9 Meaningful and Beautiful Proverbs to Live by ...

1. "in Your Anger, do Not Sin. do Not Let the Sun Go down While You Are Still Angry" -Ephesians 4:26

I always think of the verse as one of the great proverbs to live by when I am in a fight with a friend or family member. Being angry is perfectly normal and healthy, but we shouldn't be consumed by it and generally speaking, it shouldn't still be there the following day. If you're consumed by anger over a fight or disagreement, then you can easily do or say something you might regret later. That's why it's healthy to take deep breaths and try and resolve issues that can be resolved before hitting the sack. You're only responsible for your own actions so do your part to be calm and collected!

2. "the Purpose of Life is a Life of Purpose"- Robert Byrne

I think at some point we all come to that burning question of what the purpose of life is, and specifically, what role do we play in it with our own lives? The answer is different for everyone and some may not know it just yet and that's ok. The point of this proverb is to live your life with purpose in all your actions and thoughts, which is everyone's calling, regardless talents and passions. Your purpose in life is to first LIVE with purpose!

3. "Everything Has Its Beauty but Not Everyone Sees It" -Confucius

We've all heard it said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and while this may be true in some cases, I think Confucius got it right when he said that not everyone sees beauty even though it's everywhere. It's not always obvious, but each day try and see little things that are beautiful. Maybe it's the way your barista serves your coffee with passion and a smile on her face. Perhaps beauty is found in getting lunch with friends and enjoying conversation. It's the little things in life that are the most beautiful.

4. "Kindness is the Sunshine in Which Virtue Grows"- Anonymous

I love this simply because an unkind person cannot have virtuous characteristics. Kindness stems from love, and without love, all virtuous traits are worthless.

5. "a Cynic is a Man Who Knows the Price of Everything and the Value of Nothing" - Oscar Wilde

I really strive not to be a cynic and sometimes it's hard not to be with all the selfishness abounding in our culture. There are however many selfless and loving people who make the world a better place! It's a wonderful goal to see the value in things that aren't fleeting in life, like family, friends, love and faith, and cherish those things the most!

6. "the Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with a Single Step" - Chinese Proverb

I LOVE this quote because it's so motivational in every area of life. I think about my fitness goals (and I'm sure a lot of you can relate!) and how the hardest part about getting into exercise is simply starting and taking that first step! The first step of is usually the hardest because it's the mental battle we must overcome

7. "No One Can Make You Feel Inferior without Your Consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes it's so hard to ignore a person's negative words when they cut deep. especially when they're from someone we love. When it happens however, the best thing you can do is tell the person that it's unfortunate that they have that opinion, but it's not true and you're going to believe otherwise. There is something powerful about rejecting negative words about you out loud and it solidifies your own beliefs about yourself.

8. "Consider What a Great Forest is Set on Fire by a Small Spark"- James 3:5

This verse is one of my favorites in the Bible. The whole verse, before and after what is shown above, compares the tongue to a great fire and how words are incredibly powerful and potentially destructive. I automatically think of gossip and how it spreads like fire, consuming all who turn an ear to listen. Gossip can ruin lives and we should steer clear of spreading secrets and negative things about other people, even if they are true. It's simply not kind.

9. "the Way of Fools Seems Right to Them, but the Wise Listen to Advice"- Proverbs 12:15

Oh, this proverb rings true on so many levels. I've seen some friends who ignore other's advice about various things and then act surprised when their actions reap negative consequences. This also applies to politics and our country's leaders. There's a reason we have checks and balances in place to make collective, wise decisions from many wise thinkers.

I feel so refreshed and inspired when I read an meaningful proverb that applies to my life. I hope you enjoyed reading the ones posted here and take them to heart! What proverbs do you live by that have shaped you as a person? What proverb or saying do you go back to in times of difficulty?