Old Testament · 31 chapters
Read Proverbs.
Proverbs offers wisdom for everyday choices involving speech, work, money, relationships, and self-control. Its sayings describe patterns of wise living under the fear of the Lord, rather than automatic guarantees about every circumstance.
Choose a chapter Proverbs · 31 chapters
Read a chapter. Find its meaning.
Choose a chapter for the complete Bible text and a short summary to guide your reading.
Chapter 1.
The book introduces wisdom as instruction for a discerning life. Warnings against violent companions and wisdom’s public invitation establish the choice facing its readers.
Read chapter 22 versesChapter 2.
Seeking wisdom wholeheartedly leads toward discernment and protection from destructive paths. The chapter describes wisdom as a safeguard against dishonest companions and unfaithful relationships.
Read chapter 35 versesChapter 3.
Trust in God, teachability, generosity, and neighborly responsibility are commended. Wisdom is portrayed as more valuable than wealth and as a guide to a secure life.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 4.
A father urges attention to wisdom and warns against joining the wicked. Guarding the heart and directing one’s steps are presented as central habits.
Read chapter 23 versesChapter 5.
The allure of an adulterous relationship is contrasted with its damaging consequences. The reader is urged to cherish faithfulness and joy within marriage.
Read chapter 35 versesChapter 6.
Warnings address reckless guarantees, laziness, deceit, and conduct God hates. The chapter then returns to the personal and communal harm caused by adultery.
Read chapterChapter 7.
A vivid story portrays a young man drawn into an adulterous encounter. The reader is urged to recognize danger before desire overrides judgment.
Read chapter 36 versesChapter 8.
Wisdom speaks publicly about truth, justice, and her value beyond wealth. Her presence in the ordering of creation grounds the invitation to listen.
Read chapter 18 versesChapter 9.
Wisdom and folly each invite the inexperienced to a meal. Their contrasting houses and outcomes portray the moral choice behind apparently similar invitations.
Read chapter 32 versesChapter 10.
Short sayings contrast wise and foolish conduct in work, speech, wealth, and relationships. Righteousness is repeatedly associated with life-giving choices rather than destructive shortcuts.
Read chapter 31 versesChapter 11.
Honest business, humility, generosity, and trustworthy relationships are praised. The sayings expose the insecurity of wealth and advantage gained through wrongdoing.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 12.
Teachability, diligence, truthful speech, and kindness receive emphasis. Practical wisdom is shown in caring for animals, choosing good counsel, and speaking words that heal.
Read chapter 25 versesChapter 13.
The sayings connect discipline and wise companionship with growth. They also address wealth, desire, patient hope, and the consequences of rejecting correction.
Read chapter 35 versesChapter 14.
Wisdom is explored through household life, integrity, emotional restraint, and treatment of the poor. Outward appearances are repeatedly shown to be unreliable guides.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 15.
Gentle answers, receptive listening, and good counsel help prevent conflict. The chapter links reverence for God with humility and the willingness to receive correction.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 16.
Human plans are set alongside God’s direction and judgment. Humility, honest dealings, wise speech, and self-control are valued above pride and military success.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 17.
Peace at home, faithful friendship, restrained speech, and fair judgment are commended. The sayings warn against quarrels, bribes, and repeatedly reopening offenses.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 18.
Words can nourish or wound, and listening must come before judgment. The chapter also reflects on isolation, friendship, justice, and the limits of wealth as protection.
Read chapter 29 versesChapter 19.
Integrity is valued above status, and generosity to the poor is honored. The sayings address impulsiveness, discipline, family responsibilities, and the difference between human plans and God’s purpose.
Read chapter 30 versesChapter 20.
Warnings concern intoxication, dishonest trade, rash promises, and revenge. Wisdom also appears in patient investigation, sound counsel, and appreciation for both youth and age.
Read chapter 31 versesChapter 21.
The chapter contrasts righteous conduct with proud appearances and empty sacrifice. Justice, care for the needy, careful speech, and diligent work receive repeated attention.
Read chapter 29 versesChapter 22.
A good name, humility, generosity, and careful training are commended. The chapter then introduces collected instructions about justice, debt, boundaries, and wise association.
Read chapter 35 versesChapter 23.
Instructions warn against greed, envy, excess, and destructive companions. Parental counsel urges truth, self-discipline, and the avoidance of drunkenness and sexual temptation.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 24.
Wisdom builds a stable life and equips people to face adversity. The chapter encourages helping those in danger and closes with a vivid warning about neglected work.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 25.
Collected sayings associated with Solomon address royal service, humility, tact, and restraint. Memorable comparisons show how timing and self-control affect words and relationships.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 26.
The sayings expose the conduct of fools, the lazy, meddlers, and deceitful speakers. Quarrels grow when people feed them rather than exercise restraint.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 27.
The reader is warned against boasting about tomorrow and urged to value honest friendship. Careful attention to responsibilities is illustrated through tending flocks and herds.
Read chapter 28 versesChapter 28.
Justice, confession, generosity, and trustworthy leadership are contrasted with corruption and greed. The chapter repeatedly examines how power and wealth affect vulnerable people.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 29.
Leadership, discipline, anger, and the fear of others shape community life. The sayings urge justice and restraint while exposing the harm caused by flattery and ungoverned power.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 30.
Agur acknowledges human limits and asks for neither poverty nor riches. Numbered observations from daily life and nature invite humility, wonder, and moral discernment.
Read chapter 31 versesChapter 31.
A mother advises King Lemuel about self-control and defending the vulnerable. An alphabetic poem then celebrates the wisdom, strength, industry, and generosity of a capable woman.
Read chapterKing James Version (KJV). Bible text supplied by eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society. Summaries are written with AI assistance and are separate from Scripture. Read the chapter itself when considering its meaning.