Proverbs are meaningful messages, moral maxims, and timeless truths.
Their wholesome words come from many cultures and several sources to teach us important life lessons.
Proverbs are memorable sayings.
John Russell said, “A proverb is the wisdom of many and the wit of one.”
The nuggets of wisdom they contain can help you live a happier life.
Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Because they are instructive, I have collected many over the years.
Because brevity makes them memorable, I have shortened them to be as concise as possible. This also makes them powerful, potent and practical.
For example, when I read, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment,” as found in John 7:24, I consolidate this as: “Judge justly.” This is one of 29 alliterative proverbs you will find in my post, 29 Ways To Perpetuate Peace.
Here are some more short sayings:
* Accentuate the positive… Be optimistic.
* Align your actions with love… Be loving!
* Challenge yourself to excellence… Be better.
* Decisions determine destiny… Be wise.
* Now is the only time to live… Live now!
* Remember who you are and where you’ve come from. Be yourself.
Whereas QUOTES are citations, or figures of speech, PROVERBS are clearly clever catchphrases, brilliant bywords, or folk wisdom. There are many kinds of these short sayings. May they inspire you!
Affirming Proverbs
Proverbs also serve as powerful affirmations. They offer words of encouragement, hope and motivation.
You are beautiful.
You are lovable.
You are unique.
You are never too old.
You are not a failure.
You are worthy of respect.
You can change.
You deserve the very best.
You deserve to be happy.
You have great value!
You have options.
You will find your way.
Biblical Proverbs
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ~ Proverbs 17:22
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. ~ Proverbs 17:17
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breach of the spirit. ~ Proverbs 15:4
A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength. ~ Proverbs 24:5
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred. ~ Proverbs 15:17
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. ~ Proverbs 22:4
Come let us takes our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with love. ~ Proverbs 7:18
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. ~ Proverbs 16:3
Criticize constructively. ~ Lamentations 3:40
Do everything in love. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. ~ Proverbs 16:24
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. ~ Proverbs 21:21
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ~ Proverbs 3:3
Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. ~ Psalms 85:10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ~ Romans 12:9
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love. ~ Ephesians 4:2
There are hundreds more such proverbs in the Bible.
Cultural Proverbs From Around the World
African… “It takes a village to raise a child.” Be responsible.
Arab… “When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey.” Use words wisely.
Bulgarian… “A gentle word opens an iron gate.” Be polite.
Chinese… “Only he that has traveled the road knows where the holes are deep.” Learn from experience.
Irish… “Tell the truth and shame the devil.” Maintain integrity.
Japanese… “Vision with action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.” Plan properly.
Jewish… “Don’t approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back, or a fool from any side.” Be careful!
Philippines… “A clear conscience is far more valuable than money.” Be honest!
Russian… “Success and rest don’t sleep together.” Patiently persist.
Spanish… “Home is where the heart is.” Be happy everywhere.
Swedish… “Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it.” Love liberally.
Instructive Proverbs
First things first… Logically order and patiently plan your actions according to importance. Set priorities!
Get down to brass tacks… Don’t waste any time in taking action on your plan. Be proactive!
No man is an island… You can try to do it all by yourself but, at some point, you will need help from others.
Strike while the iron is hot… Capitalize on an opportunity while you have it. Take action!
Aristotle said, “To live happily is an inward power of the soul.” Live happily!
Two wrongs don’t make a right. Seeking revenge only makes things worse. Do right!
Enjoy this six-minute relaxing video with many wise words…
In conclusion… proverbs are timeless. As you can see, they still direct us by speaking to our heart.
You Have A Voice… Let’s Hear It
Which of these proverbs speak to you more strongly than the rest?
Do you agree that the wisdom contained in these proverbs can help you live a happier life?
Do you have a favorite proverb you would like to share?
I will love to know what your thoughts are. Please contribute here. here. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
Recommended Reading:
If you enjoyed this post, you may also wish to read:
109 Personal Leadership Quotes To Inspire You
31 Great Quotes of Thanksgiving and Appreciation
29 Motivational Quotes Sure To Ignite Your Passion
The post 53 Proverbs That Can Help You Live A Happier Life appeared first on Bill Butler.
