Proverbs

Wisdom · Old Testament · Traditionally King Solomon, along with Agur, King Lemuel, and other sages · Compiled between the 10th and 5th centuries BCE

The Book of Proverbs is an anthology of Hebrew wisdom literature that provides practical instructions for living a disciplined, moral, and successful life in accordance with God's will. It contrasts the path of wisdom with that of folly, personifying wisdom as a noble woman who invites all to learn. The collection includes short aphorisms, longer instructional poems, and advice for rulers.

31 chapters

• 1Proverbs 1Solomon introduces the value of wisdom, warns against joining violent sinners, and depicts Lady Wisdom calling out warnings in public places.
• 2Proverbs 2Seeking wisdom brings understanding of God and protects the upright from the paths of wicked men and the seductive, forbidden woman.
• 3Proverbs 3An exhortation to trust God whole-heartedly, pursue highly valuable wisdom, and practice kindness, justice, and generosity toward one's neighbors.
• 4Proverbs 4A father urges his sons to acquire wisdom, avoid the dark path of the wicked, and guard their hearts with diligence.
• 5Proverbs 5A father warns against the ruinous path of the adulteress, urging marital fidelity and finding satisfaction with the wife of youth.
• 6Proverbs 6This chapter warns against foolish pledges, laziness, and wicked behaviors, listing seven things God hates, and cautions against the adulterous woman.
• 7Proverbs 7A father warns his son against seductive temptation by describing how a naive young man is lured into adultery and ruin.
• 8Proverbs 8Personified Wisdom cries out to humanity, proclaiming her supreme value, her ancient origins before creation, and the blessings of finding her.
• 9Proverbs 9Lady Wisdom and the foolish woman both issue competing invitations to passersby, illustrating the stark choices between life and death.
• 10Proverbs 10This chapter initiates a collection of Solomon's individual proverbs contrasting the lives, speech, and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked.
• 11Proverbs 11This chapter contrasts the upright and the wicked, emphasizing the benefits of business integrity, humility, wise counsel, and generous giving.
• 12Proverbs 12The proverbs contrast the righteous and wicked, highlighting the value of receiving correction, honest speech, diligence, and caring for animals.
• 13Proverbs 13This chapter emphasizes parental discipline, guarded speech, the value of diligent labor, and the futility of wealth gained through dishonesty.
• 14Proverbs 14Contrasting wisdom and folly, these verses address anger management, honesty in testimony, care for the poor, and a nation's righteousness.
• 15Proverbs 15These proverbs recommend gentle answers, highlight God’s omnipresence, and emphasize the value of accepting correction and wise counsel.
• 16Proverbs 16This chapter emphasizes Yahweh's ultimate control over human plans and warns against pride while describing the qualities of righteous kings.
• 17Proverbs 17It contrasts peaceful poverty with contentious wealth, discussing the traits of fools, the value of silence, and family relationships.
• 18Proverbs 18This chapter highlights the power of the tongue, the dangers of isolation, and the security found in the name of Yahweh.
• 19Proverbs 19It addresses the value of integrity in poverty, warns against laziness and false testimony, and counsels parents on disciplined child-rearing.
• 20Proverbs 20This chapter warns against excessive wine, dishonest business scales, and quick wealth, emphasizing that Yahweh directs a person's steps.
• 21Proverbs 21This chapter contrasts righteous conduct with wickedness, emphasizing that God weighs hearts and values justice over mere religious sacrifice.
• 22Proverbs 22Emphasizing moral reputation over wealth, this chapter offers diverse aphorisms on parenting, generosity, and begins thirty wise sayings against exploitation.
• 23Proverbs 23The collection continues with warnings against greed, gluttony, overindulgence in wine, and sexual immorality, urging students to value parental wisdom.
• 24Proverbs 24This chapter advises against envying evildoers, praises wisdom in warfare and daily life, and warns against judicial bias and laziness.
• 25Proverbs 25Copied by Hezekiah’s scribes, these proverbs offer advice on royal court etiquette, interpersonal relationships, self-control, and kindness toward enemies.
• 26Proverbs 26This chapter contrasts fools, lazy sluggards, and deceitful gossips with warnings about the danger of matching their behavior.
• 27Proverbs 27This chapter emphasizes true friendship, the value of mutual sharpening, the unpredictability of tomorrow, and diligent stewardship of one's flocks.
• 28Proverbs 28This chapter contrasts the righteous and the wicked, warning against greed, partiality, and oppressive leadership while promoting integrity and law-keeping.
• 29Proverbs 29This chapter highlights the impact of righteous governance, the discipline of children, and the security of trusting God rather than human fear.
• 30Proverbs 30Agur confesses his ignorance, praises God's word, prays for moderation, and lists several numerical observations of nature and human behavior.
• 31Proverbs 31King Lemuel's mother advises him on royal conduct, followed by an acrostic poem praising the industrious, God-fearing wife.