Proverbs 3:13–14
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding. For better is its profit than the gain of silver, and its produce more than fine gold;
Choose a topic
The twelve topics
Topic 1 of 12 · 24 proverbs
Wisdom & Knowledge
Wisdom (Hebrew: חָכְמָה, chokmah) is the central theme of Proverbs. It is personified as a woman calling out in the streets, offering life to all who will listen. True wisdom comes from God and leads to understanding, discernment, and righteous living.
“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy Ones is understanding.”
— Proverbs 9:10 (KJ3)The Value of Wisdom
Proverbs 3:15–18
she is more precious than jewels, and all the things you can desire are not to be compared with her. Length of days is in her right hand; riches and honor in her left hand. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace. She is a tree of life to the ones who lay hold on her, and blessed are the ones holding her fast.
Proverbs 4:7
The first thing is wisdom; obtain wisdom, and with all your obtaining, obtain understanding.
Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than jewels, and all delights cannot be compared to it.
Proverbs 16:16
How much better to obtain wisdom than gold! And to obtain understanding is to be chosen above silver.
Proverbs 24:3–4
Through wisdom a house is built, and it is established by understanding, and by knowledge the inner parts shall be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Acquiring Wisdom
Proverbs 1:5
The wise ones hear and increase learning, and he understanding gets wise counsel,
Proverbs 2:6
For Jehovah gives wisdom; out of His mouth are knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 4:5
Obtain wisdom, and with all your obtaining, obtain understanding; do not stretch out, and do not stretch away from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 13:20
One walking with the wise ones shall be wise, but a feeder of fools shall be made evil.
Proverbs 15:31
The ear that hears the reproof of life dwells in the midst of wisdom.
Proverbs 19:20
Hear counsel and accept chastening, that you may be wise in your latter end.
Wisdom vs. Folly
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a foolish one is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the shrewd one is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
Proverbs 17:24
With the face of one discerning is wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in uncovering his heart.
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The Benefits of Wisdom
Proverbs 2:10–11
When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion shall keep you, understanding shall watch over you;
Proverbs 3:21–23
My son, do not let them depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and judgment, and they shall be life to your soul, and grace to your neck; then you shall walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.
Proverbs 4:8–9
Exalt her, and she will lift you up; she shall bring you to honor when you embrace her. She shall give a wreath of grace to your head; she shall shield you with a crown of glory.
Proverbs 9:11
For by Me your days shall increase and shall be added to you the years of life.
Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of one understanding, but amidst fools the lack of it is made known.
Proverbs 24:14
so shall knowledge of wisdom be to your soul when you have found there is a hereafter and your hope is not cut off.
Topic 2 of 12 · 28 proverbs
Speech & the Tongue
Proverbs has more to say about speech than almost any other topic. The tongue has tremendous power— for good or evil. These verses teach us to speak wisely, honestly, kindly, and at the right time.
“Death and life are in the hand of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21 (KJ3)The Power of Words
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous one is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked one covers violence.
Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous one feed many, but foolish ones die in lack of heart.
Proverbs 12:18
There is a rash speaking like thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is healing.
Proverbs 15:4
A healing tongue is a tree of life, but perversity in it is a break of the spirit.
Proverbs 16:24
Combs of honey are sayings of pleasantness, sweetness to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the hand of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit.
Controlling the Tongue
Proverbs 10:19
In the abundance of words transgression does not cease, but one restraining his lips is prudent.
Proverbs 11:12
One despising his friend lacks heart, but an understanding man remains silent.
Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth keeps his life; he who opens his lips wide, ruin is to him.
Proverbs 17:27
One restraining his words knows knowledge, and one cool of spirit is a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a foolish one being silent is counted a wise one, he shutting his lips as discerning.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from distresses.
Truthful Speech
Proverbs 12:17
He who breathes faithfulness reveals righteousness, but a witness of falsehoods deceit.
Proverbs 12:19
The lips of truth are established forever, but a tongue of falsehood is only while I wink.
Proverbs 12:22
Lips of falsehood are a disgusting thing to Jehovah, but those who do faithfulness are His delight.
Proverbs 14:5
A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness breathes lies.
Proverbs 19:9
A witness of falsehood shall not be free from guilt; yea, one breathing lies shall perish.
Proverbs 25:18
A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow is a man testifying a witness of falsehood against his neighbor.
Gossip & Slander
Proverbs 11:13
One going with slander is a revealer of secrets, but the faithful of spirit keeps a matter hidden.
Proverbs 16:28
A man of perversity sends out strife, and a talebearer separates from a friend.
Proverbs 17:9
One who covers a transgression seeks love, but one repeating a matter separates from a friend.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a slanderer are greedily swallowed; yea, they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:19
A revealer of a secret walks about as a gossip, so do not meddle with him who opens his lips.
Proverbs 26:20
The fire goes out where there is no wood, so the strife becomes quiet. where there is no slanderer.
Gentle & Timely Words
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns back wrath, but a word of pain causes anger to go up.
Proverbs 15:23
Joy is to a man by the answer of his mouth, and how good is a word in its time.
Proverbs 25:11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time.
Proverbs 25:15
In being at length to anger, a ruler is persuaded; and a soft tongue shatters the bone.
Topic 3 of 12 · 25 proverbs
Money & Wealth
Proverbs gives balanced teaching on wealth. It affirms that prosperity can come through diligence and God's blessing, while warning against greed, dishonesty, and trusting in riches rather than God.
“Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and tumult with it.”
— Proverbs 15:16 (KJ3)The Limits of Wealth
Proverbs 11:4
Wealth does not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:28
One trusting in his riches, he shall fall; but like a green leaf the righteous ones shall flourish.
Proverbs 15:16
Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and tumult with it.
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a meal of herbs and love than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little with righteousness than great increase without justice.
Proverbs 23:4–5
Do not labor to become rich; cease from your own understanding. Will your eyes fly on it? And it is not! For making it makes wings for itself; it flies into the heavens like an eagle.
Honest Gain
Proverbs 10:2
Treasures of wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:1
False balances are a disgusting thing to Jehovah, but a perfect stone His delight.
Proverbs 13:11
Wealth from vanity shall diminish, but he who gathers by hand shall increase.
Proverbs 16:11
A scale and balances of justice are to Jehovah, all the stones of the bag are His work.
Proverbs 20:17
Bread of falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Proverbs 28:6
Better is the poor one walking in his integrity than the crooked one of ways, even if he is rich.
Generosity & Giving
Proverbs 3:9–10
Honor Jehovah with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase, and your storerooms shall be filled with plenty, and your wine-vats shall burst with new wine.
Proverbs 11:24
There is one who scatters yet increases more, but a withholder of uprightness comes only to poverty.
Proverbs 11:25
The soul of blessing will be made fat; he drinking to his fill will also be taught.
Proverbs 14:21
He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who favors the humble one, how happy is he!
Proverbs 19:17
One favoring the poor one lends to Jehovah, and He will repay his dealing to him.
Proverbs 22:9
The good of eye, he is blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor one.
Proverbs 28:27
The one giving to one being poor shall not lack, but the one hiding his eyes shall have plenty of curses.
Debt & Financial Wisdom
Proverbs 6:1–5
My son, if you are surety for your friend, if you struck your palms with an alien, you are snared with the words of your mouth; you are captured with the words of your own mouth. My son, do this then, and save yourself when you come into the palm of your friend: go, humble yourself and be bold to your friend. Do not give sleep to your eyes, or slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from a hand, and as a bird from the fowler's hand.
Proverbs 11:15
The evil one suffers when he is surety for a stranger, but one hating strikers of hands is trusted.
Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty, but those of every one being hasty only to poverty.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich one rules over the one being poor, and the one borrowing is servant to a man who lends.
Proverbs 22:26–27
Do not be one of those who strike the palm, those who are sureties for loans. If you have nothing to repay, why should he take away your bed from under you?
Proverbs 27:23–24
Know well the face of your flock; set your heart on your herds, for wealth is not forever, nor the crown from generation and generation.
Topic 4 of 12 · 18 proverbs
Relationships & Friendship
Proverbs teaches that relationships are essential to a good life. True friends are rare treasures who sharpen us, stand by us in trouble, and speak honest truth. We are also warned about choosing companions wisely.
“A friend loves at every time, and a brother is born for distress.”
— Proverbs 17:17 (KJ3)True Friendship
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at every time, and a brother is born for distress.
Proverbs 18:24
A man of friends may be broken up, but there is a Lover who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of one who loves, and being plentiful are the kisses of one who hates.
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart, and one's friend is sweet from the counsel of the soul.
Proverbs 27:10
Do not forsake your friend, and your father's friend, and do not go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity, for a near neighbor is better than a brother at a distance.
Proverbs 27:17
Iron on iron sharpens, and a man sharpens the face of his friend.
Choosing Companions
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous one searches out his friend, but the way of the wicked ones leads them astray.
Proverbs 13:20
One walking with the wise ones shall be wise, but a feeder of fools shall be made evil.
Proverbs 14:7
Go from before a foolish man, or you will not know the lips of knowledge.
Proverbs 22:24–25
Do not feed with a lord of anger, and do not go in with a man of fury, lest you learn his ways and take a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 24:1–2
Do not envy evil men, nor desire to be with them. For their heart meditates violence, and their lips speak of mischief.
Proverbs 28:7
One keeping the law is a wise son, but one feeding those being worthless shames his father.
Neighborly Conduct
Proverbs 3:27–28
Do not withhold good from its owners, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, Go and return, or, Tomorrow I will give, when it is with you.
Proverbs 3:29
Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and he lives securely by you.
Proverbs 11:9
The godless one is corrupting his friend with his mouth, but the righteous ones are delivered by knowledge.
Proverbs 14:20
The one lacking is hated even by his own neighbor, but lovers of a rich one are many.
Proverbs 25:17
Make your foot rare from your neighbor's house, lest he be full of you and hate you.
Proverbs 26:18–19
As one feigning weakness throwing sparks, arrows and death, so is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, Am I not joking?
Topic 5 of 12 · 22 proverbs
Work & Diligence
Proverbs champions the value of hard work while warning against laziness. The ant is held up as a model of industriousness. Diligence brings prosperity; sloth leads to poverty and want.
“Go to the ant, lazy man; see her ways and be wise;”
— Proverbs 6:6 (KJ3)The Value of Diligence
Proverbs 10:4
He who works with a lazy palm will be lacking, but the hand of the diligent one makes to become rich.
Proverbs 12:11
He who works his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he chasing vanities lacks heart.
Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent ones shall rule, but one of laziness will become forced labor.
Proverbs 13:4
A sluggish one's soul is craving, but having nothing, but the soul of the diligent ones shall be made fat.
Proverbs 14:23
In all pain there is profit, but the word of the lips tends only to poverty.
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man who is prompt in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men.
Warnings Against Laziness
Proverbs 6:6–8
Go to the ant, lazy man; see her ways and be wise; who, having no leader, overseer or ruler, provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:9–11
Until when will you lie down, O lazy man? When will you arise out of your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down; so shall your poverty come as one walking about, and your need like a man of a shield.
Proverbs 10:26
Like vinegar to the teeth, and like smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy one to those who send him.
Proverbs 18:9
And he who is slack in his work, he is a brother to a master of destruction.
Proverbs 19:15
Laziness makes one fall into a deep sleep, and an idle soul shall be hungry.
Proverbs 20:4
The lazy one will not plow, after autumn he begs at harvest, and nothing is there.
Humorous Portraits of the Sluggard
Proverbs 19:24
A lazy one hides his hand in a dish, and he will not return it to his mouth.
Proverbs 22:13
The lazy one says, A lion is outside! I will be killed in the midst of the broad places.
Proverbs 26:13
The lazy one says, A lion is in the way, a lion is between the open places!
Proverbs 26:14
As the door turns on its hinge, so the lazy one on his bed.
Proverbs 26:15
The lazy one buries his hand in the dish; he is weary to bring it back to his mouth.
Proverbs 26:16
The lazy one is wiser in his own eyes than seven that return a wise judgment.
Planning & Timing
Proverbs 10:5
He who gathers in summer is a prudent son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.
Proverbs 21:5
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty, but those of every one being hasty only to poverty.
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field, and afterwards even build your house.
Proverbs 27:18
The one keeping the fig tree eats its fruit, and the one guarding his master is honored.
Topic 6 of 12 · 22 proverbs
Family & Children
Family relationships are central in Proverbs. Parents are called to train their children; children are called to honor their parents. The godly home is a source of blessing for generations.
“Train up a boy on the mouth of his way, even when he is old he will not turn aside from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 (KJ3)Training Children
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a boy on the mouth of his way, even when he is old he will not turn aside from it.
Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear your father's instruction, and do not forsake the law of your mother;
Proverbs 4:1–2
Sons, hear the instruction of a father, pay attention to know understanding. For I give you good teaching, do not forsake my Law.
Proverbs 13:24
One holding back his rod is hating his son, but he loving him seeks him with correction.
Proverbs 19:18
Chasten your son, for there is hope, and do not lift your soul on making him die.
Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and you will get rest, and it will give delight to your soul.
Joy & Grief of Parents
Proverbs 10:1
The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a father rejoice, but a son who is a fool is a mother's sorrow.
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son makes a glad father, but a man who is a fool despises his mother.
Proverbs 17:21
He who fathers a fool falls into sorrow for it; yea, the father of a foolish one will not be joyful.
Proverbs 17:25
A son who is a fool is vexation to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
Proverbs 23:24–25
The father of a righteous one shall greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise one shall even be glad in him. Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she who bore you shall rejoice.
Proverbs 29:3
A man who loves wisdom gladdens his father, but one feeding ones doing adultery wastes wealth.
Honoring Parents
Proverbs 19:26
He who deals violently with his father chases his mother away; he is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
Proverbs 20:20
He cursing his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in the middle of darkness.
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, this one fathered you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 28:24
He who robs his father or his mother, and says, It is not a transgression, he shall be a partner to a man who corrupts.
Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocks its father and despises to obey its mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the sons of the eagle shall eat it.
Marriage & the Excellent Wife
Proverbs 12:4
A woman of virtue is a crown to her lord, but one causing shame is like rottenness in his bones.
Proverbs 18:22
He finding a wife finds good, and obtains favor from Jehovah.
Proverbs 19:14
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers, but a wife who acts prudently is from Jehovah.
Proverbs 31:10–12
Who can find a woman of virtue? For her value is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, so that he has no lack of gain. She deals good with him, and not evil, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:28–29
Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, for he praises her: Many are the daughters who act with virtue, but you rise above them all!
Topic 7 of 12 · 16 proverbs
Character & Integrity
Proverbs highly values moral character—honesty, integrity, and a good name. The person of upright character is blessed by God and trusted by others, while the deceitful one will fall.
“A name is to be chosen rather than great riches; favor is better than silver or gold.”
— Proverbs 22:1 (KJ3)Integrity & Uprightness
Proverbs 10:9
He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways shall be known.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright ones guides them, but the perverting of those betraying will devastate them.
Proverbs 12:3
A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous ones shall not be dislodged.
Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness keeps the way of the one of integrity, but wickedness subverts a sin-offering.
Proverbs 20:7
The just one walks in his integrity, blessed are his sons after him!
Proverbs 28:18
One walking blamelessly shall be saved, but a crooked one in his ways shall fall at once.
A Good Reputation
Proverbs 22:1
A name is to be chosen rather than great riches; favor is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 3:3–4
Mercy and truth will not forsake you; tie them on your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart; and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman holds to honor, but terrifying men hold to riches.
Proverbs 27:21
The refining pot tries silver, and the furnace tries gold, but a man is tried by the mouth of his praise.
The Heart & Inner Life
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 14:30
A heart of healing is the life of the flesh, but jealousy is the rottenness of the bones.
Proverbs 15:13
A joyful heart makes a good face, but by pain of heart the spirit is stricken.
Proverbs 16:32
One long to anger is better than the mighty one, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart makes good healing, but a stricken spirit dries the bones.
Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is the lamp of Jehovah, searching all the inward parts of the belly.
Topic 8 of 12 · 15 proverbs
Pride & Humility
Pride is one of the sins most consistently condemned in Proverbs. It leads to destruction and disgrace, while humility brings honor and wisdom. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18 (KJ3)The Danger of Pride
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; I hate pride and loftiness, and the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
Proverbs 11:2
Pride comes, then shame comes, but with those being humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride comes strife, but with those taking counsel wisdom.
Proverbs 16:5
A disgusting thing to Jehovah is everyone proud in heart; though hand join in hand he shall not be free from guilt.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 18:12
Before shattering, a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
Proverbs 21:4
High eyes, a proud heart, and the fallow ground of the wicked ones, is sin.
Proverbs 29:23
The pride of man brings him low, but the humble of spirit takes hold of honor.
The Blessing of Humility
Proverbs 3:34
If He will scorn at those scorning, yet He will give grace to the humble one.
Proverbs 11:2
Pride comes, then shame comes, but with those being humble is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of Jehovah is instruction in wisdom, and before honor is humility.
Proverbs 18:12
Before shattering, a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility is the fear of Jehovah, riches, and honor, and life.
Proverbs 25:6–7
Do not honor yourself before a king, and do not stand in the place of the great. For it is better he shall say to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower before a noble whom your eyes have seen.
Proverbs 27:2
Let a stranger praise you, and not your own mouth; a foreign one, and not your own lips.
Topic 9 of 12 · 16 proverbs
Anger & Self-Control
Proverbs repeatedly warns against uncontrolled anger and praises the person who is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Self-control is presented as greater than military might.
“One long to anger is better than the mighty one, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
— Proverbs 16:32 (KJ3)The Danger of Anger
Proverbs 14:17
He who is short of temper acts foolishly; and a man of evil plots is hated.
Proverbs 14:29
One long to anger is of great understanding, but he who is short of spirit exalts folly.
Proverbs 19:19
One great of fury will bear a fine, for if you deliver him, even again you must add to it.
Proverbs 22:24–25
Do not feed with a lord of anger, and do not go in with a man of fury, lest you learn his ways and take a snare for your soul.
Proverbs 27:4
Fury is fierce, and anger is overflowing, but who can stand before jealousy?
Proverbs 29:22
A man of anger stirs up contention, and a master of fury abounds in transgression.
Self-Control & Patience
Proverbs 14:29
One long to anger is of great understanding, but he who is short of spirit exalts folly.
Proverbs 15:18
A man of fury stirs up strife, but one long to anger calms fighting.
Proverbs 16:32
One long to anger is better than the mighty one, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes his anger long, and his glory is to pass over a transgression.
Proverbs 25:28
A man to whom there is no control to his spirit is like a broken down city without a wall.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool brings out all of his spirit, but holding back, the wise ones quiet it.
Calming Conflict
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns back wrath, but a word of pain causes anger to go up.
Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is like the releasing of water, therefore leave off striving before it breaks out.
Proverbs 20:3
For a man to cease from strife is an honor, but every foolish one lays himself bare.
Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret subdues anger; yea, a bribe in the bosom quiets fierce fury.
Topic 10 of 12 · 15 proverbs
The Fear of Jehovah
"The fear of Jehovah" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, yir'at Adonai) is the foundation of all wisdom in Proverbs. It means reverent awe, deep respect, and submission to God's authority. This foundational attitude shapes all other virtues.
“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones despise wisdom and instruction.”
— Proverbs 1:7 (KJ3)The Foundation of Wisdom
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:5
then you shall understand the fear of Jehovah and find knowledge of God.
Proverbs 9:10
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy Ones is understanding.
Proverbs 15:33
The fear of Jehovah is instruction in wisdom, and before honor is humility.
The Blessings of Fearing God
Proverbs 10:27
The fear of Jehovah prolongs days, but the years of the wicked ones shall be cut short.
Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of Jehovah is strong trust, and His sons shall have a refuge.
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, to turn aside from snares of death.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of Jehovah tends to life, and he shall rest satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
Proverbs 22:4
The reward of humility is the fear of Jehovah, riches, and honor, and life.
Proverbs 28:14
Blessed is the man who is always in awe of God! But he who hardens his heart falls into an evil way.
Fearing God vs. Fearing Man
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Jehovah and turn from evil.
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; I hate pride and loftiness, and the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
Proverbs 23:17
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but only be in the fear of Jehovah all the day.
Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear Jehovah and the king; do not meddle with those who change,
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare, but he trusting Jehovah is set on high.
Topic 11 of 12 · 20 proverbs
Justice & Righteousness
Justice (Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and righteousness (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) are foundational concerns in Proverbs. God loves justice and hates injustice. The righteous care for the poor, judge fairly, and refuse bribes.
“For Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice is to be chosen more than sacrifice.”
— Proverbs 21:3 (KJ3)God's Love for Justice
Proverbs 11:1
False balances are a disgusting thing to Jehovah, but a perfect stone His delight.
Proverbs 15:9
The way of the wicked ones is a disgusting thing to Jehovah, but He loves one pursuing righteousness.
Proverbs 17:15
One justifying the wicked one, and condemning the just one, even both of them are disgusting things to Jehovah.
Proverbs 21:3
For Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice is to be chosen more than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:15
It is joy to the righteous one to do justice, but ruin shall come to the workers of iniquity.
Fair Judgment
Proverbs 17:23
The wicked one takes a bribe out of the bosom to stretch the paths of justice.
Proverbs 18:5
To lift up the face of the wicked one is not good, to thrust aside the righteous one in judgment.
Proverbs 24:23
These also are for the wise ones: to know faces in judgment is not good.
Proverbs 28:21
To recognize faces is not good, and for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
Proverbs 29:4
A king establishes a land by judgment, but a man taking bribes tears it down.
Proverbs 31:8–9
Open your mouth for the mute ones, to the cause of all the sons of those passing away. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the afflicted ones and the needy ones.
The Righteous vs. the Wicked
Proverbs 10:3
Jehovah will not allow the soul of the righteous one to hunger, but He pushes away the desire of the wicked one.
Proverbs 10:25
As the storm wind passes, so the wicked one is not; but the righteous one is an everlasting foundation.
Proverbs 11:5
The righteousness of the sound one shall make his way right, but the wicked one shall fall by his own wickedness.
Proverbs 12:7
Overthrow the wicked ones and they are not; but the house of the righteous ones stands.
Proverbs 14:32
The wicked one is thrust out in his evil, but the righteous one seeks refuge in his death.
Proverbs 28:1
The wicked one flees and none are pursuing, but the righteous ones are as bold as a lion.
Care for the Poor
Proverbs 14:31
One oppressing the poor one curses his Maker, but one honoring Him favors the needy one.
Proverbs 22:22–23
Rob not the poor one because he is a poor one, and do not crush the afflicted one in the gate. For Jehovah will contend for their cause, and He will plunder those plundering them in soul.
Proverbs 29:7
The righteous one knows the cause of the poor ones; the wicked one does not discern knowledge.
Topic 12 of 12 · 18 proverbs
Discipline & Correction
Proverbs teaches that discipline (Hebrew: מוּסָר, musar) is essential for growth in wisdom. The wise person welcomes correction and learns from rebuke, while the fool rejects it to his harm.
“On the path to life is one keeping instruction, but one forsaking reproof is going astray.”
— Proverbs 10:17 (KJ3)The Value of Discipline
Proverbs 3:11–12
My son, do not reject the chastening of Jehovah, and do not loathe His chastisement; for whom Jehovah loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son with whom he is pleased.
Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; and reproofs of instruction are a way of life,
Proverbs 10:17
On the path to life is one keeping instruction, but one forsaking reproof is going astray.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he hating chastisement is one of stupidity.
Proverbs 13:18
Poverty and shame shall be to him letting chastening go, but he who keeps to chastisement shall be honored.
Proverbs 15:32
He casting off correction despises his own soul, but he who hears reproof gets heart.
Receiving Correction
Proverbs 9:8
Do not reprove one scorning, lest he hate you; reprove a wise one, and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:9
Give to a wise one, and he will be more wise; cause a just one to know and he will add to learning.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son hears his father's instruction, but a scorner does not hear rebuke.
Proverbs 15:5
A fool despises his father's instruction, but he keeping correction is prudent.
Proverbs 15:31
The ear that hears the reproof of life dwells in the midst of wisdom.
Proverbs 25:12
As a ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is the reproving of a wise one on a hearing ear.
The Fool Who Rejects Correction
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:30
They did not desire My counsel; they despised all My reproof,
Proverbs 5:12–13
and say, How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction; and I have not heard the voice of my teachers, nor stretched out my ear to those teaching me.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he hating chastisement is one of stupidity.
Proverbs 15:12
A scorner does not love one who corrects him; he will not go to the wise one.
Proverbs 29:1
A man of chastisements who hardens his neck shall be broken with suddenness, and there will be no healing.