The Wisdom of Piety
Proverbs 3:1–12
ca. 1200–332 BCE
1My son, do not forget my teaching
But let your mind retain my commandments;
2For they will bestow on you length of days,
Years of life and well-being.
3Let fidelity and steadfastness not leave you;
Bind them about your throat,
Write them on the tablet of your mind,
4And you will find favor and approbation
In the eyes of God and man.
5Trust in the…
Engage with this Source
Restricted
Related Guide
What Is the Book of Proverbs?
Biblical Period
The sayings collected in the biblical book of Proverbs were meant to instruct young men in the ways of wisdom and right behavior.
Restricted
Related Guide
Living a Good Life according to Biblical Wisdom Literature
Biblical Period
Biblical wisdom literature shares the educational and intellectual traditions of the broader ancient Near East.
Related Guide
Writings: The Third Section of the Jewish Bible
1200 BCE–332 BCE
You may also like
Acquire Wisdom
Proverbs 4:1–9
Sons, heed the discipline of a father;
Listen and learn discernment,
For I give you good instruction;
Do not forsake my teaching.
Once I was a son to my father,
The tender darling of my mother.…
Avoid Another Man’s Wife and Find a Wife of Your Own
Proverbs 5 (selections)
My son, listen to my wisdom;
Incline your ear to my insight,
That you may have foresight,
While your lips hold fast to knowledge.
For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey;
Her mouth is…
Adultery Kills
Proverbs 6:20–35 (selections)
My son, keep your father’s commandment;
Do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Tie them over your heart always;
Bind them around your throat.
When you walk it will lead you;
When you lie down…
From The Proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 17
Better a dry crust with peace
Than a house full of feasting with strife.
A capable servant will dominate an incompetent son
And share the inheritance with the brothers.
For silver—the crucible;
Fo…
The Words of the Sages: The Thirty Maxims
Proverbs 22:17–24:22
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the sages;Pay attention to my wisdom.It is good that you store them inside you,And that all of them be constantly on your lips,That you may…
Instruction of Amenemope
Instruction of Amenemope, Egypt. This collection of sayings (only the first four columns are shown) is so similar to Proverbs 22:17–23:11 that scholars posit a close literary connection between them…