Proverb word of wisdom

The Bible: Proverbs: Words of Wisdom

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The Importance of Wisdom: Chapters 1-9

Purpose: Proverbs 1:1-6

Solomon’s wisdom exceeded that of everyone before him. The book of Proverbs is a remarkable distillation of that wisdom. Its purpose is clear: “For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young” (verses 2-4).

Wisdom speaks: Proverbs 1:7-33

Proverbs is written from the standpoint of a father instructing his son. It contains many instructions on avoiding immoral women and on living happily with a wife. Even wisdom (Hebrew: chokhmah) and folly (k^esiluth) are personified as women. Of course, the principles conveyed — avoiding immorality, deriving enjoyment from your marriage, seeking wisdom and spurning folly — apply equally to men and women.

In the ancient Near East, scribes used different types of writing material and instruments. For writing on papyrus (left), a reed was split or cut to act as a brush. In later times, reeds were cut to a point and split like a quill pen (see 3 John 13). Ink was usually charcoal mixed with gum or oil. It was kept in an inkhorn (Ezekiel 9:2, KJV) as a dried substance, on which the scribe would dip or rub his moistened pen. Illustration by Ken Tunell

Solomon first warns against falling prey to the enticement of sinners (verses 10-19). No matter how alluring the life of the criminal looks, its end is a violent death: “These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves! Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain” (verses 18-19).

Then Solomon portrays wisdom as a woman speaking in the street. In a parallel structure, wisdom twice reproaches the foolish for not listening to her (verses 24-25, 29-30) and then announces their consequent doom (verses 26-28, 31-32).

A poem to wisdom: Proverbs 2

This Proverbs is an intricately structured alphabetizing poem, 22 lines in length to correspond with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. After the introductory address, ” My son,” the poem is divided into six stanzas: verses 1-4, 5-8, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19 and 20-22. The first three stanzas begin with aleph, the first letter of the alphabet; the last three begin with lamed, the letter that starts the second half of the alphabet.

Moreover, the first lines of each of these stanzas summarize the poem: “If you accept my words…then you will understand the fear of the Lord…. Then you will understand what is right and just…. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men…. It will save you also from the adulteress…. Thus you will walk in the ways of good men” (verses 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 20). This sort of formal structure is typical of wisdom literature and serves a practical purpose: It makes the point — that wisdom is invaluable — easier to remember.

A code of ethics: Proverbs 3

Solomon now gives a series of commands, each two verses long, about honoring and trusting God and about love and faithfulness (verses 1-12). Then follows another hymn praising the virtues of wisdom (verses 13-24). Wisdom’s value is so high that “she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold” (verse 14).

Solomon dictates to a court scribe. Apart from their other duties, scribes were employed to keep accounts or transcribe legal information (Jeremiah 32:12), military data (2 Chronicles 26:11), other public documents (Judges 8:14; Isaiah 50:1) and personal correspondence (Jeremiah 36:18). Illustration by Mike Wimmer

The Proverbs also contains a series of prohibitions (verses 27-32) against harming one’s neighbor. These ethical teachings go far beyond the literal demands of the law: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act” (verse 27). This ethical principle was expounded by the apostle James: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (James 4:17). The book of Proverbs does more than give sound advice — it teaches a way of life.

Get wisdom: Proverbs 4

Solomon tells how his father, David, encouraged him to seek wisdom when he was a young boy (verses 1-9). He again stresses: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (verse 7). Then Solomon contrasts the way of wisdom with the way of the wicked (verses 11-19). He encourages his son to keep his words with all of his being (verses 20-27).

Do not commit adultery: Proverbs 5

This Proverbs is an intentionally graphic poem, warning against adultery. Its metaphors strike home: “For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword” (verses 3-4). Description and implicit warning turn to explicit prohibition: “Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house” (verse 8). The apostle Paul later commanded: “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). This principle applies to every aspect of life: Get as far away from sin as possible.

The poem also gives positive instruction: “Rejoice in the wife of your youth…. May her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19). God intended a husband and wife to find enjoyment in each other. We will later expound this theme in our commentary on the Song of Songs.

Introducing major themes: Proverbs 6:1-19

Three short passages introduce themes that are developed further in the later part of the book: the foolishness of being surety for a friend (verses 1-5), the folly of laziness (verses 6-11) and the hatred God has for evil (verses 12-19). The last point is illustrated as a list of seven things that are detestable to God: “Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers” (verses 17-19). Notice that three of these involve use of the tongue — another important theme.

Warnings against adultery: Proverbs 6:20-7:27

Solomon likens sleeping with another man’s wife to scooping fire into one’s lap or walking on hot coals (Proverbs 6:27-29). A starving thief might be pitied, but a man who has committed adultery will not be shown any mercy by a jealous husband (verses 30-35).

Proverbs 7 is another long poem warning against adultery. This poem uses an envelope structure — it begins and ends by exhorting the young man to hear his father’s instruction (Proverbs 7:1-5, 24-27). In between, Solomon describes how an immoral woman plies her craft: “I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey” (verses 17-19). Again, the result of immorality is vividly portrayed: “With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter” (verses 21-22).

Wisdom calls out again: Proverbs 8

In another chapter-length poem, Solomon again personifies wisdom as a woman proclaiming truth to those who would listen. Wisdom here makes some dramatic claims: “By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth…. The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began” (verses 15-16, 22-23).

Wisdom and folly: Proverbs 9

Solomon now personifies both wisdom and folly. First, wisdom prepares a feast of meat and wine on a furnished table served by maids for all people who are willing to forsake folly and go in the way of understanding (verses 1-6). Folly offers her followers a short-cut: “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” (verse 17). Yet this shortcut leads to death (verse 18). Notice also that folly can offer only bread and water, but wisdom offers meat and wine. There is ultimately far more satisfaction in going the right way.

Major themes of Proverbs 10-29

We do not have enough space to discuss all the diverse subjects contained in these chapters, so we will limit ourselves to several of the more frequently mentioned topics.

We begin with a piece of sound financial advice that is often ignored: “He who puts up security for another will surely suffer” (11:15). If you guarantee to pay if someone else defaults on a financial agreement, be prepared to kiss that money good-bye. And if you do this on behalf of a stranger, then you have only your own folly to blame when things go wrong. As two of the proverbs say, “Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger” (20:16; 27:13).

This does not mean that it is wrong to be surety for a friend, but it is risky. It is better to consider it a gift. If you are co-signer on a loan, you are taking chances. Judah offered himself as surety for his brother Benjamin (Genesis 43:8-9). He later offered to become Joseph’s slave in an attempt to ensure Benjamin’s safe return (Genesis 44:32-33). These courageous actions resulted in the joyous reunion of Joseph with Judah and the rest of his brothers. This example illustrates that the proverbs are not absolute laws, but wise instructions and general principles.

Respect for God

This theme occurs right from the beginning of the book: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (1:7). Both knowledge and wisdom are intimately connected with a respectful fear of God: “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom” (15:33); and “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10).

Fearing God leads to the godly attribute of hating evil: “Fear the Lord and shun evil” (3:7); “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (8:13); and “Through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil” (16:6).

Those who fear God do not need to fear any human: “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life” (14:26-27). Fearing God is to be preferred to having great wealth with trouble (15:16) because “the fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (19:23) and “humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life” (22:4).

The value of wisdom

In addition to being the major theme of the first nine chapters, the value of wisdom is discussed throughout the rest of the book. Solomon writes, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” (16:16). In fact, seeking wisdom is wise: “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers” (19:8).

The value of work

Another theme introduced earlier is the certainty of the sluggard, or lazy person, ending in poverty 6:6-11). Many proverbs repeat this message: “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (10:4); “A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing” (20:4) and “The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him” (21:25).

Two longer passages reinforce this point. One shows that sluggards will find the most outrageous excuse not to work and cannot be convinced of their folly (26:13-16). The other describes the property of the sluggard — broken down and overgrown with weeds and thorns — and warns that lack of diligence inevitably results in poverty (24:30-34).

Conversely, the diligent thrive: “The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (13:4); “He who works his land will have abundant food” (12:11); “All hard work brings a profit” (14:23); “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (21:5); and “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings” (22:29). The apostle Paul also understood the value of work: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Wealth and poverty

Proverbs has much to say about riches and poverty. Even though wisdom, understanding and knowledge are far more precious than wealth (8:10, 19; 16:16), riches do have value: “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor” (10:15); and “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (22:7).

Money is a power, and it can be put to good use. However, the rich must not become so engrossed with material wealth that they neglect their spiritual responsibilities. In the end, it is not riches but righteousness that is important (11:4). Of course, like everyone else, the rich must meet material obligations to God: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops” (3:9). They should also remember the poor: “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses” (28:27).

The proverbs are therefore in agreement with the law — human beings should love God (Deuteronomy 6:5) and neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). The proverbs stress that the most important thing in life is not wealth but one’s relationship with God: “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all” (22:2); and “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death” (11:4).

Correction and reproof

The book of Proverbs has stern warnings for scorners and scoffers who refuse to accept rebukes: “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (13:1); and “A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise” (15:12). Scorners are those fools who mock at making amends for sin (14:9), make light of justice (19:28) and are proud and arrogant (21:24). The wise person will drive out the mocker, and strife will cease as a result (22:10). In the end, “penalties are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools” (19:29).

Rebuke, or reproof, is a theme dealt with extensively throughout Proverbs. The Hebrew word for reproof, tokhachath, is used 16 times in Proverbs and only eight times in the rest of the Old Testament. Wisdom despairs at those who refuse her rebuke (1:25, 30). Those who ignore correction lead others astray (10:17) and are stupid (12:1). In addition, those who hate correction will die (15:10).

On the other hand, those who heed correction are prudent (15:5). They shall gain understanding (15:32) and be honored (13:18).

The other side of the coin is instruction. The Hebrew word for instruction, musar, occurs 30 times in Proverbs and only 20 times in the rest of the Old Testament. A wise person will listen to the instruction of both parents: “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (1:8).

Instruction is more precious than silver (8:10) and is the way to wisdom: “Listen to my instruction and be wise” (8:33); and “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (19:20). Instruction leads to life: “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life” (10:17). Correction and instruction are part of a Christian’s life. We must learn to accept correction when we are at fault. We must also continually receive instruction as to how we can better live God’s way of life.

Gossip and talebearing

Slanderous words are quickly believed by people who listen to talebearers. Such words do not just make a superficial impression — they corrupt the innermost being of the listener. Whereas, “without gossip a quarrel dies down” (26:20), a talebearer causes strife. Simply put, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret” (11:13).

Specifically, we should not make other people’s sins public knowledge: “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” (17:9). How much grief has been caused by not applying this one basic principle! God tells us to avoid talebearers and gossips: “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much” (20:19).

Using the tongue

Lying is condemned in no uncertain terms: “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (12:19); “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (12:22); and “Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor” (25:18).

Nor are we to boast about our achievements: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips” (27:2). Often, the best course of action is to keep silent: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (10:19); “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent” (17:28); and “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (29:11). Proverbs emphasizes that “an evil man is trapped by his sinful talk” (12:13) and “a fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul” (18:7).

Using the tongue

We can use the tongue positively, however. All those who give righteous instruction are commended: “The lips of the righteous nourish many” (10:21); “Kings take pleasure in honest lips” (16:13); and “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (25:11). However, the righteous will rebuke, if necessary, rather than flatter a person (28:23).

Throughout the book of Proverbs, the words of the righteous and the wicked are contrasted: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked” (10:11); “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value” (10:20); “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (12:18); “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly” (15:2); and “The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him” (15:26). In short, “the tongue has the power of life and death” (18:21).

The sayings of Agur: Proverbs 30

Chapter 30 of Proverbs contains the sayings of Agur, the son of Jakeh. We know nothing else about this man, but the wisdom within this chapter shows him to be an unusually astute observer of life.

He summed up the proverbs on riches and poverty by saying: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (verses 8-9).

A number of Agur’s proverbs are organized into sets of four observations. He notes that four things are never satisfied: “the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’” (verse 16). He also identifies four things that the earth cannot bear: “a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food, an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress” (verses 22-23).

Four things Agur mentions as too amazing for him to understand: “the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden” (verse 19). And four things Agur observed as moving with stately bearing: “a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him” (verses 30-31).

Advice to a king or prince was not uncommon in the wisdom literature of the ancient Near East. Proverbs 31:1-9 is unique, however, in recording the advice of a queen mother to her son. Artwork by Dan Andreasen

These sayings have a “there are three, no there are four” type structure, which puts the emphasis on the last item. For example, Agur’s real fascination is in regard to “the way of a man with a maiden”; and his real admiration is for a king at the head of his army.

The sayings of Lemuel: Proverbs 31:1-9

King Lemuel may have come from the kingdom of Massa in northern Arabia. The Hebrew word translated “oracle” in Proverbs 30:1 and 31:1 is massa’, which some scholars translate as the place Massa. Proverbs 31:1-9 contains a mother’s advice about the responsibilities of a monarch.

In two short sentences, Lemuel’s mother enunciates one of the king’s most important duties: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (verses 8-9). If the kings of Israel and Judah had applied this one principle, God would not have needed to send prophet after prophet to denounce the gross injustices perpetuated in those nations.

Author: Jim Herst and Tim Finlay

Quotes tagged as «words-of-wisdom»
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Sometimes in life, words of wisdom have a way of sinking into your brain and changing your life for the better.

Words of wisdom are helpful to anyone looking to get inspired through words that are as powerful as they are meaningful.

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According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, people regularly exposed to words of wisdom had higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.

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Learning from others can be a great way to realize our dreams and avoid making common mistakes.

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• Inspire you to dig deeper
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Inspirational quotes play a meaningful role in helping us realize our potential.

We’re counting down the ten most motivational wisdom quotes for students and workers.

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Words of wisdom to bring out the best in you

In a survey conducted by the National Endowment for Financial Education, 9 out of 10 Americans agreed that there is a strong connection between financial well-being and having access to financial advice and words of wisdom.

This indicates that wise words can help individuals make smart financial decisions.

1. “The best way out is always through.”- Robert Frost

When caught up in an unseemly situation, we usually look for the easy way out. And unfortunately, procrastination is the natural response. This quote serves us with a reminder that perhaps the best route is going “through” the problem, rather than around it. As a result, you find that good things begin to happen when you cease to delay and beat about the bush and take matters into your hand to resolve it.

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2. Carpe Diem – Latin Proverb

Coined in 23 BC by Horace, the term is derived from a poem in the Odes (book 1, number 11), and means “Seize the moment”. The Latin term over the years has evolved into the most quoted Latin phrase because of its implications to capture life’s opportunity and live life to the fullest!

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3. “Always Do What You Are Afraid To Do” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In each of our lives, there is this one person – if not ourselves – who holds us back in accomplishing our dreams. What better feeling to prove that every person is wrong by conquering your worst fears and doubts.

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Words of wisdom to help you fulfill your potential

According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, reading inspirational quotes can improve people’s mood and increase their resilience to stress.

This suggests that regularly reading words of wisdom can have a positive impact on our overall well-being.

4. “Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.” – Charles Kettering

Believe that it is absolutely impossible to fail, and you might just start acting as per your thinking as well! In spite of the worries that things may not work out, believe in its possibility, and your actions will reflect this positivity too!

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5. “Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.” – Theodore T. Hunger

Hunter tells us about how ultimately, our success and failure comes down to us- our hard work, our tenacity, and our perseverance.

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6. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

Your goal may be big, and at times, it may seem impossible and difficult. You will feel like you’re failing and you’re not getting anywhere. But perseverance, belief and conviction in those small steps that you’re taking towards those goals is what you need to be confident about. Consistently follow your life mission, one step at a time, no matter how small the step may be.

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Words of wisdom to help unlock your full potential

A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 71% of respondents reported feeling significant levels of stress.

By sharing motivational quotes and encouraging readers to reflect on their meaning, articles like “Words of Wisdom” can provide a helpful coping mechanism for those dealing with stress and anxiety.

7. “Opportunity is always knocking. The problem is that most people have the self-doubt station in their heads turned up way too loud to hear it” – Brian Vaszily

This funny motivational quote by Vaszily succinctly describes how we are the biggest enemies of ourselves, standing in the way of our success and accomplishments. Either we do not understand out true potential, or we begin to doubt our skills. It’s time to put aside all the worries to focus on what and how we can achieve excellence.

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8. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Every day we see the violence around us. While there is very little that we can do, the Indian political leader says it best. Start with the man in the mirror. Be the change you want to see within others. While you can’t influence the world, you can be a better human, and become the testament of the change.

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9. “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Dr. Robert Schuller

As the weather gets harsher and tougher, it’s time to brace yourself! The difficult times are simply temporary, but it is due to those tough and difficult times that you are stronger today. The best part is that you are now tougher today than you were yesterday! And more importantly, you got through it all. Celebrate your strength!

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10. “You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with all your might.” – Henry David Thoreau

So you’re focused and know exactly what you want? It’s not enough. Thoreau tells us through a beautifully accurate metaphor how it’s not just enough to know the right direction, but also do everything possible to get to the finish line!

If you’re enjoying this article, make sure to also check out these wise sayings about life to expand your understanding.

Words of wisdom to inspire and motivate you

A study by the University of Konstanz found that reading and reflecting on wise sayings can improve cognitive functioning and problem-solving abilities.

This highlights the potential benefits of regularly exposing ourselves to words of wisdom.

11. “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard

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12. “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James

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13. “I’m always doing things I can’t do. That’s how I get to do them.” – Pablo Picasso

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14. “There are three constants in life…change, choice and principles.” –Stephen Covey

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15. “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” – Andre Gide

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16. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

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17. “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks

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18. “Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

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19. “The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra

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20. “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” – Thomas Paine

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21. “Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino

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22. “You can never plan the future by the past.” —Edmund Burke

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23. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” —Friedrich Nietzsche

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24. “Lost time is never found again.” —Benjamin Franklin

25. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” —Robert Frost

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Words of wisdom to broaden your thoughts

A study by the University of California, Riverside, found that individuals who practice daily affirmations are more likely to experience increased life satisfaction and well-being.

Incorporating motivational quotes into daily routines could help improve overall happiness and mental health.

26. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

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27. “No” simply means begin again at one level higher.” – Peter Diamandis

28. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair

29. “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” – Oprah Winfrey

30. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

31. “Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.” – Anne Frank

32. “Soon, when all is well, you’re going to look back on this period of your life and be so glad that you never gave up.” – Brittany Burgunder

33. “It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever – the one who recognizes the challenges and does something about it.” – Vince Lombardi

34. “The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.” – Mark Caine

35. “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison

Words of wisdom to elevate your perspective

Research by the American Psychological Association reveals that positive self-talk, such as engaging with motivational quotes, can lead to better coping skills and stress management.

Incorporating words of wisdom into one’s life can help build resilience in the face of adversity.

36. “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius

37. “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” – Soren Kierkegaard

38. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

39. “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” – Lou Holtz

40. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

41. “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” – Mahatma Gandhi

42. “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda

43. “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

44. “No one can compete with you on being you. Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.” – Naval Ravikant

45. “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” – Jim Rohn

If you’re enjoying this article, make sure also to check our collection of eyes quotes that will intrigue you to look past what you see.

Words of wisdom to enlighten you

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, found that positive emotions, like those elicited by motivational quotes, can broaden an individual’s perspective and help them build valuable skills.

Reading words of wisdom can contribute to personal growth and long-term success.

46. “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien

47. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker

48. “The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” – John C. Maxwell

49. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

50. “What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.” – Wayne Dyer

51. “Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.” – George Whitefield

52. “Show the world how much you’ll fight for the winners circle.” – Pat Riley

53. “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle Onassis

54. “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot. Make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats

55. “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh

You might also like these wise Native American quotes on community, respect, and more.

Words of wisdom to live by

In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans reported feeling that their personal lives were at least somewhat meaningful.

Sharing words of wisdom can help readers tap into and strengthen their sense of purpose, which can contribute to a greater sense of meaning in life.

56. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein

57. “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, it’s all the same day.” – Janis Joplin

58. “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” — George Bernhard Shaw

59. “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” – Margaret Fuller

60. “He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears.” — Michel De Montaigne

61. “Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, just harness your power to your passion.” – Oprah Winfrey

62. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” — Confucius
If you’re enjoying these quotes, make sure to check out our collection of simple quotes that will help you live a simply beautiful life.

63. “The opinion which other people have of you is their problem, not yours.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

64. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” — Mary Engelbreit

65. “You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” – Melissa Etheridge

Words of wisdom to elevate your mind

The World Health Organization has identified stress as a leading cause of illness and disability worldwide, with approximately 1 in 5 people experiencing significant levels of stress.

This statistic highlights the importance of mental health and self-care, and can encourage readers to seek out words of wisdom to help them cope with stress and promote well-being.

66. “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” —Charles Kingsleigh

67. “You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” — George Lorimer

68. “Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.” —Benjamin Disraeli

69. “Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” —Thomas Carlyle

70. “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho

71. “The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” —Tricia Cunningham

72. “We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” —Marie Curie

73. “Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” —Farrah Gray

74. “Sometimes the fall kills you. And sometimes, when you fall, you fly.” —Neil Gaiman

75. “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” —Earl Nightingale

Words of wisdom that will change the way you think

According to a survey conducted by YouGov, the most commonly cited source of inspiration for Americans is their own personal experiences.

This statistic highlights the value of personal growth and introspection, and can encourage readers to reflect on their own experiences and seek out words of wisdom to guide them through life’s challenges.

76. “Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”― Roy T. Bennett

77. “I believe in only one thing, the power of human will.”― Joseph Stalin

78. “Laughter is poison to fear.”― George R.R. Martin

79. “A wise warrior learns from her mistakes.”― Leigh Bardugo

80. “Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise.”― Horace

81. “The well-bred contradict other people. the wise contradict themselves.”― Oscar Wilde

82. “I don’t fancy colors of the face, I’m always attracted to colors of the brain.”― Michael Bassey Johnson

83. “I don’t agree that when you love, you are blind or fool. You just get wiser and see clearer what is best and of worth.”― Hark Herald Sarmiento

84. “Like a missing tooth, sometimes an absence is more noticeable than a presence.”― Jodi Picoult

85. “Love the people who love you back.”― Laura Ruby

Words of wisdom to inspire you to greatness

A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that reading inspirational quotes can increase feelings of hope and optimism.

This statistic can encourage readers to seek out and share words of wisdom, potentially improving their mood and outlook on life.

86. “It’s the questions we can’t answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact. But give him a question and he’ll look for his own answers.”― Patrick Rothfuss

87. “Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”― Roy T. Bennett

88. “Dieting is the only game where you win when you lose!”― Karl Lagerfeld
If you’re enjoying these quotes, make sure to read our collection of Karl Lagerfeld quotes that will make you see the art in life.

89. “No matter how tiny you look, you can lead huge men if you have what the huge men don’t have.”― Michael Bassey Johnson

90. “I criticize by creation, not by finding fault.”― Marcus Tullius Cicero

91. “Faith keeps our ships moving, while empathy and the memories of our experiences lead to wisdom.”― Suzy Kassem

92. “The wisest men follow their own direction.”― Euripides

93. “Make your lives a masterpiece, you only get one canvas.”― E.A. Bucchianeri

94. “The weak are dominated by their ego, the wise dominate their ego, and the intelligent are in a constant struggle against their ego.”― Hamza Yusuf

95. “The choice to make good choices is the best choice you can choose. Fail to make that choice and on most choices you will lose.”― Ryan Lilly
If you’re enjoying this collection of quotes, then you’ll love our collection of short inspirational quotes that will help you remain positive and optimistic.

Words of wisdom to empower you

96. “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”― Roy T. Bennett

97. “Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but the instruments of the wise.”― Samuel Lover

98. “Letting go means to come to the realization that some people are a part of your history, but not a part of your destiny.”― Steve Maraboli

99. “Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. ”― William James

100. “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”― Confucius

101. “You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.”― Eleanor Roosevelt

102. “Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you’re enjoying these quotes, read our collection of ambition quotes to set your sights sky high.

103. “In the end, you have to choose whether or not to trust someone.”― Sophie Kinsella

104. “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”― Pablo Picasso

105. “Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”― Bruce Lee
If you’re enjoying these quotes, make sure to read our collection of Bruce Lee quotes from the iconic actor and fighter.

Powerful words of wisdom

106. “Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.”― Roy T. Bennett

107. “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”― Napoleon Hill

108. “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.”― Zig Ziglar

109. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”― Jim Rohn

110. “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.”― Arthur C. Clarke

111. “Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.”― Miguel de Unamuno

112. “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”― Wayne W. Dyer

113. “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”― Jim Rohn

114. “Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”― Helen Keller

115. “I cannot let the fear of the past color the future.”― Julie Kagawa

116. “Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

117. “Don’t settle for what life gives you; make life better and build something.” — Ashton Kutcher

118. “You never really learn much from hearing yourself speak.” ― George Clooney

119. “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” – Les Brown

120. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln

You might also like these demotivational quotes celebrating your uninspired side.

Inspirational words of wisdom

121. “We generate fears while we sit. We overcome them by action.” — Dr. Henry Link

122. “Enjoy your sweat because hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but without it, you don’t have a chance.” — Alex Rodriguez

123. “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” — Confucius

124. “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser

125. “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” — Jim Ryun

126. “Rarely have I seen a situation where doing less than the other guy is a good strategy.” — Jimmy Spithill

127. “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” — Pablo Picasso

128. “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey

129. “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” — Theodore Roosevelt

130. “What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” — Oscar Wilde

Words of wisdom about change

131. “Play to your strengths. If you aren’t great at something, do more of what you’re great at.” – Jason Lemkin

132. “Change before you have to.” – Jack Welch

133. “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

134. “Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.” – Nikos Kazantzakis

135. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

136. “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” – Albert Einstein

137. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

138. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

139. “There is nothing permanent except change.” – Heraclitus

140. “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell

Words of wisdom you won’t forget

141. “Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.” —Roy T. Bennett

142. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” —Helen Keller

143. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe

144. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

145. “By changing nothing, nothing changes.” —Tony Robbins

146. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” —Oscar Wilde

147. “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” —Stephen King

148. “Your big opportunity may be right where you are standing right now.” —Napoleon Hill

149. “For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

150. “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” —C.S. Lewis

More words of wisdom

151. “Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”- Brian Tracy

152. “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James

153. “People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”- Rob Siltanen

154. “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell

155. “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.”- Dalai Lama

156. “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.” – Jim Rohn

157. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”- Walt Disney

158. “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

159. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean

160. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Words of wisdom you need to live by

161. “Spread love everywhere you go.” — Mother Teresa

162. “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

163. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” — Audrey Hepburn

164. “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” — Carol Burnett

165. “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Altshuler

166. “You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.” — Oprah Winfrey

167. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — Malala Yousafzai

168. “You can be everything. You can be the infinite amount of things that people are.” — Kesha

169. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman

170. “Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put some sunglasses on.” — Lady Gaga

Short words of wisdom quotes

171. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” — Jim Rohn

172. “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” — Napoleon Bonaparte

173. “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!” — Walter Scott

174. “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” — Lewis Carroll

175. “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” — Will Rogers 

176. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” — Jim Elliot

177. “What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.” — Ellen Glasgow

178. “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

179. “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” — William Arthur Ward

180. “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.” — John C. Maxwell

Words of wisdom about progress

181. “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” – Frederick Douglass

182. “A little progress every day adds up to big results.” – Satya

183. “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” – Charles Kettering

184. “Progress is not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.” – Khalil Gibran

185. “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

186. “Failure is success in progress.” – Albert Einstein

187. “Success is steady progress toward one’s personal goals.” – Jim Rohn

188. “Some quit due to slow progress. Never grasping the fact that slow progress is progress.” – Jeff Olson

189. “Progress comes with practice, and practice comes with purpose. Know your “why.”” – Melissa Steginus

190. “Whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King

Motivational words of wisdom

191. “Do the scary thing first and get scared later.”― Lemony Snicket

192. “Don’t work to hard on appearing to be right, but on being right.”― Yuri van der Sluis

193. “Your mistakes can give you best lessons.”― Brajesh Kumar Singh

194. “You have to have drive and commitment – as well as an honest sense of what is and isn’t possible.”― Marcus Luttrell

195. “Look for the miracles in every moment.”― Lailah Gifty Akita

196. “If the journey wasnt challenging the destination wouldn’t be rewarding.
It’s the challenge that makes it great”― Foster Mkhabele

197. “There is no hurdle too high for you to jump over.”― Michael H. Forde

198. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and reality.”― Rodman Lu

199. “No man is a failure, for only he must not quit.”― Davinder Pahra

200. “You don’t know what happiness lies before you yet, you are now only in the commencement of your journey.”― Anne Brontë

Words of wisdom about life

201. “It is intuitive that people who smile and cut out negativity from their life will live longer, healthier lives.” – Deena B. Chopra

202. “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

203. “Life doesn’t exist to meet our expectations.” – Jerry Dorsman and Bob Davis, How to Achieve Peace of Mind

204. “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.” —Dalai Lama

205. “Living a more positive life comes down to attitude and action.” – Catherine Pulsifer

206. “He that respects himself is safe from others.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

207. “Life is a learning process, and you have the opportunity to make a change right here and now.” – Lori Hill, 5 Gifts to Give Yourself

208. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain

209. “Life is defined more by its risks than by its samenesses.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

210. “There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

Deep words of wisdom

211. “Don’t waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear.” – Paulo Coelho

212. “It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt of it.”― Maurice Switzer

213. “Pain can change you, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a bad change. Take that pain and turn it into wisdom.” – Dalai Lama

214. “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”― John Lennon

215. “If we manage ego wisely, we get the upside it delivers followed by strong returns.” – Dave Marcum

216. “Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.” ― Isaac Asimov

217. “For me, a sense of prosperity often comes with less rather than more.” – Lori Hill

218. “Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”― Martin Luther King Jr.

219. “I not only use all the brains that I have but all that I can borrow.” – Woodrow Wilson

220. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”― Sharon Salzberg

Words Of Wisdom To Sharpen Your Wit

221. “The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.” — Brian Herbert

222. “A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.” — Bruce Lee

223. “You don’t get character because you’re successful; you build character because of the hardships you face.” — Herman Edwards

224. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius

225.  “When the wisdom speaks, be silent. Do not waste your candle when the sun is there.” — Mehmet Murat Ildan

226. “If small things have the power to disturb you, then who you think you are is exactly that: small.” — Eckhart Tolle

227. “A person’s tongue can give you the taste of his heart.” — Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya

228. “You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.” — William Blake

229. “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.” — Socrates

230. “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” — Thomas Jefferson

Words of Wisdom To Give You Joy in What You Do

231. “Joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.” — Gautama Buddha

232. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” — Marcus Tullius Cicero

233. “Control your destiny or somebody will.” — Jack Welch

234.  “Conquering others requires force. Conquering oneself requires strength.” — Laozi

235. “We must enhance the light, not fight the darkness.” — A. D. Gordon

236. “Don’t stumble over something behind you.” — Seneca the Younger

237. “It’s less about what you do and more about who you are doing it with.” — Joseph Gordon-Levitt

238. “To enjoy the rainbow, first enjoy the rain.” — Paulo Coelho

239. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” — Seneca the Younger

240. “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Zig Ziglar

Words of Wisdom to Improve Your Thinking

241. “You’ve heard that it’s wise to learn from experience, but it is wiser to learn from the experience of others.” ― Rick Warren

242. “Self-improvement and success go hand in hand. Taking the steps to make yourself a better and more well-rounded individual will prove to be a wise decision.” ― Frank Long

243. “The wise man hath his thoughts in his head; the fool, on his tongue.” ― Ivan Panin

244. “We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” ― George Bernard Shaw

245. “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” ― Lao Tzu

246. “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” ― Albert Einstein

247. “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” ― Francis Bacon

248. “It is said that wisdom lies not in seeing things, but seeing through things.” ― Manly P. Hall

249. “Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.” ― Sophocles

250. “To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” ― Bertrand Russell

Words of Wisdom To Live In The Moment

251. “Neither can the wave that has passed by be recalled, nor the hour which has passed return again.” ― Ovid

252. “Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.” ― Hypatia

253. “The more you know the less you need to say.” ― Jim Rohn

254. “To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to.” ― Khalil Gibran

255. “What you do to-day that is worthwhile, inspires others to act at some future time.” ― Marcus Garvey

256. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ― Aristotle

257. “Happiness belongs to the self sufficient.” ― Aristotle

258. “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” ― Bruce Lee

259. “Most good things have been said far too many times and just need to be lived.” ― Shane Claiborne

260. “It’s never too late to learn.” ― Malcolm Forbes

Words of Wisdom To Sharpen Your Wit

261. “Easy to do are things that are bad and harmful to oneself. But exceedingly difficult to do are things that are good and beneficial.” ― Gautama Buddha

262. “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” ― Socrates

263. “Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail to do.” ― Gautama Buddha

264. “The real destroyer of inner peace is fear and distrust. Fear develops frustration, frustration develops anger, anger develops violence.” ― Dalai Lama

265. “Joy comes not through possession or ownership but through a wise and loving heart.” ― Gautama Buddha

266. “You are never alone or helpless. The force that guides the stars guides you too.” ― Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar

267. “Never does any pride enter the heart of a man ex­cept that his in­tel­li­gence de­creases by the same amount.” ― Muhammad al-Baqir

268. “Nothing in the affairs of men is worthy of great anxiety.” ― Plato

269. “Honour may not win power, but it wins respect. And respect earns power.” ― Ishida Mitsunari

270. “When I have listened to my mistakes, I have grown.” ― Hugh Prather

Which of these words of wisdom was your favorite?

We hope that one, or even all, of these words of wisdom quotes, will serve you well and inspire you to seize every day.

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