What does Proverbs 19:8 mean?

A "proverb" is a short, common-sense statement which expresses a general truth. In the book of Proverbs, true wisdom begins with an appreciation of the Creator (Proverbs 1:7). Pursuing God's truth leads a person in the best possible direction (Proverbs 4:10–15). That does not guarantee earthly success (John 16:33), but it does give a person a better likelihood of it than does pursuing foolishness and evil (Proverbs 8:35–36). A sensible person cares about the state of their soul (Mark 8:36). That causes them to make wise, spiritually discerned decisions (1 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 5:14).

When the Lord appointed Joshua as Moses' successor, He told him to "be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7). He also commanded Joshua to study God's written Word and to follow it diligently. He added the promise, "For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8). God's formula for success has never changed!