Old Testament

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. Reflection This proverb, traditionally attributed to Solomon, presents a moral law as steady and reliable as gravity. Life and death are not portrayed as random outcomes, but as trajectories. What a person consistently pursues shapes where they are going. […]

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.

He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.

He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Reflection Proverbs 11:28 contrasts two foundations for life: trust in wealth and trust in righteousness. Riches promise security, influence, and stability, yet Scripture repeatedly warns that they are fragile and unreliable. This verse exposes the danger of placing confidence […]

He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.

Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.

The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.

When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.

The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. Reflection This proverb presents wisdom in sharp contrast, allowing no neutral ground. Traditionally attributed to Solomon, the saying links the posture of the heart to the growth of the mind. Love or hatred of correction reveals whether a person is moving toward understanding […]

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.

The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.