The empty-hearted are quick to criticize;
a heart filled with understanding values silence. (11:12)
Truth is forever;
falsehood lasts but a moment. (12:19)
Pretending to knowledge reveals your lack of it;
admitting ignorance is the beginning of wisdom. (13:7)
A closed mind causes strife;
an open mind cultivates wisdom. (13:10)
True wisdom is self-understanding;
fools deceive only themselves. (14:8)
A serious mind seeks understanding,
but a fool is satisfied with folly. (15:14)
The way to wisdom is through wonder;
the way to honor is through humility. (15:33)
Intuition is a source of knowledge,
but do not forsake reason in your quest for truth. (18:15)
Attending to reality returns your feet to the path
and your mind to the present moment. (19:27)
Understanding is a deep river running through
the heart;
learn to draw from it, and you will grow wise. (20:5)
Most people claim to be kind,
but the truth is known through the deeds. (20:6)
A discerning mind recognizes what is false
by simply observing the situation. (20:8)
The ear is for listening, not just hearing;
the eye for seeing, not just looking. (20:12)
The soul is a lamp that illuminates
the dark corners of mind and heart. (20:27)
The mind controls the body;
place your trust in wisdom, not strength. (21:22)
From Proverbs: The Wisdom of Solomon, translated by Rami Shapiro. Copyright © 2001 by Rabbi Rami M. Shapiro. All rights reserved. Reprinted by arrangement with Bell Tower, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, New York. www.randomhouse.com