If there was one book of the Bible that I wish I had completely memorized, it would be the book of Proverbs. Kevin Swanson has wisely stated, “Of all of the possible curriculum choices used for the education of our children, the most important textbook of all is that which God Himself presented in the book of Proverbs.[1]” I would add, not just the education of our children, but the education of us all. There is a reason that for centuries many Christians have been reading the Proverb of the day (reading the chapter in Proverbs that coincides with the day of the month.) The Bible, in its totality, explains who God is, who man is, and how we can be reconciled to Him through Christ. It is one big story in four major parts: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. Yet within the big story of the Bible we find a manual for daily living. We find this in the book of Proverbs. It is filled with practical godly advice that is packed into short pithy sayings (which makes them great for memorization).
Life is hard and it takes great wisdom to navigate through it. Thankfully, if we are believers, we have Jesus who laid his life down for us, gave us direction, and provided the perfect example of living life in a wise way to the glory of God the Father. This is why he has often been referred to as “wisdom personified.” He perfectly obeyed all of the Father’s lawful demands and he lived with perfect wisdom. Jesus is God and yet our elder brother. If we want to live as Christ did, the book of Proverbs is a good place to start.
Our family loves the book of Proverbs. This is part of the reason that this year we have decided to commit many of them to memory. If you would like, I invite you to memorize them along with us.
If you would prefer a printable copy, you can click here for a PDF.
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 4:23-27
“24Put away from you crooked speech and put devious talk far from you.
25Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
26Ponderthe path of your feet then all your ways will be sure.
27Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
Proverbs 9:8
“Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.”
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
Proverbs 13:4
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death”
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:18
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.”
Proverbs 17:22
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Proverbs 19:13
“A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.”
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:7
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”
Proverbs 24:10
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”
Proverbs 25:28
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
Proverbs 26:4-5
“4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. 5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 29:2
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Proverbs 30:5-6
“5Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
[1] https://store.generations.org/products/proverbs-collection-1-2-3#description
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