Proverbs 19:1-29

19:3 | People often blame something of womeone else for the parts of life they do not like - the problem is as old as Adam and Eve. Solomon asserts, however, that a fool is responsible for his or her own actions and should not blame the results of carelessness on the will of the Lord.

19:4,6-7 | These proverbs are reality checks about how riches impact relationships. Yet they say something just as important about the reality of human nature: love of money is often the driving motivator for people, right down to “friendship.” Real friends will be loyal in any circumstance and should be prized above any possession.

19:5,9 | These verses are nearly identical (only the final verb differs) and are probably repeated because of the seriousness of lying in court, although the principle set forth would certainly apply to all speech (Ex. 23:1).

19:17 | Here, having pity means acting on someone’s behalf or meeting a person’s needs. Giving to the poor is like lending to the Lord (Deut. 15:7-8). God repays with interest, blessing the giver’s generosity with His (28:27; 2 Cor. 9:6-8).

19:18 | Discipline postponed will be ineffective. Discipline ought to be administered when the offense occurs and before a child grows up. This is when parents have a chance to make a difference; this is when there is hope for turning a child from the course of destruction.

19:21 | In everyday language, this verse is saying, “You can make all the plans you like, but God gets the last word.” In the end, His purpose always prevails (Ps. 33:10-11; Isa. 46:10).

19:22 | The proverb affirms that people long for kindness. Kindness in the OT is a relational (covenant) term that denotes the characteristics of integrity and faithfulness. These qualities are the hallmark of God’s dealings with His people. They are qualities that God desires to see lived out in the relationship His people have with one another.

19:24 | This humorous picture presents the extreme of laziness to warn against its dangers (15:19).