What is a proverb? A simple definition of a biblical proverb is “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living”. The word proverb means “to be like”. So when we look at the top Proverbs of the Bible, we’ll find many examples of biblical truths and short sayings for how one should live their life. The book of Proverbs, or wise sayings, was written mainly by Solomon. What is interesting is that, out of all of the things that Solomon could have asked for, he asked God for the understanding (wisdom) to govern the Lord’s people. This is a great example of humility for Solomon to ask for a way to better serve in the role that he was blessed with. Many times, we ask for things of God with a selfish heart. Solomon approaches God with a heart that wants to serve in a capacity that pleases Him. Because of this approach to God, this is His response:
1 Kings 3:10-14
It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 1 Kings 3:10-14 (English Standard Version)
God loves it when we come humbly before Him and ask for help, especially if it is to lead His children properly. Solomon received understanding to discern what is right, according to God’s word.
There is a reason why Solomon is known as the wisest king to ever rule. Fortunately for us, he wrote the book of Proverbs, which allows us to catch a glimpse of his God-given wisdom. Find out how these wise sayings can apply to your life.
Cry out for wisdom, and beg for understanding. Proverbs 2:3 (NCV) Click To TweetTop Proverbs Of The Bible
Wisdom
Proverbs 22:17
Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, – Proverbs 22:17 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 2:3
Call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding. – Proverbs 2:3 (Common English Bible)
Proverbs 19:8
Do yourself a favor and love wisdom. Learn all you can, then watch your life flourish and prosper! – Proverbs 19:8 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 8:36
“But he who sins against me injures himself; All those who hate me love death.” – Proverbs 8:36 (New American Standard Bible)
Proverbs 1:7
How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in complete awe and adoration of God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge. – Proverbs 1:7 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. – Proverbs 3:7 (Amplified Bible)
Proverbs 4:5-6
So make wisdom your quest – search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other. Stick with wisdom and she will stick to you, protecting you throughout your days. She will rescue all those who passionately listen to her voice. – Proverbs 4:5-6 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding. – Proverbs 4:7 (New Century Version)
Proverbs 3:13-14
Those who find true wisdom obtain the tools for understanding, the proper way to live, for they will have a fountain of blessing pouring into their lives. To gain the riches of wisdom is far greater than gaining the wealth of the world. As wisdom increases, a great treasure is imparted, greater than many bars of refined gold. – Proverbs 3:13-14 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; -Proverbs 2:6 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. – Proverbs 9:10 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. – Proverbs 13:1 (New American Standard Bible)
Proverbs 30:24-28
There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:
Ants—they aren’t strong, but they store up food all summer.
Hyraxes—they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks.
Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation.
Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces. – Proverbs 30:24-28 (New Living Translation)
Pride
Proverbs 16:18
Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift up yourself in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace. – Proverbs 16:18 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 11:2
When you act with presumption, convinced that you’re right, don’t be surprised if you fall flat on your face! But walking in humility helps you to make wise decisions. – Proverbs 11:2 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 13:10
Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. – Proverbs 13:10 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 16:5
Exalting yourself is disgusting to the Lord, for pride attracts his punishment- and you can count on that! – Proverbs 16:5 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 16:19
It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. – Proverbs 16:19 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 18:12
Pride comes before a disaster, but humility comes before respect. – Proverbs 18:12 (Common English Bible)
Proverbs 21:4
Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. – Proverbs 21:4 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 21:24
An arrogant man is inflated with pride – nothing but a snooty scoffer in love with his own opinion. “Mr. Mocker” is his name! – Proverbs 21:24 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. – Proverbs 26:12 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. – Proverbs 27:2 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 29:23
One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. – Proverbs 29:23 (English Standard Version)
Speech
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. – Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
Proverbs 10:19
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. – Proverbs 10:19 (New American Standard Bible)
Proverbs 26:4
Don’t respond to the words of a fool with more foolish words, or you will become as foolish as he is! – Proverbs 26:4 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. – Proverbs 10:32 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 15:28
Lovers of God think before they speak, but the careless blurt out wicked words meant to cause harm. – Proverbs 15:28 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. – Proverbs 26:28 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. – Proverbs 11:13 (New International Version)
Proverbs 22:11
He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend. – Proverbs 22:11 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 15:1
Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men? – Proverbs 15:1 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. – Proverbs 29:20 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 13:3
Guard your words and you’ll guard your life, but if you don’t control your tongue, it will ruin everything. – Proverbs 13:3 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues guard themselves from trouble. – Proverbs 21:23 (Common English Bible)
Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:26 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. – Proverbs 12:18 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 29:11
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. – Proverbs 29:11 (New Living Translation)
Leadership
Proverbs 19:20
Listen well to wise counsel and be willing to learn from correction so that by the end of your life you’ll be known for your wisdom. – Proverbs 19:20 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 12:1
To learn the truth you must long to be teachable, or you can despise correction and remain ignorant. – Proverbs 12:1 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. – Proverbs 28:13 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 4:26-27
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. – Proverbs 4:26-27 (New International Version)
Proverbs 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 straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. – Proverbs 4:18 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. – Proverbs 18:10 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 16:3
Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. – Proverbs 16:3 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 16:9
Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there. – Proverbs 16:9 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 16:17
The road of those who do right turns away from evil; those who protect their path guard their lives. – Proverbs 16:17 (Common English Bible)
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. – Proverbs 19:21 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 6:10-11
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. – Proverbs 6:10-11 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 1:32-33
“For the turning away of the naive will kill them, and the careless ease of [self-righteous] fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust and will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.” – Proverbs 1:32-33 (Amplified Bible)
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan. – Proverbs 29:2 (English Standard Version)
Money
Proverbs 10:4
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. – Proverbs 10:4 (New International Version)
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. – Proverbs 12:23 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 21:20
The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. – Proverbs 21:20 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 11:24
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. – Proverbs 11:24 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. – Proverbs 14:15 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 11:15
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. – Proverbs 11:15 (New International Version)
Proverbs 12:11
Work hard at your job and you’ll have what you need. Following a get-rich-quick scheme is nothing but a fantasy. – Proverbs 12:11 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 21:17
Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. – Proverbs 21:17 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 3:9
Glorify God with all your wealth, honoring him with your very best, with every increase that comes to you. – Proverbs 3:9 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 28:22
Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. – Proverbs 28:22 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. – Proverbs 22:7 (English Standard Version)
Relationships
Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 30:17
The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures. – Proverbs 30:17 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 25:20
Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. – Proverbs 25:20 (New King James Version)
Proverbs 13:20
If you want to grow in wisdom, then spend time with the wise. Walk with the wicked and you’ll eventually become just like them. – Proverbs 13:20 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 22:10
Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease. – Proverbs 22:10 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. – Proverbs 17:17 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 18:19
A brother who has been insulted is harder to win back than a walled city, and arguments separate people like the barred gates of a palace. – Proverbs 18:19 (New Century Version)
Proverbs 25:15
With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone. – Proverbs 25:15 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 15:12
A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. – Proverbs 15:12 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 14:30
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. – Proverbs 14:30 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17 (English Standard Version)
Marriage
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 21:19
It’s better to live in a hut in the wilderness than with a crabby, scolding spouse! – Proverbs 21:19 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 12:4
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. – Proverbs 12:4 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. – Proverbs 11:16 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. – Proverbs 18:22 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 15:17
It’s much better to have a kind, loving family, even with little, than to have great wealth with nothing but hatred and strife all around you. – Proverbs 15:17 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 10:22
When the Lord blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret. – Proverbs 10:22 (Contemporary English Version)
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6 (New International Version)
Proverbs 31:10
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. – Proverbs 31:10 (English Standard Version)
Women
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 31:31
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. – Proverbs 31:31 (New International Version)
Proverbs 31:10
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. – Proverbs 31:10 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 11:16
A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. – Proverbs 11:16 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 31:11
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. – Proverbs 31:11 (English Standard Version)
Proverbs 27:15
An endless drip, drip, drip, from a leaky faucet and the words of a cranky, nagging wife have the same effect. – Proverbs 27:15 (The Passion Translation)
Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman encourages and builds up her family, but a foolish woman over time will tear it down by her own actions. – Proverbs 14:1 (The Passion Translation)
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