Proverbs

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Reflection This proverb highlights a principle of favor, opportunity, and wise initiative. The “gift” spoken of here is more than a bribe or material offering; it represents a person’s abilities, resources, or acts of generosity used with discernment. Such a gift “makes […]

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. Reflection This proverb exposes a subtle but destructive posture of the human heart. Wisdom, as presented in Proverbs, is not merely about intelligence or information—it is about posture toward truth. Here, the fool is not described as incapable of understanding, but […]

A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.