Proverbs by theme
Family
Parents, children, husbands and wives.
- 1:8-9Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.
- 5:15-19Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever.
- 6:20-23My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
- 10:1The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.
- 11:29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.
- 12:4A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.
- 13:1A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
- 13:24He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
- 14:1Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
- 15:20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
- 17:2A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.
- 17:6Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father.
- 17:21A man fathers a fool to his own grief; the father of a fool has no joy.
- 17:25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
- 18:22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
- 19:13A foolish son is his father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
- 19:14Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
- 19:18Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.
- 19:26He who assaults his father or evicts his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
- 20:7The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
- 20:20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.
- 21:9Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
- 21:19Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
- 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- 22:15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- 23:13-14Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.
- 23:15-16My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart will indeed rejoice. My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
- 23:22-25Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Invest in truth and never sell it—in wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him. May your father and mother be glad, and may she who gave you birth rejoice!
- 25:24Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
- 27:8Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
- 27:11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
- 27:15-16A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike— restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.
- 28:7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
- 28:24He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
- 29:3A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
- 29:15A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
- 29:17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.
- 30:11There is a generation of those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
- 30:17As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it.
- 31:10-12A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
- 31:21-29When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”