Over the past two years, I have taught my two boys to drive and I honestly can’t say how many times I heard, “I know” out of their mouths. Right, you know, that’s why you didn’t do it and I keep having to tell you!

I’m pretty sure my three teens think they know it all already. Anyone else?

However, they’ve got a long way to go, not just with experiential wisdom, but also the wisdom from above which I’m responsible to pass on to them.

Since Proverbs has long been known as the book of wisdom, written by the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, I figure its a pretty good place to find the kind of wisdom I want my teens to be knowing.

Background on the Book of Proverbs in the Bible

Solomon’s wrote his proverbs around 900 B.C. King Solomon’s wisdom and favor from the Lord allowed Israel to excel spiritually, politically, and economically. During this time, his fame was world wide.

The book of Proverbs as stated in chapter was written as wisdom pass down from a father to his son. The purpose of the book is also made clear right at the beginning in Proverbs 1:2-6 NIV:

“for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
 for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
 for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.”

The central theme of proverbs is wisdom. Wisdom is likened to a woman who knows all, pursues knowledge and understanding, and keeps us from evil and disaster.

Wisdom in Proverbs for Teens

While the whole of the book of Proverbs is beneficial for all since it touches on daily wisdom for living, some of the verses tend the speak straight to the heart of a teen. I’d like to share these scriptures with you in hopes that they may be beneficial for parenting, advice, and prayer guidance.

I did a Wisdom for Children in Proverbs list of scriptures but with this one, I decided to separate them by topics that most speak to today’s issues.

Scriptures in Proverbs on Godly Wisdom

• Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. Prov. 3:13-14

• The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov. 9:10

• A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Prov. 19:11

Scriptures on Discipline

• My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,  because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Prov. 3:11-12

• Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Prov. 10:17

• Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Prov. 19:20

Scriptures in Proverbs for Dealing with Emotions

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Prov. 3:5

• Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Prov. 29:11

• Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Prov. 14:29

•  A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Prov. 14:30

Scriptures in Proverbs on Education

• For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6

• Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Prov. 9:9

• The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Prov. 18:15

Scriptures in Proverbs on Money

• Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you. Prov. 22:26-27

• Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Prov. 13:11

• Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Prov. 11:28

• All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Prov. 14:23

Scriptures in Proverbs on Relationships

• The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Prov. 12:26

• A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Prov. 17:17

• Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,  or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. Prov. 22:24-25

Scriptures in Proverbs on Alcohol and Drugs

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
    Who has strife? Who has complaints?
    Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
 Those who linger over wine,
    who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
 Do not gaze at wine when it is red,
    when it sparkles in the cup,
    when it goes down smoothly!
 In the end it bites like a snake
    and poisons like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange sights,
    and your mind will imagine confusing things.
 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas,
    lying on top of the rigging.
 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
    They beat me, but I don’t feel it!
When will I wake up
    so I can find another drink?”

-Proverbs 23:29-35, Saying 19 of the Wise

Prayer for Wisdom for Teens

Lord, You are are the giver of wisdom. I ask that you will help me to parent with your wisdom and truth. Give me knowledge and understanding to pass on these nuggets of wisdom to my teens.

God, give your discernment, wisdom, understanding, and righteous thinking to my teen. Help them know the difference between Your way and the way of this world. Guide them far away from evil and foolish people.

Finally, Lord, may they pass this wisdom and understanding on to others as a light of the gospel for your glory. Amen.

More Resources to Help Teens Learn Truth

Ultimate List of Free Devotions for Youth

Youth Bible Study: Life Lessons from Joseph

10 Biblical Truths to Teach Your Teen Before They Leave Home

1 Timothy 4:12 Devotional for Youth

How to Motivate Your Teen to Choose Wise Friends