Wisdom in the Bible

Paul addresses divisions in the Corinthian church where factions claim different leaders. He argues that the message of the cross is foolishness to the world but the power of God to those being saved. God chose the foolish things to shame the wise, so that no one may boast before Him.

Paul recalls coming to Corinth in weakness, relying not on eloquent wisdom but on the Spirit's power. He teaches that God reveals deep truths through the Spirit—the natural person cannot understand spiritual things. We have the mind of Christ.

Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their spiritual immaturity and factionalism—they are still infants in Christ. He explains that leaders are co-workers in God's field, each with different roles. The church is God's temple, and each person's work will be tested by fire.

Paul describes apostles as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. He challenges the Corinthians' arrogance, reminding them that everything they have is a gift. He warns that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Paul addresses food sacrificed to idols, balancing knowledge with love. While idols are nothing and food does not bring us closer to God, knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Believers must not use their freedom to cause a weaker brother to stumble.

David gives Solomon final instructions and dies after 40 years as king. Solomon consolidates power by dealing with Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, establishing his kingdom firmly in accordance with David's counsel.

God appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and offers him anything. Solomon asks for wisdom to govern well. God is pleased and grants him unmatched wisdom plus riches and honor. Solomon's wisdom is demonstrated when he resolves a dispute between two mothers claiming the same baby.

Solomon's administration is described in detail, including his officials and twelve district governors. His wisdom surpasses all others, and he composes 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. People come from all nations to hear his wisdom.

Solomon makes an alliance with King Hiram of Tyre to obtain cedar and cypress timber for the temple. He conscripts laborers and arranges the massive workforce needed for the construction project.

Solomon builds his royal palace complex over 13 years. The craftsman Huram creates elaborate bronze furnishings for the temple, including two massive pillars named Jachin and Boaz, a bronze sea, and ten bronze basins.

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon, overwhelmed by his wisdom and wealth. She declares that the reports she heard were less than half the truth. Solomon's immense wealth and trading empire are described.

Rehoboam rejects the elders' counsel and harshly increases the people's burden. Ten northern tribes rebel under Jeroboam, splitting Israel into two kingdoms. Jeroboam sets up golden calves at Dan and Bethel to prevent people from worshiping in Jerusalem.

David flees to Nob where the priest Ahimelech gives him consecrated bread and Goliath's sword. David then escapes to the Philistine city of Gath, where he pretends to be insane before King Achish to avoid danger.

David asks the wealthy Nabal for provisions, but Nabal insults him. David sets out to destroy Nabal's household, but Nabal's wise wife Abigail intercepts with gifts and a persuasive appeal. God strikes Nabal dead, and David marries Abigail.

David, fearing Saul will eventually kill him, seeks refuge with the Philistine king Achish of Gath. He is given the town of Ziklag and raids various peoples while deceiving Achish about his targets.

Paul warns against false teachers motivated by greed and declares that godliness with contentment is great gain. He charges the rich not to put their hope in wealth but in God. He gives Timothy a final charge to fight the good fight of faith and guard the deposit entrusted to him.

Solomon goes to Gibeon to worship and God appears to him in a dream, offering anything he desires. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to govern God's people. Pleased, God grants him unparalleled wisdom along with wealth and honor.

Solomon enlists King Hiram of Tyre to provide craftsmen and materials for the temple. He organizes a massive labor force of aliens living in Israel. The preparations emphasize the grandeur of the temple project.

The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon and is overwhelmed by his wisdom and splendor. Solomon's immense wealth, trading empire, and international renown are described. Solomon dies after reigning 40 years.

Rehoboam rejects the wise counsel of the elders and follows young advisors who urge harsh treatment. The ten northern tribes rebel under Jeroboam, splitting the kingdom. The Chronicler notes this was from God to fulfill Ahijah's prophecy.

Jehoshaphat strengthens Judah and seeks God. He sends officials and Levites throughout the land to teach the Book of the Law. The fear of the Lord falls on surrounding nations, and Jehoshaphat receives tribute. His army numbers over a million men.

Jehoshaphat unwisely allies with wicked King Ahab to attack Ramoth-gilead. The prophet Micaiah warns of defeat, but Ahab goes anyway. Ahab is killed by a random arrow in battle, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy.

Amaziah begins well, obeying God and dismissing hired Israelite troops before defeating Edom. But he brings back Edomite gods and worships them. He foolishly challenges Israel to battle and is humiliated. He is eventually assassinated.

Amaziah of Judah defeats Edom but foolishly challenges Israel and is humiliated. Jeroboam II of Israel restores Israel's borders during a long, prosperous but spiritually hollow reign. Both kings face the consequences of pride.

Joab devises a scheme using a wise woman of Tekoa to persuade David to bring Absalom back from exile. David allows Absalom to return to Jerusalem but refuses to see him for two more years until Absalom forces a meeting.

Ahithophel advises Absalom to pursue David immediately, but Hushai convinces Absalom to delay, buying David time. When Ahithophel's counsel is rejected, he goes home and hangs himself. David crosses the Jordan to safety.

Sheba, a Benjaminite, leads a new revolt against David. Joab pursues him, murders Amasa (David's new commander), and besieges the city of Abel. A wise woman negotiates Sheba's death, ending the rebellion.

Paul warns of terrible times in the last days—people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, and treacherous. He urges Timothy to continue in Scripture, which is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping the person of God for every good work.

Paul warns against deceptive philosophy and human tradition. In Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily. Believers are complete in Him, circumcised spiritually, raised with Him through faith. Christ has canceled the record of debt against us, nailing it to the cross, disarming spiritual powers.

Paul urges persistent prayer and wise conduct toward outsiders. He sends greetings from his companions including Luke and Mark, and gives instructions to share the letter with the Laodicean church. He closes with a personal note written in his own hand.

Daniel and three friends are taken to Babylon's court for elite training. Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king's food, and God gives them favor. After testing, they are ten times wiser than all the king's magicians — faithfulness in exile is rewarded.

Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue: gold head (Babylon), silver chest (Medo-Persia), bronze belly (Greece), iron legs (Rome), and feet of iron and clay. A stone cut without hands shatters the statue and fills the earth — God's eternal kingdom that replaces all human empires.

Nebuchadnezzar's testimony: he dreams of a great tree cut down, and Daniel interprets it as a warning. The king is driven to live like an animal for seven years until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. His reason returns and he praises the Most High — the only conversion testimony of a pagan king in Scripture.

Belshazzar's feast: the king drinks from the temple vessels and a disembodied hand writes on the wall — MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN. Daniel interprets: you have been weighed and found wanting. That very night, Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians and Belshazzar is killed.

The grand finale: Michael arises, a time of distress unlike any before, and the dead are raised — some to everlasting life, others to shame. Those who are wise will shine like stars forever. Daniel is told to seal the book — the words are for the time of the end.

The Teacher declares everything is meaningless—a chasing after the wind. Generations come and go but the earth endures. There is nothing new under the sun. Increasing wisdom brings increasing sorrow.

The Teacher tests pleasure, wealth, work, and achievement. He builds great works and acquires everything—then declares it all meaningless. A wise person and a fool share the same fate: death. He concludes that enjoyment of work is a gift from God.

The famous "time for everything" poem: a time to be born and die, weep and laugh, love and hate. God has made everything beautiful in its time and set eternity in the human heart. No one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

The Teacher observes oppression, envy, and loneliness under the sun. Two are better than one because they can help each other. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king.

Warnings about hasty words before God—let your words be few. Better not to vow than to vow and not fulfil. The lover of money never has enough. Wealth brings anxiety. The Teacher affirms that enjoyment of God's gifts is itself a gift.

A man who has wealth but cannot enjoy it—this is a grievous evil. God may give prosperity but withhold the power to enjoy it. No amount of longevity or offspring compensates for a joyless existence.

A collection of reflections on wisdom, suffering, and balance. A good name is better than fine perfume. Sorrow is better than laughter because it deepens the heart. Do not be overrighteous or overwicked. No one on earth is truly righteous.

The Teacher observes that wickedness sometimes goes unpunished while the righteous suffer. Yet he affirms that it will be better for those who fear God. No one has power over the day of death. He commends the enjoyment of life as God's gift amid uncertainty.

All share the same fate—death—regardless of righteousness or wickedness. The living at least know they will die. The Teacher advises: eat, drink, and enjoy life with the one you love, for this is your lot. Time and chance happen to everyone. Wisdom is better than strength but is often overlooked.

Practical wisdom sayings on foolishness, leadership, and speech. A little folly outweighs wisdom, like a dead fly spoils perfume. The fool multiplies words. Dig a pit and you may fall into it. A snake may bite the charmer.

The Teacher encourages bold, generous living. Cast your bread upon the waters and it will return. Sow seed in the morning and evening since you don't know which will prosper. Rejoice in your youth but know that God will judge.

The Teacher's conclusion. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the difficult days come. A beautiful, melancholy poem describes aging and death. The final verdict: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. God will bring every deed into judgment.

Paul calls believers to imitate God as beloved children, walking in love as Christ loved us. He contrasts the darkness of sin with living as children of light. He describes marriage as a mystery reflecting Christ and the church, where husbands love sacrificially and the church responds with reverence.

King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of Persia holds a lavish 180-day feast. When Queen Vashti refuses to appear before his drunken guests, the king deposes her on the advice of his counselors, creating an opportunity that will lead to Esther's rise.

Esther bravely approaches the king and is received with favor. Rather than revealing her request immediately, she invites the king and Haman to two banquets. Haman is elated but furious when Mordecai still won't bow. His wife suggests building a gallows for Mordecai.

Moses's father-in-law Jethro visits the camp, bringing Zipporah and Moses's sons. He observes Moses judging the people from morning to night and advises him to delegate by appointing capable leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Moses follows Jethro's wise counsel.

God commands that Aaron and his sons be set apart as priests. He details the priestly garments: the ephod with two onyx stones, the breastpiece with twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes, the blue robe with bells and pomegranates, the turban with a gold plate reading Holy to the LORD.

God names Bezalel and Oholiab as Spirit-filled craftsmen to build the tabernacle and all its furnishings. He reaffirms the Sabbath as a perpetual sign of the covenant between Himself and Israel. God finishes speaking to Moses on Sinai and gives him the two stone tablets written by His own finger.

Moses assembles Israel and reiterates the Sabbath command. He calls for voluntary offerings of materials for the tabernacle, and the people respond with overwhelming generosity. Bezalel and Oholiab are confirmed as lead craftsmen, filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom and skill.

The king of Tyre is addressed as one who was in Eden, adorned with precious stones, a guardian cherub on God's holy mountain. His heart grew proud because of his beauty. This passage is often interpreted as describing Satan's fall alongside Tyre's literal king.

Decades later, Ezra the scribe leads a second group of returnees from Babylon. He is described as a skilled scribe devoted to studying, practicing, and teaching God's Law. King Artaxerxes gives him a generous letter of support and authority.

In prison, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker. The cupbearer's dream means he will be restored to his position in three days; the baker's dream means he will be executed. Both come true exactly as Joseph predicted, but the cupbearer forgets to mention Joseph to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh has two dreams that none of his wise men can interpret. The cupbearer finally remembers Joseph, who is brought from prison to interpret the dreams: seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh appoints Joseph as second-in-command over all Egypt to manage the crisis.

Jesus is designated by God as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek—not the Levitical order. During His earthly life, He offered prayers with loud cries and tears. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through suffering. The author rebukes readers for spiritual immaturity, still needing milk instead of solid food.

God brings charges against Israel: no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God. Priests fail to teach, the people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Spiritual and physical adultery are linked — Israel has left their God to give themselves to prostitution.

The beautiful conclusion: Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God. God promises to heal their apostasy, love them freely, and be like dew to Israel. They will blossom like a lily, take root like Lebanon's cedars. Whoever is wise, let them understand these things.

The famous Song of the Vineyard portrays Israel as God's carefully tended vineyard that produced only bad fruit. Six woes follow, condemning greed, drunkenness, and moral confusion — calling evil good and good evil.

Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim whose glorious beauty is fading. Isaiah confronts leaders who mock his message. God will lay a precious cornerstone in Zion — a messianic prophecy — while judgment comes like a flood on the scoffers.

Woe to Ariel (Jerusalem) — God will besiege His own city, yet enemies will vanish like a dream. The chapter condemns lip-service worship and announces that God will do a wonderful work, turning Lebanon into a fruitful field.

James addresses trials as opportunities for growth—consider it pure joy when you face trials because the testing of faith produces perseverance. He urges believers to ask God for wisdom without doubting. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights. Be doers of the word, not hearers only.

James warns about the power of the tongue—a small member that sets the course of life on fire. No human can tame the tongue, which can both bless God and curse people made in His image. He contrasts earthly wisdom, which is self-seeking, with heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peace-loving, and full of mercy.

James diagnoses the root of conflict: desires that war within. He calls worldliness spiritual adultery and urges believers to submit to God and resist the devil, who will then flee. He warns against judging others and presuming on the future—life is a mist that appears briefly and vanishes.

Samson demands a Philistine wife from Timnah against his parents' wishes. On the way he kills a lion with his bare hands, and later finds honey in its carcass, inspiring a riddle. When his riddle is solved through his wife's betrayal, Samson kills 30 Philistines.

Jeremiah wishes his head were a fountain of tears to weep for his people. The land is full of deceit and no one speaks truth. True boasting is not in wisdom, strength, or riches but in knowing the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness.

Judah's sin is engraved with an iron stylus on their hearts. The famous contrast: cursed is the one who trusts in man, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord — like a tree planted by water. The heart is deceitful above all things — who can understand it?

Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating that He is the light of the world. The Pharisees investigate and expel the man for testifying about Jesus. The healed man's growing faith contrasts with the willful blindness of the religious leaders.

Eliphaz begins his first speech, arguing that innocent people do not suffer and that Job should seek God. He recounts a mysterious vision in the night that reinforced his belief that no mortal is righteous before God.

Eliphaz continues his counsel, urging Job to accept God's discipline as a blessing. He describes God's power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly, assuring Job that restoration follows repentance.

Bildad speaks, arguing that God does not pervert justice and that Job's children must have sinned. He urges Job to seek God and promises restoration if Job is truly pure and upright.

Job acknowledges God's power and wisdom but questions how a mortal can be righteous before God. He longs for a mediator between himself and God, feeling unable to present his case fairly.

Zophar speaks harshly, accusing Job of empty talk and insisting that God is actually punishing him less than he deserves. He urges Job to repent and promises that life will become brighter than noonday.

Job responds with biting sarcasm, declaring that he is not inferior to his friends. He describes God's sovereign power over nations, rulers, and nature, showing that God's ways transcend simple retribution.

Job declares he will argue his case directly before God, willing to risk his life for vindication. He tells his friends to be silent and warns that their false defence of God is itself sinful.

Eliphaz begins his second speech, growing harsher. He accuses Job of undermining piety and claims that Job's own mouth condemns him. He paints a vivid picture of the wicked person's fate as a warning.

Bildad delivers his second speech, describing the terrors awaiting the wicked in graphic detail. He portrays their downfall as certain and complete, implicitly accusing Job of being among the wicked.

Zophar's second speech describes the short-lived triumph of the wicked. He argues that ill-gotten gains will be vomited up and that God's wrath will rain down upon the unrighteous.

Job demolishes his friends' theology by pointing out that the wicked often prosper, live long lives, and die peacefully. He argues that experience contradicts their neat retribution framework.

Eliphaz's third speech makes specific false accusations against Job, claiming he oppressed the poor and denied bread to the hungry. He urges Job to return to God and be restored.

Job describes injustice in the world: the wicked move boundary stones, oppress orphans, and exploit the poor while seemingly escaping punishment. He questions why God does not set times of judgment.

Bildad's brief third speech emphasizes God's dominion and questions how any mortal can be righteous before God. He compares humanity to maggots and worms before divine majesty.

Job responds with awe-filled poetry about God's power over creation: stretching the north over empty space, hanging the earth on nothing, and controlling the waters. He declares these are but the outer fringe of God's works.

This wisdom poem asks where wisdom can be found. Humanity mines precious metals from the earth but cannot discover wisdom through effort or wealth. Only God understands wisdom, and the fear of the Lord is its beginning.

Job delivers his final defence, a comprehensive oath of innocence covering sexual purity, honesty, generosity, idolatry, and treatment of servants. He challenges God to bring charges or vindicate him.

Young Elihu enters, angry at Job for justifying himself rather than God, and at the three friends for condemning Job without answering him. He claims to speak by the Spirit and prepares his case.

Elihu argues that God speaks through dreams and suffering to turn people from destruction. He describes a mediating angel who finds a ransom for the sufferer, offering a more nuanced view than the three friends.

Elihu defends God's justice, arguing that the Almighty cannot do wrong and governs with perfect equity. He accuses Job of adding rebellion to his sin by questioning God's fairness.

Elihu argues that human righteousness or wickedness does not affect God, who is far above the clouds. He suggests that the oppressed cry out but do not truly seek God as their Maker.

Elihu proclaims God's greatness and argues that suffering can be instructive. Those who listen to God are restored to prosperity, but those who refuse perish. He points to God's majestic works in nature.

Elihu marvels at God's power displayed in thunderstorms, ice, and weather. He urges Job to consider God's wondrous works and acknowledge that the Almighty is beyond human comprehension, setting the stage for God's speech.

God finally speaks from the whirlwind, asking Job where he was when the foundations of the earth were laid. Through a series of unanswerable questions about creation, God reveals Job's limited understanding of cosmic governance.

God continues his nature tour, describing the mountain goat, wild donkey, ox, ostrich, horse, and hawk. Each creature reveals divine wisdom and care in areas beyond human control or comprehension.

God challenges Job to answer, and Job humbly puts his hand over his mouth. God then describes Behemoth, a mighty creature that demonstrates divine power far beyond human ability to control.

God describes Leviathan, an untameable sea creature of terrifying power. The message is clear: if Job cannot control Leviathan, how can he contend with the God who made it? No one is fierce enough to rouse it.

The Gibeonites deceive Israel into making a peace treaty by pretending to be from a distant land. Though tricked, Israel honors the oath, and the Gibeonites become servants.

Jesus appoints the twelve apostles and delivers the Sermon on the Plain, including blessings and woes. He teaches radical love for enemies, the Golden Rule—do to others as you would have them do to you—and warns against judging others while ignoring your own flaws.

Jesus heals on the Sabbath at a Pharisee's house and teaches about humility, urging guests to take the lowest seat. He tells the parable of the great banquet where those originally invited refuse to come. He counts the cost of discipleship.

Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager, teaching about faithfulness with money and the impossibility of serving both God and money. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus reveals the eternal consequences of ignoring the suffering at your doorstep.

The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. He tells the parable of the wicked tenants, answers questions about paying taxes to Caesar, and teaches about the resurrection. He warns about the scribes who devour widows' houses while making long prayers.

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with teachings on judging others, the narrow gate, recognizing false prophets by their fruit, and the parable of wise and foolish builders. He emphasizes that hearing and doing His words is the foundation that endures.

Jesus praises John the Baptist and pronounces woes on unrepentant cities. He offers one of the most tender invitations in Scripture: Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. He reveals the Father's heart for the humble.

Jesus teaches in parables, including the sower and the seeds, the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, the hidden treasure, and the pearl of great price. He explains that the kingdom of heaven is revealed to those with receptive hearts.

Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet and skillfully answers trick questions about paying taxes to Caesar, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He identifies loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself as the two commands on which all the Law hangs.

Jesus teaches in parables: the sower, the lamp under a basket, the growing seed, and the mustard seed. He calms a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, prompting the disciples to ask who this man is that even wind and waves obey Him.

Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants and answers questions about taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He warns against the scribes' hypocrisy and commends the poor widow who gives two small coins—her whole livelihood—as the greatest offering.

Sanballat and Tobiah try to lure Nehemiah into a trap, hire false prophets to frighten him, and spread lies. Nehemiah sees through every scheme: Should a man like me run away? The wall is completed in just 52 days, and the enemies are demoralized.

Ezra reads the Book of the Law aloud to all the people from dawn to midday. The Levites help the people understand. The people weep when they hear the Law, but Nehemiah and Ezra tell them: Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. They celebrate the Feast of Booths.

Solomon introduces the purpose of Proverbs: gaining wisdom, discipline, and understanding. Wisdom personified cries out in the public square, warning that rejecting her leads to disaster. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Solomon urges his son to seek wisdom like hidden treasure. Those who find wisdom gain understanding, protection from evil paths, and deliverance from the immoral woman. God gives wisdom to the upright.

One of the most beloved chapters in Proverbs. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Wisdom is more precious than rubies.

Solomon passes down his father David's wisdom: get wisdom at all costs. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Keep your eyes fixed forward and your feet on straight paths.

A warning against adultery. The lips of the forbidden woman drip honey, but her end is bitter as wormwood. Solomon counsels faithfulness to one's own wife, delighting in the love of youth. Sin's consequences are inescapable.

Warnings against foolish pledges, laziness (go to the ant, you sluggard), and the seven things the Lord hates. Another warning against adultery, comparing it to walking on hot coals—can a man carry fire in his lap without being burned?

A vivid narrative of a young man seduced by an adulterous woman. She catches him at twilight with persuasive words and leads him to her house. He follows like an ox to slaughter. The chapter ends with a stark warning: many are her victims.

Wisdom personified speaks in the first person, declaring she was present at creation as God's master craftsman. She offers riches, honour, and life. Those who find her find life and receive favour from the Lord. Those who hate wisdom love death.

Two invitations contrast: Lady Wisdom builds her house and sets a feast, inviting the simple to learn. The foolish woman also calls, but her path leads to death. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

The beginning of Solomon's collected proverbs, mostly antithetical couplets contrasting the wise and foolish, righteous and wicked. A wise son brings joy; a foolish son brings grief. The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.

Proverbs on honesty, generosity, and humility. A generous person prospers; dishonest scales are an abomination. Where there is no guidance, a nation falls. Beauty without discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.

Proverbs on the power of words, hard work, and truthfulness. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Those who work their land have food; those who chase fantasies lack judgement.

Proverbs on discipline, wealth, and hope. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Those who walk with the wise become wise. A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children.

Proverbs on the fear of the Lord, justice, and the two paths. There is a way that appears right but leads to death. The wise woman builds her house but the foolish one tears hers down. In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.

Proverbs on gentle speech, God's omniscience, and contentment. A gentle answer turns away wrath. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs on God's sovereignty over human plans. The heart plans but God directs the steps. Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Gray hair is a crown of splendour.

Proverbs on friendship, conflict, and restraint. A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent.

Proverbs on the power of words and true friendship. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs on patience, kindness to the poor, and parenting. Kindness to the poor is lending to the Lord. A person's wisdom yields patience. Discipline your children while there is hope. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails.

Proverbs on integrity, wine, and justice. Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler. It is a trap to dedicate something rashly. The Lord detests differing weights. A king's wrath is a lion's roar.

Proverbs on the heart, justice, and humility. The king's heart is a stream of water directed by God. Every way of a person seems right, but God weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable than sacrifice.

Proverbs on reputation, parenting, and the poor. A good name is more desirable than great riches. Train up a child in the way he should go. The rich and poor have this in common: the Lord is the Maker of them all.

Warnings against envy, gluttony, and drunkenness. Do not wear yourself out to get rich. Words of wisdom to a fool are wasted. A vivid description of the drunkard's suffering: bloodshot eyes, seeing strange sights, stumbling around.

Wisdom builds a house through understanding. Do not gloat when your enemy falls. If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. A little sleep, a little slumber, and poverty comes like a thief.

Proverbs collected by Hezekiah's scribes. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. If your enemy is hungry, feed him—Paul quotes this in Romans 12. Do not exalt yourself before the king.

Proverbs on fools, sluggards, and gossip. As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. The sluggard turns on his bed like a door on its hinges. Gossip is like choice morsels that go down to the body's inmost parts.

Proverbs on friendship and self-awareness. Do not boast about tomorrow. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.

Proverbs on justice, confession, and integrity. The wicked flee though no one pursues but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs on discipline, justice, and self-control. A person who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed. Where there is no vision, the people perish. The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

The words of Agur son of Jakeh. He confesses his ignorance before God and asks for neither poverty nor riches. Contains the famous "two things I ask" prayer and numerical proverbs about four things that are never satisfied and four that are stately in their stride.

The words of King Lemuel's mother and the famous poem of the virtuous woman. She is clothed with strength and dignity, laughs at the days to come, speaks with wisdom, and is praised by her children and husband. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

The gateway psalm contrasts the righteous who delight in God's law with the wicked who are like chaff blown by the wind. The blessed person is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.

The fool says in his heart there is no God. David describes universal human corruption and the oppression of God's people. He longs for salvation to come from Zion and for God to restore his people.

The heavens declare God's glory, and the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. David moves from creation's testimony to Scripture's power, and ends with a prayer to be kept from hidden faults and wilful sins.

An acrostic prayer for guidance, forgiveness, and protection. David asks God to teach him his ways and remember mercy rather than youthful sins. He declares that God's friendship is for those who fear him.