Proverbs 19:21-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
21 Many are the plans of the human heart,
but it is the decision of the Lord that endures.(A)
22 What is desired of a person is fidelity;
rather be poor than a liar.[a]
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
one eats and sleeps free from any harm.
Footnotes
- 19:22 The proverb has been read in two ways: (1) “Desire (greed) is a shame to a person,” which assumes the rare Hebrew word for “shame” is being used; (2) “What is desired in a person is fidelity.” The second interpretation is preferable. The context may be the court: better to forego money (a bribe) than perjure oneself.
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