Proverbs 19:16 says, He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.  If we could keep all the commandments without fail, then we would keep our soul safe forever, but since we cannot, Christ died to redeem us.  Still, we are to always strive to follow God's commandments, and we cannot follow Christ and despise or even ignore God's commandments.  Verse seventeen states, He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.  God will repay us for helping the poor, though the repayment may not be in material terms or in this lifetime.  Knowing we are doing God's will should be payment enough.  Verse eighteen says, Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.  We are called on to discipline our children before they become hopelessly lost.  We are to not allow their crying to keep us from disciplining them.  I don't believe that this means that we are to beat them, but we may need to physically punish them, but never to the point of causing any real injury.  Verse nineteen declares, A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.  Matthew Henry says this could apply to a headstrong individual who continually gets in trouble, or to a headstrong child who continually needs correction.  Since the verse refers to a man, I believe that is what we must interpret it as meaning.  Some people just refuse to follow the law of man or God.  When a person continues to be ruled by wrath, or hatred, we cannot just give up on him or her, but must always strive for his or her redemption, which can only come through accepting Christ.  Verse twenty states, Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.  We are called on to be wise and accept the instructions of God, so that we may be wise in the latter end, or judgment.  The only way to be wise is to accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse twenty-one proclaims, There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.  If we do not allow God to rule our heart. or mind, there are plenty of other things that will lead us away from Him.  It is important to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit at all times.  Verse twenty-two states, The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.  I believe that this means that we are to be guided by kindness, even if it leaves us poor.  Also, it is better to be honest and poor than to be rich through lies or dishonesty.  Verse twenty-three declares, The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.  When we recognize and live under the authority of God, we will be satisfied.  I don't believe this means that nothing bad will ever happen to us, but that nothing bad will happen to us as a result of our own actions under God's leadership.  Verse twenty-four says, A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.  Matthew Henry says this means the lazy man will hide his hands like he is injured or cold to avoid work.  Verse twenty-five says, Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.  We should not allow those who scorn God to go unchallenged or unpunished, but if a person has an understanding of God, then that person will accept being reproved.  Verse twenty-six declares, He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.  Children who see themselves as entitled to waste away the things of their parents are like the prodigal son.  So are we when we waste the things God blesses us with instead of using them wisely under His leadership.  Verse twenty-seven states, Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.  As followers of Christ, therefore children of God, we are not to listen to the instructions of those who would lead us away from God's truth.  This can only lead to destruction of our witnessing and good works for God.  Verse twenty-eight declares, An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.  Those who deny God scorn the idea of His judgment and proclaim iniquity with their words.  Verse twenty-nine proclaims, Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.  Though those who scorn God may deny it, God's judgment is coming.  The only way to avoid everlasting punishment is to accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord.