Ancient Jewish Proverbs

Mishlei (The Book of Proverbs): This is one of the books of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and is attributed to King Solomon. It consists of poetic verses offering practical wisdom ethical teachings and guidance on various aspects of life. Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers): This is a compilation of ethical teachings and maxims attributed to the early Jewish sages from the Mishnaic period. It is part of the Talmud and focuses on ethical and moral principles. Sefer HaMiddot (The Book of Character Traits): This is a collection of ethical teachings and moral principles by the 11th-century Jewish philosopher and poet Bahya ibn Paquda. Sefer Musar (The Book of Ethics): This is a work of ethical teachings by the 19th-century Lithuanian rabbi Rabbi Yisrael Salanter who founded the Musar movement within Judaism. The Maxims of Ptahhotep: Although not Jewish this ancient Egyptian text contains a collection of moral and practical wisdom attributed to Ptahhotep a vizier from the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt.