Overview
The Bible addresses proverbs across 27 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Ezekiel and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Young Men, Instruction, Children and Responsibility. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Saul, David, Solomon and Abner.
Key Bible verses about proverbs
Old Testament
1 Samuel
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? of: Heb. from thence
As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.
2 Samuel
Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
Then she spake, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel at Abel: and so they ended the matter. They were: or, They plainly spake in the beginning, saying, Surely they will ask of Abel, and so make an end
Proverbs
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; equity: Heb. equities
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. discretion: or, advisement
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. in the: Heb. in the eyes of every thing that hath a wing
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
Ezekiel
Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?
Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.
Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.
What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.
Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
New Testament
Luke
And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. grapes: Gr. a grape
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
People in the Bible and proverbs
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying proverbs for yourself
- Begin with 1 Samuel 10:12, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Proverbs, Ezekiel and 1 Samuel each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Saul, David and Solomon and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Young Men, Instruction, Children and Responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about proverbs?
The Bible addresses proverbs across 27 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Proverbs, Ezekiel and 1 Samuel. Closely related themes include Young Men, Instruction, Children and Responsibility. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Saul, David, Solomon and Abner.
How many Bible verses are about proverbs?
The Bible references proverbs in 27 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention proverbs?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 1 Samuel 10:12: “And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? of: Heb. from thence”
Which people in the Bible are associated with proverbs?
Saul, David, Solomon, Abner and Ishbosheth.
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on proverbs.
Preach a series on Proverbs →