Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Pr 1:7). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Pr 3:5–6). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Pr 3:9–10). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
and call understanding your kinsman;
5 they will keep you from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words.
6 At the window of my house
I looked out through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple,
I noticed among the young men,
a youth who lacked judgment.
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight, as the day was fading,
as the dark of night set in.
10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is loud and defiant,
her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said:
14 “I have fellowship offerings at home;
today I fulfilled my vows.
15 So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning;
let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
19 My husband is not at home;
he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
and will not be home till full moon.”
21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave,
leading down to the chambers of death.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Pr 7:1–27). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Pr 14:34). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Proverbs 20:11 Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Pr 20:11). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. ( 18:21)
A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (25: 11)
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—(14:23)
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. (10: 32)
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (10:11)
An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips. (24:26)
He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor
than he who has a flattering tongue. (28:23)
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
someone else, and not your own lips. (27: 2)
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise. (10: 19)
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue. (11:12)
A gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (11: 13)
A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself,
but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (12: 23)
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint,
and a man of understanding is even-tempered (17: 27)
He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame. (18: 13)
He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity. (21: 23)
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. (29: 20)
25:9 If you argue your case with a neighbor,
do not betray another man’s confidence,
10 or he who hears it may shame you
and you will never lose your bad reputation.
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (17: 14 )
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (17:9)
A perverse man stirs up dissension,
and a gossip separates close friends. (16:28)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (15:1)
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (Proverbs 18: 8 )
Without wood a fire goes out;
without gossip a quarrel dies down. (26: 20)
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
quarrels and insults are ended. (22:10)
26: 23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware
are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.