Say What? Translate this into normal English
A merry heart doth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones
Proverbs 17:22
Being cheerful is therapeutic, discouragement can wear us down.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
According to this proverb, when do you discover what kind of friend someone really is?
during adversity/hard times
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Question: Give me a modern example of a “soft answer.”
Any response that de-escalates rather than escalates conflict.
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.”
Scenario: Someone sends you a shocking TikTok. You immediately repost it because it sounds true.
Ecclesiastes 1:2
“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”
Question: What does “vanity” mean here?
Not being obsessed with your appearance. The Hebrew hevel literally evokes vapor/breath—something fleeting, elusive, difficult to grasp.
Withdraw they foot from they neighbors house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
Proverbs 25:17
Don't overstay your welcome? what is a 2026 version of this? DMs?
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
What kind of friend “sharpens” you?
Someone who makes you better—challenges, encourages, corrects, or strengthens you.
Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Question: Translate.
The more you talk, the more opportunities you have to say something stupid. Sometimes wisdom means stopping talking
Proverbs 19:11
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
Scenario: Someone makes a mildly rude comment to you. You could respond, but decide it isn't worth it.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
Question: What truth about life is Ecclesiastes teaching?
Life has seasons. We can't make every season last or control when everything happens.
"As a dog returners to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."
Proverbs 26:11
returning to the same destructive behavior even after experiencing the consequences
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
What's the modern equivalent of a “whisperer”?
Someone who gossips, spreads rumors, screenshots private conversations, talks behind people's backs, etc.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Question: What is the proverb comparing words to?
Weapons or medicine—our words can wound people or help heal them.
Proverbs 13:20
“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Scenario: Your friends aren't “bad people,” but you notice you're becoming a version of yourself you don't particularly like when you're around them.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
“Two are better than one… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”
Question: After all of Ecclesiastes' questioning about what actually matters, what does the writer discover here?
Relationships matter. We need one another.
"He that blessed his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him."
Proverbs 27:14
Even something nice can become obnoxious when done at the wrong time or in the wrong way. Why is this surprisingly good advice about relationships?
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
How can being “wounded” by a friend actually be a sign of friendship?
A real friend sometimes tells you something difficult because they care about you rather than simply telling you what you want to hear.
Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
Question: Where do you see this happening all the time today?
social media, arguments, gossip, reacting to headlines, assuming someone's motives, responding before hearing the whole story.
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Question: Does this mean we shouldn't think for ourselves?
Proverbs celebrates learning and wisdom. It means recognizing that our own perspective is limited and ultimately trusting God.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong… but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
Question: How does this complicate what we've learned in Proverbs?
Proverbs teaches that wise choices generally lead toward good outcomes. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life isn't a vending machine. Good decisions don't guarantee that everything will go our way.
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
Proverbs 26:4-5
Sometimes wisdom means engaging with foolishness; sometimes wisdom means refusing to engage.
So how do you know which to do?
Proverbs 20:19
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler."
What does this tell us about those who gossip?
We might get angry at others for spreading it, but make sure we aren't the first to do it.
Proverbs 18:17
“He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
Question: What incredibly important principle about disagreement is hidden in this proverb?
The first version of a story can sound completely convincing—until you hear the other side.
Proverbs 4:7
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Question: What's the difference between being smart and being wise?
knowing information vs. knowing how to use it to live, choose, judge, and act well.
Put these two ideas side-by-side:
Proverbs: Live wisely. Your choices have consequences.
Ecclesiastes: Sometimes wise people suffer and foolish people prosper anyway.
Question: Are these books contradicting each other?
No. Together they give us a fuller picture of life: our choices matter enormously, but we do not control every outcome. Wisdom includes knowing the difference.