Proverbs is part of a body of biblical literature called “Wisdom,” much of which is historically attributed to King Solomon (a paragon of wisdom) although it was actually written by many writers over hundreds of years. Other books in the wisdom tradition include Job and Ecclesiastes. Some Psalms (such as Psalm 37) also show wisdom influence.
Wisdom literature has several distinct characteristics:
· Little influence of or reference to standard salvation beliefs, such as the patriarchal tradition, covenantal theology, or the Exodus tradition.
· The belief that experience teaches us the lessons we need to cope with life.
· A grappling with the problem of retribution. Proverbs holds the optimistic view that righteousness/wisdom is rewarded and wickedness/foolishness is punished. This is the basic theology of Deuteronomy. Job and Ecclesiastes dispute this theology: sometimes the righteous suffer and the wicked are rewarded.[1]
The book of Proverbs, in the form in which we have it, dates from the late 6th century BCE (during the post-exilic period), but many of the sayings in it (especially those in chapters 10-22) may date from the time of the monarchy (1004-926 BCE). The book as a whole, and several sections specifically, are attributed to King Solomon, who was regarded as the quintessential wise man. Yet they derive from many sources over a wide span of time.[2]
The purpose of the book is “to teach youth how to cope with life through observation, docility, self-control, and the fear of the Lord.”[3] For the most part it teaches the Deuteronomistic theology of blessings and curses: those who are righteous and obey the Lord will be blessed (or rewarded), but those who are evil and disobey the Lord will be cursed (or punished).
The book of Proverbs has several distinct parts:
I. Wisdom :Poems (1:1-9:18)
II. Wisdom Sayings (10:1-22:16)
III. Admonitions (22:17-24:22)
IV. “Sayings of the Wise” (24:23-34)
V. “Proverbs of Solomon” (25:1-29:27)
VI. “The Words of Agur” (30:1-33)
VII. “The Words of Lemuel” (31:1-9)
VIII. Poem on the ideal wife (31:10-31)
Our lessons will focus on section II, wisdom sayings attributed to Solomon. This section, in turn is roughly divided into two parts: sayings in antithetic parallelism (chapters 10-15) and sayings in synonymous parallelism (chapters 16-22).[4] The following proverb is an example of antithetic parallelism:
Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely. (10:23)
The two halves of the proverb are structured similarly (x enjoys y), but in each half the x and y are opposites (fools vs. anyone with good sense, doing wrong vs. acting wisely).
The following proverb is an example of synonymous parallelism:
Fools have no desire to learn; they would much rather give their own opinion. (18:2)
The second half of the proverb develops or comments on the first half.
In the attachment to these notes, I’ve given you the whole of chapters 10-22 ordered by topic. I think that looking at the proverbs in this way will give our middle schoolers a better sense of their content. There are probably lots of other ways to group them, but here are the categories I’ve put them in:
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A. Wisdom and Foolishness |
B. Blessings and Curses (express the theology of Deuteronomy) |
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C. Laziness and Hard work |
D. Goodness and Wickedness |
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E. Hatred and Love |
F. Wealth and Poverty |
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G. Lies and Truth |
H. Pride and Humility |
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I. Nagging/Foolish Wives and Good wives |
J. Hurtful and Healing Words |
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K. Corrigibility and Incorrigibility |
L. Happiness and Sadness |
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M. Powerful and Weak Rulers |
N. Envy/Greed and Contentment |
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O. Anger and Calm |
P. Human and Divine Knowledge |
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Q. Age and Youth |
R. Cruelty and Kindness |
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S. True and False Friendship |
T. Drunkenness and Sobriety |
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U. Reputation |
V. Wise and Foolish Children |
While these categories may help in understanding the content of Proverbs, equally important is their artistry: it’s not just what they say, but how they say it. Their artistry is what makes them memorable and, therefore, a good tool for instructing youth in the faith. In A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament, Bruce Birch, et al., describe several types of proverbs:
1. Instruction: these simply teach children what’s what, usually in a negative form: Stay away from fools, or you won't learn a thing (14:7).
2. Sayings: these are pithy, artistic sayings (what we usually think of when we think of proverbs): Even fools seem smart when they are quiet (17:28).
3. “Better” sayings: these are expressed in the form “this is better than that”: A simple meal with love is better than a feast where there is hatred (15:17).
4. “Like” sayings: these are expressed in the form “this is like that”: Kind words are like honey-- they cheer you up and make you feel strong (16:24).[5]
· We can learn how to live as God’s people by observing everyday life.
· God is with us in ordinary, everyday events.
· Living faithfully requires us to make choices about how we act every day.
· We learn the faith from others’ experience and we teach it through our actions.
· God calls us not only to be full of faith, but also to think about (or reflect on) our faith and what it means.
Have the children choose some number of proverbs that they especially like, make them into a small book, and memorize those.
Roland E. Murphy. “The Proverbs” and “wisdom,” Harper’s Bible Dictionary (HBD). Achtemeier, Paul J., ed. New York: HarperCollins, 1985.
Bruce C. Birch, et. al., A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament (TIOT). Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1999.
A. Wisdom and Foolishness
10:23Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely.
11:29Fools who cause trouble in the family won't inherit a thing. They will end up as slaves of someone with good sense.
12:8Good sense is worthy of praise, but stupidity is a curse.
16Losing your temper is foolish; ignoring an insult is smart.
13:15Sound judgment is praised, but people without good sense are on the way to disaster.
16If you have good sense, you will act sensibly, but fools act like fools.
14:6Make fun of wisdom, and you will never find it. But if you have understanding, knowledge comes easily.
7Stay away from fools, or you won't learn a thing.
8Wise people have enough sense to find their way, but stupid fools get lost.
9Fools don't care if they are wrong, [14] but God is pleased when people do right.
14:16Only a stupid fool is never cautious-- so be extra careful and stay out of trouble.
14:18Stupidity leads to foolishness; be smart and learn.
14:33Wisdom is found in the minds of people with good sense, but fools don't know it.
15:14Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness.
15:21Stupidity brings happiness to senseless fools, but everyone with good sense follows the straight path.
16:22Good sense is a fountain that gives life, but fools are punished by their foolishness.
17:12A bear robbed of her cubs is far less dangerous than a stubborn fool.
17:16Why should fools have money for an education when they refuse to learn?
17:24Anyone with wisdom knows what makes good sense, but fools can never make up their minds.
18:1It's selfish and stupid to think only of yourself and to sneer at people who have sense.
18:2Fools have no desire to learn; they would much rather give their own opinion.
18:15Everyone with good sense wants to learn.
19:2Willingness and stupidity don't go well together. If you are too eager, you will miss the road.
3We are ruined by our own stupidity, though we blame the LORD.
19:8Do yourself a favor by having good sense-- you will be glad you did.
19:11It's wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others.
19:27If you stop learning, you will forget what you already know.
29Every stupid fool is just waiting to be punished.
20:5Someone's thoughts may be as deep as the ocean, but if you are smart, you will discover them.
20:8When rulers decide cases, they weigh the evidence.
21:20Be sensible and store up precious treasures-- don't waste them like a fool.
21:22One wise person can defeat a city full of soldiers and capture their fortress.
22:3When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.
B. Blessings and Curses
10:2What you gain by doing evil won't help you at all, but being good [1] can save you from death.
3If you obey the LORD, you won't go hungry; if you are wicked, God won't let you have what you want.
16If you live right, the reward is a good life; if you are evil, all you have is sin.
24What evil people dread most will happen to them, but good people will get what they want most.
25Those crooks will disappear when a storm strikes, but God will keep safe all who obey him.
27If you respect the LORD, you will live longer; if you keep doing wrong, your life will be cut short.
28If you obey the Lord, you will be happy, but there is no future for the wicked.
29The LORD protects everyone who lives right, but he destroys anyone who does wrong.
11:8Trouble goes right past the LORD's people and strikes the wicked.
11:11When God blesses his people, their city prospers, but deceitful liars can destroy a city.
11:17Kindness is rewarded-- but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself.
18Meanness gets you nowhere, but goodness is rewarded.
19Always do the right thing, and you will live; keep on doing wrong, and you will die.
21You can be sure of this: All crooks will be punished, but God's people won't.
11:25Generosity will be rewarded: Give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return.
11:27Try hard to do right, and you will win friends; go looking for trouble, and you will find it
11:30Live right, and you will eat from the life-giving tree. And if you act wisely, others will follow.
31If good people are rewarded here on this earth, all who are cruel and mean will surely be punished.
12:2The LORD likes everyone who lives right, but he punishes everyone who makes evil plans.
3Sin cannot offer security! But if you live right, you will be as secure as a tree with deep roots.
12:7Once the wicked are defeated, they are gone forever, but no one who obeys God will ever be thrown down.
14We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
12:21Good people never have trouble, but troublemakers have more than enough.
12:28Follow the road to life, and you won't be bothered by death.
13:6Live right, and you are safe! But sin will destroy you.
13:12Not getting what you want can make you feel sick, but a wish that comes true is a life-giving tree.
13If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded.
13:19It's a good feeling to get what you want, but only a stupid fool hates to turn from evil.
13:21You are in for trouble if you sin, but you will be rewarded if you live right.
22If you obey God, you will have something to leave your grandchildren. If you don't obey God, those who live right will get what you leave.
13:25If you live right, you will have plenty to eat; if you don't live right, you will go away empty.
14:12You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead.
14:14You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad.
14:19The wicked will come crawling to those who obey God.
14:26If you respect the LORD, you and your children have a strong fortress 27and a life-giving fountain that keeps you safe from deadly traps.
14:32In times of trouble the wicked are destroyed, but even at death the innocent have faith.
14:35Kings reward servants who act wisely, but they punish those who act foolishly.
15:10If you turn from the right way, you will be punished; if you refuse correction, you will die.
15:24All who are wise follow a road that leads upward to life and away from death.
15:29The LORD never even hears the prayers of the wicked, but he answers the prayers of all who obey him.
16:17God's people avoid evil ways, and they protect themselves by watching where they go.
16:20If you know what you're doing, [17] you will prosper. God blesses everyone who trusts him.
17:26It isn't fair to punish the innocent and those who do right.
18:3Wrongdoing leads to shame and disgrace.
19:10It isn't right for a fool to live in luxury or for a slave to rule in place of a king.
19:16Obey the Lord's teachings and you will live-- disobey and you will die.
19:23Showing respect to the LORD brings true life-- if you do it, you can relax without fear of danger.
20:7Good people live right, and God blesses the children who follow their example.
20:22Don't try to get even. Trust the LORD, and he will help you.
21:12God is always fair! He knows what the wicked do and will punish them.
21:15When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified.
16If you stop using good sense, you will find yourself in the grave.
21:18God's people will escape, but all who are wicked will pay the price.
22:4Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.
C. Laziness and Hard work
10:4Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.
5At harvest season it's smart to work hard, but stupid to sleep.
26Having a lazy person on the job is like a mouth full of vinegar or smoke in your eyes.
12:11Hard working farmers have more than enough food; daydreamers are nothing more than stupid fools.
12:24Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave.
12:27Anyone too lazy to cook will starve, but a hard worker is a valuable treasure.
13:4No matter how much you want, laziness won't help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough.
14:23Hard work is worthwhile, but empty talk will make you poor.
15:19Being lazy is like walking in a thorn patch, but everyone who does right walks on a smooth road.
16:26The hungrier you are, the harder you work.
17:2A hard-working slave will be placed in charge of a no-good child, and that slave will be given the same inheritance that each child receives.
18:9Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker.
19:15If you are lazy and sleep your time away, you will starve.
19:24Some people are too lazy to lift a hand to feed themselves.
20:4If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest.
20:13If you sleep all the time, you will starve; if you get up and work, you will have enough food.
21:5If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
21:25If you want too much and are too lazy to work, it could be fatal.
22:13Don't be so lazy that you say, "If I go to work, a lion will eat me!"
D. Goodness and Wickedness
10:6Everyone praises good people, but evil hides behind the words of the wicked.
30Good people will stand firm, but the wicked will lose their land.
11:5If you are truly good, you will do right; if you are wicked, you will be destroyed by your own sin.
11:7When the wicked die, their hopes die with them.
11:23Good people want what is best, but troublemakers hope to stir up trouble.
12:10Good people are kind to their animals, but a mean person is cruel.
12An evil person tries to hide behind evil; [9] good people are like trees with deep roots.
12:26You are better off to do right, than to lose your way by doing wrong.
13:9The lamp of a good person keeps on shining; the lamp of an evil person soon goes out.
14:2By living right, you show that you respect the LORD; by being deceitful, you show that you despise him.
14:11The tent of a good person stands longer than the house of someone evil.
14:22It's a mistake to make evil plans, but you will have loyal friends if you want to do right.
15:8The LORD is disgusted by gifts from the wicked, but it makes him happy when his people pray.
9The LORD is disgusted with all who do wrong, but he loves everyone who does right.
16:6If we truly love God, our sins will be forgiven; if we show him respect, we will keep away from sin.
7When we please the LORD, even our enemies make friends with us.
16:29Don't trust violent people. They will mislead you to do the wrong thing.
19:26Children who bring disgrace rob their father and chase their mother away.
20:11The good or bad that children do shows what they are like.
20:30A severe beating can knock all of the evil out of you!
21:26But people who obey God are always generous.
27The Lord despises the offerings of wicked people with evil motives.
22:6Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.
E. Hatred and Love
10:12Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.
14:21It's wrong to hate others, but God blesses everyone who is kind to the poor.
14:31If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator; if you are kind to them, you show him respect.
15:17A simple meal with love is better than a feast where there is hatred.
21:7You destroy yourself by being cruel and violent and refusing to live right.
F. Wealth and Poverty
10:15Great wealth can be a fortress, but poverty is no protection at all.
22When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret.
11:4When God is angry, money won't help you. Obeying God is the only way to be saved from death.
11:15It's a dangerous thing to guarantee payment for someone's debts. Don't do it!
11:16A gracious woman will be respected, but a man must work hard to get rich.
11:24Sometimes you can become rich by being generous or poor by being greedy.
11:26Charge too much for grain, and you will be cursed; sell it at a fair price, and you will be praised.
11:28Trust in your wealth, and you will be a failure, but God's people will prosper like healthy plants.
12:9It's better to be ordinary and have only one servant [8] than to think you are somebody and starve to death.
13:7Some who have nothing may pretend to be rich, and some who have everything may pretend to be poor.
8The rich may have to pay a ransom, but the poor don't have that problem.
13:11Money wrongly gotten will disappear bit by bit; money earned little by little will grow and grow.
13:23Even when the land of the poor produces good crops, they get cheated out of what they grow.
14:4Without the help of an ox there can be no crop, but with a strong ox a big crop is possible.
14:20You have no friends if you are poor, but you have lots of friends if you are rich.
14:24Wisdom can make you rich, but foolishness leads to more foolishness.
15:6Good people become wealthy, but those who are evil will lose what they have.
15:15The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
16It's better to obey the LORD and have only a little, than to be very rich and terribly confused.
16:16It's much better to be wise and sensible than to be rich.
17:5By insulting the poor, you insult your Creator. You will be punished if you make fun of someone in trouble.
17:8A bribe works miracles like a magic charm that brings good luck.
17:18It's stupid to guarantee someone else's loan.
18:10The LORD is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety-- 11the rich think their money is a wall of protection.
18:16A gift will get you in to see anyone.
18:23The poor must beg for help, but the rich can give a harsh reply.
19:4The rich have many friends; the poor have none.
19:17Caring for the poor is lending to the LORD, and you will be well repaid.
20:16You deserve to lose your coat if you loan it to someone to guarantee payment for the debt of a stranger.
20:21Getting rich quick [23] may turn out to be a curse.
21:13If you won't help the poor, don't expect to be heard when you cry out for help.
21:14A secret bribe will save you from someone's fierce anger.
22:2The rich and the poor are all created by the LORD.
22:7The poor are ruled by the rich, and those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders.
22:9The LORD blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.
22:16Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich-- either way you lose.
G. Lies and Truth
10:9You will be safe, if you always do right, but you will get caught, if you are dishonest.
10Deceit causes trouble, and foolish talk will bring you to ruin.
10:18You can hide your hatred by telling lies, but you are a fool to spread lies.
31Honest people speak sensibly, but deceitful liars will be silenced.
32If you obey the Lord, you will always know the right thing to say. But no one will trust you if you tell lies.
11:1The LORD hates anyone who cheats, but he likes everyone who is honest.
3If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
6Honesty can keep you safe, but if you can't be trusted, you trap yourself.
11:9Dishonest people use gossip to destroy their neighbors; good people are protected by their own good sense.
10When honest people prosper and the wicked disappear, the whole city celebrates.
13We trap ourselves by telling lies, but we stay out of trouble by living right.
11:20The LORD hates sneaky people, but he likes everyone who lives right.
12:17An honest person tells the truth in court, but a dishonest person tells nothing but lies.
12:19Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.
20An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.
12:22The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
13:5A good person hates deceit, but those who are evil cause shame and disgrace.
14:5An honest witness tells the truth; a dishonest witness tells nothing but lies.
14:25An honest witness can save your life, but liars can't be trusted.
16:8It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
16:11The LORD doesn't like it when we cheat in business.
16:30When someone winks or grins behind your back, trouble is on the way.
17:4Troublemakers listen to troublemakers, and liars listen to liars.
17:7It sounds strange for a fool to talk sensibly, but it's even worse for a ruler to tell lies.
17:15The LORD doesn't like those who defend the guilty or condemn the innocent.
17:20Dishonesty does you no good, and telling lies will get you in trouble.
17:23Crooks accept secret bribes to keep justice from being done.
18:5It's wrong to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from getting justice.
19:1It's better to be poor and live right than to be a stupid liar.
19:5Dishonest witnesses and liars won't escape punishment.
19:9Dishonest witnesses and liars will be destroyed.
19:28A lying witness makes fun of the court system, and criminals think crime is really delicious.
20:6There are many who say, "You can trust me!" But can they be trusted?
20:10Two things the LORD hates are dishonest scales and dishonest measures.
20:17The food you get by cheating may taste delicious, but it turns to gravel.
20:23The LORD hates dishonest scales and dishonest weights. So don't cheat!
21:3Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.
21:6Cheating to get rich is a foolish dream and no less than suicide.
21:8All crooks are liars, but anyone who is innocent will do right.
21:28If you tell lies in court, you are done for; only a reliable witness can do the job.
29Wicked people bluff their way, but God's people think before they take a step.
22:5Crooks walk down a road full of thorny traps. Stay away from there!
22:12The LORD watches over everyone who shows good sense, but he frustrates the plans of deceitful liars.
H. Pride and Humility
11:2Too much pride can put you to shame. It's wiser to be humble.
13:10Too much pride causes trouble. Be sensible and take advice.
15:25The LORD destroys the homes of those who are proud, but he protects the property of widows.
15:33Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
16:5The LORD doesn't like anyone who is conceited-- you can be sure they will be punished.
16:18Too much pride will destroy you.
19You are better off to be humble and poor than to get rich from what you take by force.
17:19The wicked and the proud love trouble and keep begging to be hurt.
18:12Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor.
18:17You may think you have won your case in court, until your opponent speaks.
20:9Can any of us really say, "My thoughts are pure, and my sins are gone"?
20:14Everyone likes to brag about getting a bargain.
21:4Evil people are proud and arrogant, but sin is the only crop they produce.
21:24If you are proud and conceited, everyone will say, "You're a snob!"
I. Nagging/Foolish Wives and Good wives
11:22A beautiful woman who acts foolishly is like a gold ring on the snout of a pig.
12:4A helpful wife is a jewel for her husband, but a shameless wife will make his bones rot.
14:1A woman's family is held together by her wisdom, but it can be destroyed by her foolishness.
18:22A man's greatest treasure is his wife-- she is a gift from the LORD.
19:13 A nagging wife goes on and on like the drip, drip, drip of the rain.
14You may inherit all you own from your parents, but a sensible wife is a gift from the LORD.
21:9It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife.
21:19It's better out in the desert than at home with a nagging, complaining wife.
22:14The words of a bad woman are like a deep pit; if you make the LORD angry, you will fall right in.
J. Hurtful and Healing Words
10:8If you have good sense, you will listen and obey; if all you do is talk, you will destroy yourself.
10:11The words of good people are a source of life, but evil hides behind the words of the wicked.
13If you have good sense, it will show when you speak. But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick.
14If you have good sense, you will learn all you can, but foolish talk will soon destroy you.
19You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much-- so be sensible and watch what you say.
20The words of a good person are like pure silver, but the thoughts of an evil person are almost worthless.
11:12It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
13A gossip tells everything, but a true friend will keep a secret.
12:5Good people have kind thoughts, but you should never trust the advice of someone evil.
12:6Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
12:18Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal.
12:23Be sensible and don't tell everything you know-- only fools spread foolishness everywhere.
12:25Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word always brings cheer.
13:2You will be well rewarded for saying something kind, but all some people think about is how to be cruel and mean.
3Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
13:17Whoever delivers your message can make things better or worse for you.
14:3Proud fools are punished for their stupid talk, but sensible talk can save your life.
14:15Don't be stupid and believe all you hear; be smart and know where you are headed.
15:1A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.
15:2Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness.
15:4Kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt.
15:7Words of wisdom make good sense; the thoughts of a fool make no sense at all.
15:22Without good advice everything goes wrong-- it takes careful planning for things to go right.
15:23Giving the right answer at the right time makes everyone happy.
15:26The LORD hates evil thoughts, but kind words please him.
15:28Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking.
16:21Good judgment proves that you are wise, and if you speak kindly, you can teach others.
16:23You can persuade others if you are wise and speak sensibly.
24Kind words are like honey-- they cheer you up and make you feel strong.
16:27Worthless people plan trouble. Even their words burn like a flaming fire.
28Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends.
17:9You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong.
17:27It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm.
28Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.
18:4Words of wisdom are a stream that flows from a deep fountain.
18:6Foolish talk will get you into a lot of trouble.
7Saying foolish things is like setting a trap to destroy yourself.
8There's nothing so delicious as the taste of gossip! It melts in your mouth.
18:13It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen.
18:19Making up with a friend you have offended [19] is harder than breaking through a city wall.
20Make your words good-- you will be glad you did.
21Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
20:15Sensible words are better than gold or jewels.
20:19Stay away from gossips-- they tell everything.
20Children who curse their parents will go to the land of darkness long before their time.
21:23Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
K. Corrigibility and Incorrigibility
10:17Accept correction, and you will find life; reject correction, and you will miss the road.
10:21Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
12:1To accept correction is wise, to reject it is stupid.
12:15Fools think they know what is best, but a sensible person listens to advice.
13:1Children with good sense accept correction from their parents, but stubborn children ignore it completely.
13:14Sensible instruction is a life-giving fountain that helps you escape all deadly traps.
13:18All who refuse correction will be poor and disgraced; all who accept correction will be praised.
13:24If you love your children, you will correct them; if you don't love them, you won't correct them.
15:5Don't be a fool and disobey your parents. Be smart! Accept correction.
15:12Those who sneer at others don't like to be corrected, and they won't ask help from someone with sense.
15:31Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise.
32You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it.
17:10A sensible person accepts correction, but you can't beat sense into a fool.
19:18Correct your children before it's too late; if you don't punish them, you are destroying them.
19:20Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly.
19:25Stupid fools learn good sense by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being corrected.
21:11An ignorant fool learns by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being instructed.
22:15All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change.
L. Happiness and Sadness
14:10No one else can really know how sad or happy you are.
14:13Sorrow may hide behind laughter, and happiness may end in sorrow.
15:13Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you.
15:30A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong.
17:22If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.
18:14Being cheerful helps when we are sick, but nothing helps when we give up.
M. Powerful and Weak Rulers
11:14A city without wise leaders will end up in ruin; a city with many wise leaders will be kept safe.
14:28Rulers of powerful nations are held in honor; rulers of weak nations are nothing at all.
16:10Rulers speak with authority and are never wrong.
16:12Justice makes rulers powerful. They should hate evil 13and like honesty and truth.
14An angry ruler can put you to death. So be wise! Don't make one angry.
15When a ruler is happy and pleased with you, it's like refreshing rain, and you will live.
20:26A wise ruler severely punishes every criminal.
28Rulers are protected by God's mercy and loyalty, but [24] they must be merciful for their kingdoms to last.
N. Envy/Greed and Contentment
14:30It's healthy to be content, but envy can eat you up.
15:27Being greedy causes trouble for your family, but you protect yourself by refusing bribes.
O. Anger and Calm
14:17Fools have quick tempers, and no one likes you if you can't be trusted.
14:29It's smart to be patient, but it's stupid to lose your temper.
15:18Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments.
16:32Controlling your temper is better than being a hero who captures a city.
17:1A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.
17:14The start of an argument is like a water leak-- so stop it before real trouble breaks out.
19:12An angry king roars like a lion, but when a king is pleased, it's like dew on the crops.
19:19People with bad tempers are always in trouble, and they need help over and over again.
20:2An angry ruler is like a roaring lion-- make either one angry, and you are dead.
20:3It makes you look good when you avoid a fight-- only fools love to quarrel.
22:8Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere.
22:10Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others.
P. Human and Divine Knowledge
15:3The LORD sees everything, whether good or bad.
15:11If the LORD can see everything in the world of the dead, he can see in our hearts.
16:1We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word.
2We may think we know what is right, but the LORD is the judge of our motives.
3Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed.
4The LORD has a reason for everything he does, and he lets evil people live only to be punished.
16:25Sometimes what seems right is really a road to death.
16:9We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go.
16:33We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens.
17:3Silver and gold are tested by flames of fire; our thoughts are tested by the LORD.
18:18Drawing straws is one way to settle a difficult case.
19: 21We may make a lot of plans, but the LORD will do what he has decided.
20:12Hearing and seeing are gifts from the LORD.
20:18Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war.
20:24How can we know what will happen to us when the LORD alone decides?
25Don't fall into the trap of making promises to God before you think!
21:2We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.
21:30No matter how much you know or what plans you make, you can't defeat the LORD.
31Even if your army has horses ready for battle, the LORD will always win.
Q. Age and Youth
16:31Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right.
17:6Grandparents are proud of their grandchildren, and children should be proud of their parents.
20:27Our inner thoughts are a lamp from the LORD, and they search our hearts.
20:29Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
21:1The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.
R. Cruelty and Kindness
17:11Cruel people want to rebel, and so vicious attackers will be sent against them.
17:13You will always have trouble if you are mean to those who are good to you.
21:21If you try to be kind and good, you will be blessed with life and goodness and honor.
22:11The king is the friend of all who are sincere and speak with kindness.
S. True and False Friendship
13:20Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.
17:17A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
18:24Some friends don't help, [20] but a true friend is closer than your own family.
19:6Everyone tries to be friends of those who can help them.
19:7If you are poor, your own relatives reject you, and your friends are worse. When you really need them, they are not there.
19:22What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.
21:10Evil people want to do wrong, even to their friends.
T. Drunkenness and Sobriety
20:1It isn't smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you and leads to fights.
21:17Heavy drinkers and others who live only for pleasure will lose all they have.
U. Reputation
10:7Good people are remembered long after they are gone, but the wicked are soon forgotten.
14:34Doing right brings honor to a nation, but sin brings disgrace.
22:1A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.
V. Wise and Foolish Children
10:1 Children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children make them sad.
15:20Children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children are hateful to them.
17:21It's never pleasant to be the parent of a fool and have nothing but pain.
17:25Foolish children bring sorrow to their father and pain to their mother.
19:13A foolish son brings disgrace to his father.