I have been reading through the book of Proverbs every month for over 30 years. That means I have read it at least 360 times. There is so much wisdom in that book that I still learn and glean from it daily. Here are my favorite proverbs and advice from that Book of Wisdom.
– The purpose (of the Proverbs) is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
– Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show you which path to take.Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
– Don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.
– Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
– If you can help your neighbour now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
– Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers.
– Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.
– Wisdom speaks: I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice.
– Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
– Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
– Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
– The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.
– Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
– Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
– The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
– A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
– Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
– Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
– Those who fear the Lord are secure; He will be a refuge for their children.
– If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
– Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
– We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
– Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
– Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
– A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
– The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.
– Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
– People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.
– Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
– Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
– The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
– Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people.
– Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.
– If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.
– The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
– Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.
– It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
– A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
– Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.
– Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.
– Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.
