Emotional Intelligence in 22 Proverbs

The term emotional intelligence has been around only since Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer coined it in 1990. But principles underlying the concept have a much longer pedigree. Here are 22 bits of wisdom, culled from an ancient source of wisdom: the book of Proverbs.

 

  1. “Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm” (Proverbs 3:30).
  2. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12).
  3. “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19).
  4. “Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent” (Proverbs 11:12).
  5. “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself” (Proverbs 11:17).
  6. “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).
  7. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
  8. “Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge” (Proverbs 14:7).
  9. “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29).
  10. “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot” (Proverbs 14:30).
  11. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
  12. “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly” (Proverbs 15:14).
  13. “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things” (Proverbs 15:28).
  14. “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones” (Proverbs 15:30).
  15. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).
  16. “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9).
  17. “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14).
  18. “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27).
  19. “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent” (Proverbs 17:28).
  20. “It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling” (Proverbs 20:3).
  21. “‘Scoffer’ is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride” (Proverbs 21:24).
  22. “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back” (Proverbs 29:11).