And you shall become a horror, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples where the Lord will lead you away.

And a man of the place answered, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you.

He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.

then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and the house that I have consecrated for my name I will cast out of my sight, and Israel will become a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

The Beginning of Knowledge

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

The Proverbs of Solomon

The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

More Proverbs of Solomon

These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools.

Fear God and Keep His Commandments

Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care.

“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have about the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing’?

Tell them therefore, ‘Thus says the Lord God: I will put an end to this proverb, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel.’ But say to them, The days are near, and the fulfillment of every vision.

“Behold, everyone who uses proverbs will use this proverb about you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’

“What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge’?

As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.

And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’”

What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”