Maxims from the book of Proverbs

1. Anger

Prov. 14:17 A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.

Prov. 14:29,30 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly. A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bones.

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

Prov. 15;18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Prov. 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Prov. 19:11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Prov. 19:19 A man of great anger will bear the penalty, for if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again.

Prov. 20:22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

Prov. 22:24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.

Prov. 24:28,29 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

Prov. 29:11 A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.

Prov. 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

Ecc.7:9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.

2. Choose Good People

Prov. 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Prov. 20:26 A wise king winnows the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.

Prov. 26:10 Like an archer who wounds everyone, so is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by

Prov. 25:19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

3. Confession

Prov. 28:13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

4. Contentiousness

Prov. 3:30 Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.

Prov. 16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor and leads him in a way that is not good.

Prov. 17:1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting with strife.

Prov. 18:6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth calls for blows.

Prov. 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.

Prov. 20:1-3 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; he who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life. Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.

Prov. 21:7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, because they refuse to act with justice.

Prov. 21:19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.

Prov. 24:28,29 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

Prov. 25:28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.

5. Correcting a Scoffer/Fool

Prov. 9:7, 8 He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you.

Prov. 15:12 A scoffer does not love one who reproves him; he will not go to the wise.

Prov. 17:10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

Prov. 23:9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Prov. 26:4, 5 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.

Prov. 29:1 A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.

Prov. 29:9 When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

Ecc. 10:3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.

6. Courage

Prov. 3:25,26 Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

Prov. 24:11,12 Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?

Prov. 31:8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

7. Discipline

Prov. 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Prov. 13:18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

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

Prov. 15:31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Prov. 20:30 Stripes that wound scour away evil, and strokes reach the innermost parts.

Prov. 29:21 He who pampers his slave from childhood will in the end find him to be a son.

Ecc. 8:11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.

8. Due Diligence

Prov. 20:25 It is a trap for a man to say rashly, "It is holy!" and after the vows to make inquiry.

Prov. 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to

poverty.

Prov. 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Prov. 24:27 Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Prov. 27:23 Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens.

9. Financial Wisdom

Prov. 6:1-5 My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, Have given a pledge for a stranger, 2 If you have been snared with the words of your mouth, Have been caught with the words of your mouth, 3 Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor. 4 Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter's hand And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Prov. 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.

Prov. 17:18 A man lacking in sense pledges and becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

Prov. 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

Prov. 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrow is servant to the lender

Prov. 23:4,5 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, when you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.

Prov. 28:20 A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

Prov. 30:7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD ; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Prov. 30:24,25 Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer

Psalms 62:1 Do not trust in oppression and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

Ecc. 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.

Ecc. 5:10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase.

10. First Fruits

Prov. 3:9,10 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.

11. Flirting with Evil

Prov. 5:22,23 His own iniquities will capture the wicked, and he will be held with the cords of his sin. He will die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray

Prov. 6:27, 28 Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?

Prov. 7:21-23 With her many persuasions she entices him; With her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her. As an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, until an arrow pierces through his liver; As a bird hastens to the snare, So he does not know that it will cost him his life.

Prov. 9:16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says, "Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant." But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Prov. 26:27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.

12. Generosity

Prov. 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

Prov. 11:24,25 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.

Prov. 14:31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Prov. 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed

Prov. 21:13 If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.

Prov. 22:9 He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.

Prov. 28:22 A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.

Prov. 28:27 He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.

13. Give Credit to Others

Prov. 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it

14. Good Advice/Counsel

Prov. 1:5-7 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction

Prov. 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

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

Prov. 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.

Prov. 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Prov. 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Prov. 15:1,2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.

Prov. 15:22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.

Prov. 15:23 A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word!

Prov. 15:31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Prov. 17:10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

Prov. 18:1,2 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom. A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.

Prov. 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

Prov. 20:15 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; but the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.

Prov. 21:30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the LORD.

Prov. 24:26 He kisses the lips who gives a right answer.

Prov. 25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.

Prov. 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

Prov. 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend.

Prov. 28:26 He who trusts himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe

Ecc. 12:11 A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.

Ecc. 7:5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.

15. Grace and Love

Prov. 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.

Prov. 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

Prov. 11:13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Prov. 11:17 The merciful man does himself good, but the cruel man does himself harm.

Prov. 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Prov. 14:31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

16. Great Spouse and Kids

Prov. 3:33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

Prov. 15:20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Prov. 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers.

Prov. 17:21,25 He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. A foolish son is grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Prov. 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

Prov. 19:13,14 A foolish son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.

House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Prov. 19:26 He who assaults his father and drives his mother away is a shameful and disgraceful son.

Prov. 20:7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

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

Prov. 23:15,16 My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; and my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.

Prov. 23:24 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.

Prov. 28:24 He who robs his father or his mother and says, "It is not a transgression," is the companion of a man who destroys.

Prov. 29:3 A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad, but he who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth.

Prov. 30:17 The eye that mocks a father and scorns a mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

Prov. 31:10-31 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. She is like merchant

ships; she brings her food from afar. She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She senses that her

gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

17. Honor the Lord

Prov. 14:26, 27 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.

Prov. 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.

Prov. 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent?

18. Humility

Prov. 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Prov. 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.

Prov. 11:2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.

Prov. 15:25 The LORD will tear down the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.

Prov. 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.

Prov. 16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

Prov 16:18,19 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Prov. 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.

Prov. 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

Prov. 22:4 The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, honor and life.

Prov. 25:6,7 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; for it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

Prov. 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glory to search out one's own glory.

Prov. 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Prov. 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Prov. 28:25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

Prov. 29:23 A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.

19. Ill Gotten Gain

Prov. 9:17,18 "Stolen water is sweet; and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Prov. 10:2 Ill-gotten gains do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Prov. 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.

Prov. 11:3-6 The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless will smooth his way, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the treacherous will be caught by their own greed.

Prov. 11:18 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.

Prov. 13:11 Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but the one who gathers by labor increases it.

Prov. 15:27 He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

Prov. 16:9 Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.

Prov. 20:17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Prov. 21:6 The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.

Prov. 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

20. Integrity

Prov. 10:9 He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Prov. 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Prov. 13:5 A righteous man hates falsehood, but a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully.

Prov. 20:7 A righteous man who walks in his integrity; how blessed are his sons after him.

Prov. 20:14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer, but when he goes his way, then he boasts.

Prov. 24:11,12 Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back. If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?

Prov. 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich.

Prov. 29:4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

Prov. 31:8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

21. Joyfulness

Prov. 15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Prov. 15:15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Prov. 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Prov. 17:22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Prov. 25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

22. Kindness

Prov. 3:3,4 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴ So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.

Prov. 12:14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man's hands will return to him.

Prov. 16:6 By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

Prov. 16:23,24 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Prov. 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Prov. 19:22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.

Prov. 28:16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

23. Knowledge

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

Prov. 1:28-30 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD. They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices.

Prov. 2:1-11 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just

and fair-every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Prov. 3:19-24 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Prov. 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.

Prov. 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Prov. 19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

Prov. 20:15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Prov. 22:17,18 Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

24. Peacemakers

Prov. 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Prov. 12:20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

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

Prov. 15;18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Prov. 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

Prov. 16:13 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.

Prov. 17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Prov. 17:13,14 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Prov. 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Prov. 18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

Prov. 19:11 A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.

Prov. 20:3 Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool can quarrel.

Prov. 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Prov. 26:17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

Prov. 26:21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Prov. 28:25 An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.

Prov. 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

25. Plans

Prov. 15:22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.

Prov. 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

Prov. 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.

Prov. 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.

Prov. 19:21 Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand.

Prov. 20:18 Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance.

Prov. 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

James 4:13-16 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.

26. The Poor

Prov. 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

Prov. 13:8 A man's riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

Prov. 14:20, 21 The poor is hated even by his neighbor, but those who love the rich are many. He who despises his neighbor sins, but happy is he who is gracious to the poor.

Prov. 14:31 He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

Prov. 17:5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

Prov. 21:13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.

Prov. 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Prov. 22:22, 23 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.

27. Pure Motives

Prov. 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives.

Prov. 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts.

Prov. 21:2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.

Prov. 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent

28. Soul Winning

Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.

29. Success Can Get Messy

Prov. 14:4 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

30. Teamwork

Ecc. 4:9-12 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

31. Too Many Friends

Prov. 18:24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

32. Too Much Talk

Prov. 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Prov. 12:13,14 An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man's hands will return to him.

Prov. 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.

Prov. 13:3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Prov. 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Prov. 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Prov. 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

Prov. 17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Prov. 17:27,28 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Prov. 18:7,8 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

Prov. 18:13 He who answers before listening; that is his folly and his shame.

Prov. 18:20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

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

Prov. 29:23 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Prov. 30:10 Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

Ecc. 5:1-3 Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

Ecc. 10:12-14 Words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; the beginning of his talking is folly and the end of it is wicked madness. Yet the fool multiplies words.

Ecc. 10:20 Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known.

33. Train up a Child

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

Prov. 22:13, 14 Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.

Prov. 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him

34. Trust the Lord

Prov. 3: 5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight

Prov. 11:28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.

Prov. 16:20 He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Prov. 21:31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.

Prov. 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.

Ecc 9:11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all.

Ecc. 11:1-6 Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.

35. Uprightness

Prov. 3:33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

Prov. 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

Prov. 12:21,22 No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Prov. 13:6 Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness subverts the sinner.

Prov. 13:21 Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.

Prov. 13:25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the stomach of the wicked is in need.

Prov. 14:2 He whose walk is upright fears the LORD, but he whose ways are devious despises him.

Prov. 14:9 Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is good will.

Prov. 14:19 The evil will bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Prov. 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

Prov. 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.

Prov. 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Prov. 16:6 By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

Prov. 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Prov. 20:7 The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.

Prov. 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of justice disperses all evil with his eyes.

Prov. 20:11 It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right.

Prov. 20:27 The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts of his being.

Prov. 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor.

Prov. 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.

Prov. 22:11 He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.

Prov. 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Prov. 28:1 The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Prov. 28:7 He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.

Prov. 29:4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

Prov. 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.

36. Wisdom

Prov. 1:5-7 A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, To understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Prov. 1:20 Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square

Prov. 1:28-30 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. They would not accept my counsel, they spurned all my reproof. So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be satiated with their own devices.

Prov. 2:1-5 My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:6-8 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Prov. 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Prov. 3:13-23 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the deeps were broken up and the skies drip with dew. My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion, So they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble.

Prov. 3:19-24 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Prov. 3:35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools display dishonor.

Prov. 4:4-9 Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live; Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty."

Prov. 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.

Prov. 8:16-21 By me (knowledge and understanding) princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

Prov. 8:36 But he who sins against me (wisdom) injures himself; All those who hate me love death.

Prov. 9:10,11 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

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

Prov. 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Prov. 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Prov. 14:16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Prov. 14:24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.

Prov. 14:35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath

Prov. 16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Prov. 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.

Prov. 17:24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, but he eyes of a fool are on the ends of hearth.

Prov. 18:1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire. He quarrels against all sound wisdom

Prov. 18:17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.

Prov. 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.

Prov. 21:22 A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

Prov. 21:30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no counsel against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Prov. 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Prov. 28:26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Ecc. 4:13 A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.

Ecc. 7:10 Do not say, "Why is it that the former days were better than these?" For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.

Ecc 8:1 How wonderful to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its hardness.

Ecc. 9:17 The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

Ecc. 10:10 If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.

37. Work Ethic

Prov. 6:6-11 Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest"-- Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.

Prov. 10:4,5 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Prov. 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Prov. 12:11 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who pursues worthless things lacks sense.

Prov. 12:27 The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.

Prov. 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.

Prov. 15:19 The way of the lazy is as a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Prov. 16:26 A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on.

Prov. 18:9 He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.

Prov. 20:4 The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing.

Prov. 20:13 Do not love sleep or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food.

Prov. 21:5 Steady plodding brings prosperity, hasty speculation brings poverty.

Prov. 21:25,26 The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work; all day long he is craving, while the righteous gives and does not hold back.

Prov. 22:13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets!"

Prov. 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Prov. 24:30-34 I passed by the field of the sluggard and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest," then your poverty will come as a robber and your want like an armed man.

Prov. 26:13,14 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!" as the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on his bed.

Prov. 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer.

38. Worry

Prov. 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.