Proverbs 19

Verse 16: To obey godly instruction is to guard one’s life (see Proverbs 15:10; 16:17); but the one who is contemptuous of his ways—who has no concern for his behavior—will die, not only physically but spiritually as well.

Verse 17: The one who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD (see Proverbs 14:31); the Lord regards any such kindness as having been extended—“loaned”—to Him, and He will “repay” the loan in full. Whenever we have the chance to meet the needs of someone—a poor man, or a stranger—we are doing a service to God Himself (see Genesis 18:1–8; Matthew 25:31–46; Hebrews 13:2).

Verse 18: To neglect to discipline one’s child is to be a willing party to the child’s death (see Proverbs 5:23; 13:24).

Verse 19: Most people reform their ways only after they have “paid the penalty”—been punished for their wrongdoing. If they are “rescued” before they’ve paid the penalty, they are more likely to repeat the wrong again and again.

Verse 21: See Proverbs 16:1,9.

Verse 23: The fear of the LORD leads to life (see Proverbs 1:7; 3:13–18). Then one will be untouched by trouble (see Proverbs 3:2); that is, one’s spiritual destination will be “untouched”—it will remain unchanged. Even though temporary troubles come to us on earth, they will not touch us when we are in heaven.

Verse 24: The sluggard is too lazy to complete any task—even the task of feeding himself (see Proverbs 12:27).

Verse 25: Three types of people are described in this proverb: the mocker, whose mind is closed; the simple man, whose mind is empty; and the discerning man, whose mind is open and full of wisdom. The mocker can’t be taught. The simple man can learn from watching the mocker’s punishment. The discerning man, however, learns from a simple word of rebuke, of instruction; this is how God expects His rational creatures to learn.