The book of Proverbs is a collection of nuggets of wisdom that was compiled around 3000 years ago. In our age, where talk is cheap and social media trolls abound, it is more relevant than ever before. Here are 29 of our faves…

• “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19)
• “With his mouth, the godless man would destroy his neighbour, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.” (Proverbs 11:9)
• “Whoever belittles his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” (Proverbs 11:12)
• “The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16)
• “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
• “Good sense wins favour, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.” (Proverbs 13:15)
• “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:7)
• “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
• “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
• “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)
• “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” (Proverbs 15:18)
• “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is.” (Proverbs 15:23)
• “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” (Proverbs 15:28)
• “The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” (Proverbs 16:21)
• “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)
• “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 17:27)
• “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28)
• “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” (Proverbs 18:2)
• “A fool’s mouth walks into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.” (Proverbs 18:6)
• “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13)
• “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17)
• “It is an honour for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarrelling.” (Proverbs 20:3)
• “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)
• “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.” (Proverbs 26:4)
• “Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” (Proverbs 26:17)
• “Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)
• “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2)
• “If a wise man has an argument with a fool, the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.” (Proverbs 29:9)
• “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 29:20)