The Wise (General Figure)
Category: Endurance in righteous living & daily choices
Could avoid: Take shortcuts, follow the wicked.
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 7:13–14; Romans 6:21.
Chose: To fear the LORD and walk in wisdom.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7)
Cross-Refs: Job 28:28; Ecclesiastes 12:13.
Endured: Discipline, correction, long obedience.
“Do not despise the LORD’s discipline… because the LORD disciplines those he loves.” (Proverbs 3:11–12)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 12:5–6; Revelation 3:19.
Why: Believed God’s wisdom leads to life.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 37:5; James 1:5.
Result: Stability, fruitfulness, long life.
“For those who find me [wisdom] find life and receive favour from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:35)
Cross-Refs: John 10:10; James 3:17.
The Righteous
Category: Endurance through integrity & justice
Could avoid: Compromise with wickedness for gain.
“Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.” (Proverbs 10:2)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 37:16–17; Matthew 6:19–20.
Chose: To live uprightly, even when costly.
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (Proverbs 11:3)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 25:21; Titus 2:7–8.
Endured: Poverty, false accusations, hardship.
“Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.” (Proverbs 28:6)
Cross-Refs: James 2:5; Revelation 2:9.
Why: Trusted God as their defender and rewarder.
“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 46:1; Hebrews 6:18.
Result: Deliverance, joy, and everlasting remembrance.
“When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” (Proverbs 11:10)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 112:6; Matthew 25:21.
The Diligent
Category: Endurance in work & perseverance in responsibility
Could avoid: Laziness, neglect.
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief.” (Proverbs 6:10–11)
Cross-Refs: Ecclesiastes 10:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Chose: Hard work, steady perseverance.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (Proverbs 6:6)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 10:4; Colossians 3:23.
Endured: Long labour, patient sowing before harvest.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” (Proverbs 12:11)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 6:7–9; James 5:7.
Why: Believed diligence honours God.
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Proverbs 10:4)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 21:5; Hebrews 6:10–12.
Result: Prosperity, leadership, satisfaction.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 128:2; 1 Corinthians 15:58.
The Woman of Noble Character (Proverbs 31)
Category: Endurance in faith, family, and community service
Could avoid: Neglect her household and calling.
“She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family.” (Proverbs 31:15)
Cross-Refs: Titus 2:4–5; 1 Timothy 5:10.
Chose: To live faithfully, industriously, and wisely.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 112:7; 1 Peter 3:3–4.
Endured: Tireless labour, self-sacrifice, discipline.
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” (Proverbs 31:17)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 6:9; Philippians 2:4.
Why: Feared the LORD above all.
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 111:10; 1 Peter 1:3–4.
Result: Praised by her family and honoured publicly.
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 25:21; 1 Peter 5:4.