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)