Proverbs Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)

Quote #1

Hear, my child, your father's instruction, and do not reject your mother's teaching; for they are a fair garland for your head, and pendants for your neck. (NRSV 1:8-9)

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (KJV 1:8-9)

Proverbs is very parental in tone and nature—the whole thing is structured as being the kind of (oft repetitive) advice a parent might give to a child.

Quote #2

A good wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. (NRSV 12:4)

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. (KJV 12:4)

Again, really straightforward: good wives benefit you, and bad wives will cheat on you or sell all your prize Star Wars action figures or, at least, take them out of their original packaging.

Quote #3

Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are diligent to discipline them. (NRSV 13:24)

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (KJV 13:24)

This is one of the Bible's most controversial moments: recommending corporal punishment. Will beating kids (with rods?) make them better people? We let you decide.