Selected Proverbs

1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.

8:10-11 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.

11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.

12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him,
but a wise man listens to advice.

13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son,
but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love
than a fatted calf with hatred.

16:9 In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.

16:32 Better a patient man than a warrior,
a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

17:3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but the LORD tests the heart.

17:28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.

20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season;
so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.

22:6 Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.

22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.

25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control.

27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.