Proverbs 19 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered
A response and reply to the notes on Proverbs 19 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).
King James Version
SAB comment
My comment
1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
12 The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
But in another world, there is a clear distinction between beating and chastening. And yes, not only in the intention, but in the methods used. Solomon does not say here you can beat your child. But while there is hope, spare not even the rod if it is necessary, chapter 13:22. But the rod is the ultimate, if parents have to resort to such methods, much has gone wrong. There are many other methods which should be used first. Children might not like it when parents take away their access to the computer. Or take away their mobile phone for a while. In countries where physical force against children has been outlawed, such as New Zealand, such actions could see a parent in jail. Because it is force against an innocent, harmless child.
But in another world, parents believe that there children are not harmless and not innocent. They are sinners like they are. And it takes effort to steer them on the good path. They are not always willing to be good children. They don't like it when their mobile is taken away. They might cry. And parents should not give in, because it reinforces the message that if you cry, that there are no real sanctions for bad behavior. Don't, is the advice of Solomon.
19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
Scorners (skeptics?) should be condemned; fools should be beaten.
What the Bible says about torture
The Bible's guide to torture
It isn't of course. Solomon says here what the results are of what scorners and fools sow for themselves by their actions. And it refers to the final judgment when God will weigh all our actions, Matthew 25:41.
The Bible's guide to torture