Proverbs

American  

[prov-erbz] / ˈprɒv ərbz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a book of the Bible, containing the sayings of sages. Prov.

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Proverbs British  

/ ˈprɒvɜːbz /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a book of the Old Testament consisting of the proverbs of various Israelite sages including Solomon

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Etymology

Origin of Proverbs

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French proverbes, from Late Latin Prōverbia (Salomōnis, Solomōnis), translation of Hebrew mishlē (Shĕlōmōh) “Proverbs (of Solomon)”

Example Sentences

The milkshake cup features Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2025

The King James Bible is loaded with memorable analogies, and one of the most vivid is from Proverbs: “As a dog returneth to its vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”

From New York Times • Aug. 17, 2023

The King will pray aloud using words inspired from the hymn I vow to thee my country and from the biblical books of Galatians and Proverbs.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2023

His grandfather and mother, he replied — then quoted Proverbs 23:7.

From Washington Post • Feb. 22, 2023

“I would suggest Proverbs, 24th Chapter, 21st verse,” said the old minister, with a canny gleam in his eye which Kit understood as John began to read.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare