The Book of Proverbs is a collection of life wisdom—short, often humorous, sometimes uncomfortable. Many are attributed to King Solomon. Here you will find 23 of Solomon’s most beautiful sayings about trust, words, work, friendship, and your own heart.
Trust and Wisdom
According to Proverbs, the foundation of all wisdom is one’s relationship with God.
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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will guide you right.
Proverbs 3:5–6DecisionsDependence
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. The reckless despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7UnderstandingReverence
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The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
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Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
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The human heart thinks out its own way, but the LORD alone makes it succeed.
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Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel stands.
Proverbs 19:21PlanningGod’s Will
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For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
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Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.
Words and Relationships
Many proverbs deal with how we interact with one another.
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A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1WordsRelationships
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Whoever goes out rashly is like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18Words
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The words of the gracious are like honey, soothing to the soul and strengthening the bones.
Proverbs 16:24WordsEncouragement
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A friend loves at all times, and in trouble is found as a brother.
Proverbs 17:17FriendshipSiblings
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A faithful friend loves more and is closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24Friendship
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As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17FriendshipMen
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Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 10:12
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A word spoken at the right time is like apples of gold in silver settings.
Proverbs 25:11WordsRelationships
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Open your mouth for the mute and for the cause of all who are oppressed.
Proverbs 31:8
Work, Money, and Daily Life
Practical wisdom for everyday life.
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Go to the ant, you sluggard; observe her ways and be wise!
Proverbs 6:6
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Where there is diligence, there is plenty; where there is idle talk, there is want.
Proverbs 14:23Work
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A good name is more desirable than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1Precious Things
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The soul who gives generously is blessed, and he who waters others will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:25Volunteer Work
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A cheerful heart makes life pleasant, but a heavy heart dries up the bones.
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As a child is trained, so he will continue as he grows old.
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
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What Is the Book of Proverbs?
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, along with Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. The heading calls it “the proverbs of Solomon, king in Israel, the son of David” (Proverbs 1:1); later chapters are attributed to other sages, such as Agur and Lemuel. Most of the proverbs are short couplets that establish a contrast or build to a climax. They are not intended to establish laws, but to make you think.
Wisdom for Today
Many proverbs sound remarkably modern: “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1) is conflict resolution in a single sentence, and “As iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) describes good friendships. But the foundation always remains the same: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom begins with reverence for God. If you are facing a life decision, you can find relevant verses at Bible Verses for Decisions and Bible Verses About Wisdom, as well as verses about words and speech at Bible Verses About Words and Speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote Proverbs?
The heading attributes it to King Solomon (Proverbs 1:1). Individual sections are attributed to other sages, such as Agur (chapter 30) and King Lemuel (chapter 31).
What is the best-known verse from Proverbs?
Proverbs 3:5–6 is very well known: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
