“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes” (Proverbs 26:4-5). Part one on when to respond, and when to walk away.

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Self-control builds the wall that keeps you safe.

“If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring” (Proverbs 25:26). Boldly stand up for what is right.

“As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger” (Proverbs 25:23). Unlike the weather, gossip is entirely preventable.

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat…you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21-22). What it really means to kill them with kindness.

“Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound” (Proverbs 25:20). Sometimes the most loving thing is to just be there.

“Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot” (Proverbs 25:19). A look at why our trust is best placed fully in God, even as we stay wise and discerning with people.

“Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow” (Proverbs 25:18). A reminder that our words carry real power to wound or to heal, so we should choose them with care.

“Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome” (Proverbs 25:17). On finding the line between cultivating good relationships with neighbors and overstaying your welcome.

“Don’t eat too much honey, or it will make you sick… it’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself” (Proverbs 25:16,27). A look at how good things, taken to excess, can turn on us.

“Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones” (Proverbs 25:15). Why patience and gentle words carry more persuasive power than anger and shouting ever will.

“A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain” (Proverbs 25:14). A personal story about waiting on promised rain, and a reminder to follow through on what we say we’ll give.

“Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer” (Proverbs 25:13). A reminder that encouragement should flow both ways between employees and leaders.

“To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry” (Proverbs 25:12). Criticism can make you better or bitter; the difference is whether you’re willing to actually listen.

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket” (Proverbs 25:11). Good counsel is a gift, but only when it’s given and received at the right moment.

“When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation” (Proverbs 25:9-10). A challenge to guard others’ secrets, especially in the heat of conflict.

“A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit” (Proverbs 24:33-34). Small lapses in attention, repeated, are how neglect quietly takes over.

“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house” (Proverbs 24:27). A lesson in sequencing: make the resource productive before you start drawing it down.

“An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship” (Proverbs 24:26). Good friends act like a blind spot monitor, alerting us to dangers in life we can’t see ourselves.

“Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble” (Proverbs 24:17-18). A heart check for how we treat those who oppose us.