it.v. 25: When a scorner is punished, it may not change his heart, but others will see and learn from it—they may hear and fear (Deuteronomy 19:20 ). If the person who mocks does not turn from his sin, at least simple people will be warned not to do the same. Punishing the stubborn helps stop the spread of bad behavior. On the other hand, a wise person does not need harsh punishment. If you give a wise person a gentle correction, he will learn from it. He will understand what is right and will not make the same mistake again. Wise people accept correction and use it to become better and wiser.

The Sin and Shame of a Prodigal SonThis section explains the serious consequences of being a wasteful and disrespectful child. It shows how a prodigal son not only harms himself but deeply hurts his parents, bringing them sadness and shame. Such behavior is both a great sin and a disgrace in the eyes of God and people.v. 26: A son who wastes his father’s wealth and chases away his mother is doing great wrong. He spends what his father worked hard to save, which should support his parents in their old age. This breaks their hearts and can bring their gray hair with sorrow to the grave (Genesis 42:38 ). By being rude and disrespectful, he makes his mother feel unwanted at home, so she leaves to find peace. This son’s actions are not just unkind; they are shameful and unnatural. He brings disgrace on himself and his whole family, and people may blame his parents for not raising him better, even if it is not their fault.

Beware of Misleading InstructionThis section warns young people to be careful about who they listen to, especially after receiving a good education. Some people pretend to teach wisdom but actually pull others away from good values. It is wise to avoid those who lead you into wrong ways of thinking and behaving.v. 27: If you have learned what is right, do not listen to those who try to teach you things that will make you go astray. Some people will act as if they are giving you good advice, but what they really do is encourage you to leave behind the good principles you were taught. They may try to make bad choices seem clever or fashionable, or teach you how to ignore your conscience. This kind of instruction only causes you to leave the truth and fall into error—evil communication corrupts good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33 ). It is wise to refuse to listen to such people. If you find yourself surrounded by those who lead you away from what is right, break away from them. You have already heard enough, so do not keep listening to words that will harm your character and your soul.

The Wickedness of False WitnessesThis section describes people who are deeply set on doing evil. It shows how some people ignore warnings and even enjoy doing wrong. These are the worst kinds of sinners because they not only harm others but also reject what is right and good.v. 28: An ungodly witness is someone who lies in court or speaks against others to cause harm. This is not just unfair, but also very disrespectful to God. Some people even speak against religion and try to lead others away from the truth—they scorn judgment and laugh at warnings about God’s justice (Job 15:26 ). If you tell them about God’s law or that there will be a day of judgment, they just make fun of it. These people are eager to do wrong—the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity, drinking it in like water (Job 15:16 ). They look for chances to sin and are happy when they find them. This shows how far they have turned away from what is right.

Judgment Awaits the ScornerThis section warns that those who mock what is good and right are actually showing their own foolishness. It also teaches that no one can escape the consequences of their actions, even if they laugh at the idea of judgment.v. 29: Scorners are fools because they make fun of serious and holy things, but in the end, everyone will see how foolish they are—their folly shall be manifest unto all men. Those who laugh at the idea of judgment will not be able to avoid it (Proverbs 19:28 ). Even if people do not believe God’s warnings, His judgments will still come true. Earthly rulers have punishments ready for those who mock the law, because they must not bear the sword in vain (Romans 13:4 ). But even if human judges fail, God’s judgments are always prepared and will surely come (Matthew 25:41 ).