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Index of Key Themes & Verses in Proverbs

Bible Commentary / Produced by TOW Project
Table of verse links proverbs

Verses

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Verses from the Book of Proverbs

Prov. 1:1-2 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight. (TNIV)

Introduction

About the Book

Prov. 1:2-7 For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight . . . The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

About the Book

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

Prov. 1:4 Teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young.

About the Book

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 1:4-5 Teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young—let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill.

About the Book

Prov. 1:5-6 Let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.

About the Book

Prov. 1:20-33 Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice. . . Those who listen to me will be secure and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.

The Valiant Woman

Prov. 2:1, 5 My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you . . . then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Introduction

Prov. 2:5–6 You will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

Prov. 2:6 The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

About the Book

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own insight.

About the Book

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

About the Book

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

Prov. 3:21 My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence.

About the Book

Prov. 3:24 Your sleep will be sweet.

About the Book

Prov. 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it.”

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 4:11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

Introduction

Prov. 6:6-11 Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise . . . 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 warrior.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 6:16 There are six things that the Lord hates…

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

Prov. 6:16-19 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family.

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 6:17 . . . haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 6:24 . . . to preserve you from the wife of another, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 8:6–7 I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right; for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 8:15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 8:35-36 Whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; but those who miss me injure themselves; all who hate me love death.

Introduction

Prov. 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Introduction

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

Prov. 10:4-5 A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. A child who gathers in summer is prudent, but a child who sleeps in harvest brings shame.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 10:18 Lying lips conceal hatred, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 10:18-19 Lying lips conceal hatred, and whoever utters slander is a fool. When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the mind of the wicked is of little worth.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 10:26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are the lazy to their employers.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

Introduction

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight.

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

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

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 11:3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 11:12-13 Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent. A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 11:24-26 Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want . . . The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.

The Wise Worker Is Generous

Prov. 11:28 Those who trust in their riches will wither.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 12:11 Those who till their land will have plenty of food, but those who follow worthless pursuits have no sense.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 12:17-20 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness speaks deceitfully. Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 12:18 Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 12:19 Truthful lips endure for ever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the lazy will be put to forced labor.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 12:25 Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 13:5 The righteous hate falsehood, but the wicked act shamefully and disgracefully.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 13:8 Wealth is a ransom for a person’s life, but the poor get no threats.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 14:16 The wise are cautious and turn away from evil.

Introduction

Prov. 14:21 Those who despise their neighbors are sinners, but happy are those who are kind to the poor.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is a betrayer.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 14:31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him.

The Wise Worker Is Just

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

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 15:2 The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place.

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

Prov. 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 15:18 Those who are hot-tempered stir up strife, but those who are slow to anger calm contention.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 15:22 Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 16:1 The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Conclusion

Prov. 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 16:11 Honest balances and scales are the Lord’s; all the weights in the bag are his work.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 16:12 It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves those who speak what is right.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 16:27-28 Scoundrels concoct evil, and their speech is like a scorching fire. A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 17:5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who are glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 17:20 The crooked of mind do not prosper, and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 17:28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 18:6-8 A fool’s lips bring strife, and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging . . . The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 18:9 One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

Prov. 18:11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
 and those who love it will eat its fruits.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and a liar will not escape.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 19:11 Those with good sense are slow to anger, and it is to their glory to overlook an offense.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 19:14 House and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 19:17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.

The Wise Worker Is Generous

Prov. 19:21 The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 19:23 The fear of the Lord is life indeed; filled with it one rests secure and suffers no harm.

Introduction

Prov. 20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 20:13 Do not love sleep.

About the Book

Prov. 20:14 “Bad, Bad,” says the buyer, then goes away and boasts.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but afterwards the mouth will be full of gravel.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 20:18 Plans are established by taking advice; wage war by following wise guidance.

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 20:19 A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 20:23 Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

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

The Wise Worker Is Modest

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

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 21:13 If you close your ear to the cry of the poor, you will cry out and not be heard.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 21:23 To watch over mouth and tongue is to keep out of trouble.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 21:30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord.

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

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

About the Book

Prov. 22:8-9 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail. Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 22:16 Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 22:22-23 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 23:10-11 Do not remove an ancient landmark or encroach on the fields of orphans, for their redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 23:23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 24:17 Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 24:27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for you in the field; and after that build your house.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 24:28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 24:30-34 I passed by the field of one who was lazy, by the vineyard of a stupid person . . . 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 warrior.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 25:5 Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 25:11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver; like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 25:15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 25:18 Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 25:21-22 If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 25:23 The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 26:20-21 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal is to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 26:24-25 An enemy dissembles in speaking while harboring deceit within; when an enemy speaks graciously, do not believe it, for there are seven abominations concealed within.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Prov. 26:28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 27:23-27 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds; for riches do not last forever, nor a crown for all generations . . . there will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and nourishment for your servant-girls.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 28:2 With an intelligent ruler there is lasting order.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 28:8 One who augments wealth by exorbitant interest gathers it for another who is kind to the poor.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 28:11 The rich is wise in self-esteem, but an intelligent poor person sees through the pose.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 28:19 Anyone who tills the land will have plenty of bread, but one who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 28:22 The miser is in a hurry to get rich and does not know that loss is sure to come.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 28:23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 28:27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse.

The Wise Worker Is Generous

Prov. 29:4 By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 29:14 If a king judges the poor with equity, his throne will be established forever.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Prov. 29:23 A person’s pride will bring humiliation, but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 29:24 To be a partner of a thief is to hate one’s own life; one hears the victim’s curse, but discloses nothing.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

Prov. 30:7-9 Two things I ask of you; do not deny them to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that I need, or I shall be full, and deny you, and say, “Who is the Lord?” or I shall be poor, and steal, and profane the name of my God.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Prov. 30:17 The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.

About the Book

Prov. 31:3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

The Valiant Woman

Prov. 31:10 A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

The Valiant Woman

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her.

The Valiant Woman

A Wise Worker Is Trustworthy

Prov. 31:12, 28 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life . . . Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

Prov. 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:13-14 She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant.

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls.

The Valiant Woman

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:17 She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.

The Valiant Woman

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

The Wise Worker Is Generous

Prov. 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

The Wise Worker Is Generous

Prov. 31:21-22 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 31:23 Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.

The Valiant Woman

The Wise Worker Is Shrewd

Prov. 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Prov. 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Prov. 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

Prov. 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

What Do the Proverbs Have to Do With Work?

The Valiant Woman

Prov. 31:31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Faithful

Verses from other books of the Bible

Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

A Wise Worker Is Trustworthy

Exodus 1:15-20 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live . . . So God dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and became very strong.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and spent the night there.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

1 Samuel 21:1-3 David came to Nob to the priest Ahimelech. Ahimelech came trembling to meet David, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” David said to the priest Ahimelech, “The king has charged me with a matter, and said to me, ‘No one must know anything of the matter about which I send you’ . . . Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever is here.”

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

1 Chronicles 7:2 The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their ancestral houses, namely of Tola, mighty warriors of their generations, their number in the days of David being twenty-two thousand six hundred.

The Valiant Woman

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

The Wise Worker Is Modest

Matthew 6:34 Do not worry about tomorrow.

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Matthew 10:16 Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Introduction

Matthew 25:14-30 For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability . . . “To all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Luke 14:28-30 Which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”

A Wise Worker Is Diligent

Romans 1:29 They were filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, craftiness, they are gossips.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Wise Worker Is Just

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

A Trustworthy Worker Is Honest

Ephesians 4:26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.

The Wise Worker Guards the Tongue