Proverbs — Chapters

Proverbs 1 introduces Solomon’s wisdom, warns against the peril of following fools, and urges the reader to embrace the fear of the LORD for true knowledge.

Proverbs 2 encourages the reader to pursue wisdom with zeal, explains that God grants wisdom and knowledge, and shows how wisdom protects against folly and leads to righteous living.

Proverbs 3 teaches the importance of wisdom, trust in God, and righteous living for a blessed, long life.

Proverbs 4 exhorts a son to heed his father's wise instruction, emphasizing the value of wisdom and the peril of wickedness.

Proverbs 5 warns against the seductive allure of a promiscuous woman, urging the young man to remain faithful to a committed spouse and to seek wisdom instead of illicit pleasures.

This chapter warns against foolish behavior such as becoming a surety for a stranger, sloth, and wickedness, while urging diligence, obedience to parental commands, and avoidance of adultery.

Proverbs 7 warns the young reader against the seductive danger of a deceitful woman, urging him to cling to wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 8 personifies Wisdom as a woman calling humanity to listen, describing her eternal existence, attributes, and the blessings of following her, while warning against rejecting her.

Proverbs 9 invites seekers to Wisdom’s house, warns against folly, and stresses the value of learning and reverence for the LORD.

Proverbs 10 contrasts the outcomes of wisdom versus folly, emphasizing that righteous conduct leads to blessings and longevity while wickedness results in loss and destruction.

Proverbs 11 contrasts the fortunes of the righteous and the wicked, showing that God's favor follows integrity while folly leads to downfall.

The chapter contrasts the outcomes of the wise and the wicked, emphasizing that instruction, truth, and righteousness lead to favor and stability, while reproof, deceit, and folly invite ruin and contempt.

Proverbs 13 contrasts wisdom and folly, showing how the righteous prosper and the wicked suffer, emphasizing the importance of listening to instruction, diligent work, and disciplined parenting.

Proverbs 14 contrasts the outcomes of wisdom and folly, emphasizing righteous living, reverence for God, and the practical consequences of character.

Proverbs 15 presents a balanced view of wisdom versus folly, emphasizing the power of words, the importance of reproof, and the favor of God for the righteous.

Proverbs 16 encourages turning to God for wisdom and warns against pride, illustrating how righteous speech and humility lead to peace, while pride and wickedness bring destruction.

Proverbs 17 warns that wisdom and careful speech bring harmony, while foolishness and careless words lead to strife and punishment.

Proverbs 18 explores how wisdom, folly, speech, and relationships shape human experience, emphasizing that the tongue can bring both life and destruction.

Proverbs 19 offers wisdom on integrity, wealth, judgment, and the value of caring for the poor, highlighting that righteousness outweighs prosperity and that wisdom is essential for a good life.

The chapter warns against folly, drunkenness, and injustice while extolling wisdom, integrity, and the protective grace of the King.

Proverbs 21 teaches that God governs human hearts and values justice and wisdom over ritual, contrasting the blessed life of the righteous with the downfall of the wicked.

Proverbs 22 teaches that a good name, humility, and wise conduct outweigh wealth, offering wisdom on relationships, wealth, and integrity.

A collection of admonitions urging careful conduct with wealth, food, wine, family, and relationships, emphasizing wisdom, discipline, and reverence for God.

Proverbs 24 warns against the folly and wickedness of the unwise, urging readers to pursue wisdom, counsel, and a reverent fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 25 delivers practical wisdom on leadership, humility, speech, and justice, urging careful conduct in both public and private life.

Proverbs 26 warns against foolishness, sloth, and deceit, showing how ignorance and false speech lead to personal ruin and social harm.

This chapter warns against pride and foolishness while extolling humility, wisdom, and true friendship.

Proverbs 28 contrasts the boldness of the righteous with the flight of the wicked, showing that wisdom, justice, and trust in the Lord bring blessings while pride, oppression, and wickedness bring ruin.

This chapter contrasts the outcomes of righteous and wicked leadership, warning against pride and flattery while celebrating wisdom, justice, and obedience.

Agur, a humble speaker, reflects on the limits of human wisdom, the sovereignty of God, and the moral failings of people, drawing lessons from nature’s small but wise creatures.

Proverbs 31 offers counsel for kings through King Lemuel and then extols the attributes of a virtuous woman, balancing warning against excess with praise for diligent, wise, and God‑fearing conduct.