Quiz: Can You Fill In the Blanks in These Verses From the Book of Proverbs?: HowStuffWorks
Can You Fill In the Blanks in These Verses From the Book of Proverbs?
By: Beth Hendricks
6 Min Quiz
Image: Steve Debenport/E+/Getty Images
About This Quiz
People often say, "I wish life came with a set of instructions!" Well, what if it did? Not only is the Bible, as a whole, a pretty good handbook to use to guide and order your steps, but the Book of Proverbs –- the Bible's twentieth book situated in the Old Testament –- is very much a road map of sorts for living a godly life. Many people believe Solomon authored much of the book. He's often referred to as one of the wisest men to ever live, so that would make him a pretty good person to listen to!
Proverbs covers many interesting and varied topics, from how to acquire true knowledge to interacting with your family to the characteristics of a virtuous spouse and the importance of helping the poor. Think of it as a condensed version of the Bible situated within one book's 31 chapters. We even get many of the common sayings you hear uttered today from Proverbs, things like, "Pride comes before a fall" or "Spare the rod and spoil the child."
Now it's time to put your "Proverbial" prowess to the test. Read through these popular verses we've pulled from Proverbs and try your hand at guessing the missing word. Let's see if "wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding" (that's you!).
The Book of Proverbs tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all thine ______; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5 is one of the most popular and most quoted of all the verses in the book. It instructs an individual to believe in God and not to trust in their human understanding of things around them.
Trying to wise up. Proverbs tells us that "The _____ of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:7 explains how fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This isn't a fear like you experience when you're afraid of the dark; rather, it's more akin to a reverence or respect.
Proverbs tells us the worth of a woman in virtue in this verse: "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above _______."
The bulk of Proverbs' thirty-first chapter paints a picture of what the Bible describes as a virtuous woman. In Proverbs 31:10, we find out that she is extremely valuable, even more than a precious gemstone like a ruby.
"Every word of God is pure: he is a _______ unto them that put their trust in him." God is described as many things. What is He in this verse?
Proverbs 30:5 tells us that God's word is pure and that he will protect, or shield, us when we trust in Him and the word he has given us. This is just one example of a descriptive term used to describe God in Proverbs.
"_____ sharpeneth _____; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." What term does Proverbs double-up on in this verse?
Proverbs 27:17 explains to us that "iron sharpeneth iron." That's an interesting way to explain the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between two Christians who commune together in His word.
This verse is frequently used when discussing leadership: "Where there is no ______, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Proverbs 29:18 speaks to a lack of vision and what happens to people who are exposed to a situation where there is no vision. Without a road map such as the Bible to guide you, you are surely doomed to fail.
Proverbs speaks to the notion of tithing in this verse: "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the ________ of all thine increase:"
It's not out of the abundance or leftovers that Proverbs 3:9 is speaking to. This verse is instructing people to give to God first (with the firstfruits) and that this is honorable to Him.
Who needs a doctor? Proverbs says, "A merry heart doeth good like a ________: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that something as simple as a merry or happy heart is good for our bodies, just like medicine can be. But, people who are broken, bitter or sad dry up and wither away.
Who's in charge here? Proverbs says, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord _________ his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 explains that while we, as human beings, are free to chart our own course in life, the Lord is working behind the scenes to direct the steps along the path we will take. He knows everything!
A popular verse among Christians: "In all thy ways _____________ him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The verse at Proverbs 3:6 tells us to acknowledge the Lord in everything we do, which is basically seeking His favor in everything we do, and He will guide us along the way we should go.
This verse distinguishes the simple from the wise: "The simple inherit ________: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."
In Proverbs 14:18, we learn a valuable distinction between those who the Bible describes as simple and those described as prudent or wise. The simple man takes a path that leads to foolish behavior, while the prudent man walks a path of understanding.
Proverbs speaks to the type of woman who is revered: "Favour is deceitful, and ________ is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."
Put down the cosmetics, lady! Proverbs 31:30 tells us that beauty is vain (or useless), but that it's the fear or reverence of the Lord that makes a woman worthy in His eyes.
Proverbs speaks on blessings: "He that withholdeth ______, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it."
Proverbs 11:26 is trying to tell us that when we are given the tools with which to help others but choose not to help, we forfeit God's blessing. Our gifts are always best used to help others rather than being stored away for ourselves.
Trying to diffuse an argument? Proverbs says, "A soft answer turneth away _______: but grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 gives you the formula for how to diffuse an argument, telling us that a soft answer turns away wrath, but that yelling and screaming perpetuates anger. That's a hard one to remember sometimes!
Oh, the irony! Proverbs say, "As a jewel of gold in a _____ _____, so is a fair woman which is without discretion."
Proverbs 11:22 likens a beautiful woman without discretion to a beautiful jewel in a pig's nose. They may both look good, but they're just ornamental -- there is no real substance or beauty there.
Proverbs tells us how to be a good friend: "A friend loveth _____ _____ _____, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 makes it clear that a true friend is one who loves you at all times, not just when it's convenient. This means that a real friendship should persist in good times and in bad.
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy ________:" This verse gives us directions on who to follow.
Proverbs 1:8 speaks to the importance of the direction of both the father and the mother in the life of a child, who is admonished to both listen and follow the directions he is given.
Consider this verse a warning: "Pride goeth before _________, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Though you've probably heard this said as "Pride goes before a fall," the entire verse in Proverbs 16:18 offers a bit more clarity than that, pointing to both pride and a haughty spirit as precursors to destruction and failure.
This verse might be speaking to earthly pastors: "A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is ________."
We have certainly known and seen ministers and ambassadors of God's word fall into peril or mischief. Proverbs 13:17 tells us these people are wicked, but that faithful ambassadors are both spiritually healthy themselves and offer spiritual health to others.
This verse makes a surprising reference to a mighty force: "Go to the _____, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:"
Ants are notorious for their hard work and ability to carry far more than their body weight. Proverbs 6:6 tells us to consider the hard work of these creatures and to not neglect our own jobs.
"My son, forget not my law; but let thine ______ keep my commandments:" What is Proverbs referring to here?
God wants us to keep his commandments not just in our heads, with our mental capacity, but in our hearts, which govern many of our actions. Proverbs 3:1 tells us about the importance of heart acceptance and understanding.
Be careful! Proverbs says, "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is ________."
Proverbs 9:17 is a warning against indulging in sinful behaviors, particularly those when we think no one else will find out. While they may seem sweet or pleasant, the repercussions can be destructive to a Christian's life.
Proverbs says you might want to find one of these: "Whoso findeth a ______ findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord."
Proverbs 18:22 is speaking about the beauty of marriage in this verse, not just the wife being "a good thing" (sorry, ladies!). The Bible speaks in multiple places about the sanctity of marriage and God's approval of it.
Watch out for this one: "He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a ______."
Proverbs 10:18 talks about that person who will lie to your face or speak badly about you to others. That person, according to this verse, is a fool –- a term that the Lord does not take lightly in Scripture.
The verse in Proverbs is all about friendship: "A man that hath friends must shew himself ________: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24 defines the basic tenants of friendship, in that you must show yourself to be a friend in order to have friends. It also speaks to "a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" –- that's God, of course.
Foolish people do things one way; wise people do them another: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto _______ is wise."
Proverbs 12:15 tells us that people who are foolish think everything they do is right, without any outside input or advice. But, people who are wise seek the counsel of those who are gifted in order to make wise decisions.
"A _____ _____ is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." What does Proverbs say is more important than great wealth?
A "good name" in Proverbs 22:1 speaks to your reputation among others. Do you have a good name (or reputation) with those around you? The Bible says that is more important than being wealthy.
Some people are better for you than others, according to Proverbs: "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a _________ _________ concealeth the matter."
Have you ever heard the saying that people who talk to you will talk about you? Proverbs 11:13 seems to reiterate that. Talebearers or gossips will tell everything, but people who are faithful to you will keep their mouths shut.
"Wise men lay up _____________: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction." Proverbs says you should stockpile this particular item.
Proverbs 10:14 speaks to the importance of amassing knowledge and knowing when it is the appropriate time to speak. Those who are foolish rush into speaking and frequently find themselves in troublesome situations for doing so.
It's all under control. Proverbs says, "The king's _______ is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
Truly, at the end of the day, the Lord is in control of everything the king has, but this verse in Proverbs 21:1 speaks to the king's heart. It is a comfort to Christians to know that the Lord is always in control, even when we don't feel like He is.
Just before this verse, Proverbs is speaking about fearing the Lord and departing from evil. Then, it says: "It shall be health to thy navel, and _______ to thy bones."
Marrow is the literal lifeblood and moisture that nourishes our bones; otherwise, they would dry up, crack and break. Proverbs 3:8 tells us that fearing the Lord and staying away from evil will keep our bodies nourished.
"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but _____ is a reproach to any people." What does Proverbs speak of being a reproach?
Proverbs 14:34 is very clear that righteous thinking, behaviors and actions advance a nation, but that sin is a disgrace to a nation's people. Sin brings ruin on a people, as well as God's judgment.
Which dinner option would you choose? "Better is a dinner of herbs where _____ is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."
Proverbs 15:17 is speaking to how much better it would be to eat a meager meal of herbs in a loving environment than a more "appealing" dinner of meat in an environment of hatefulness.
This one isn't about a woman, but rather wisdom: If thou seekest her as ________, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;"
Proverbs 2:4 explains that one should seek after wisdom and understanding as one who search out silver, a rather formidable task for millers of silver back in the day. This verse indicates that people should seek out these virtues as those trying to uncover hidden treasure.
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my _______." What does Proverbs say you should incline your ear toward?
Proverbs 4:20 is another admonishment to adhere to the words of God and the Scripture and to listen attentively to my "sayings," including those put down on paper in Proverbs and elswhere.
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