Here are The Top 20 very popular and powerful proverbs from the New International Version (NIV), covering core themes like trust, diligence, and the power of words:

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1. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  Trust and Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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2. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."  The Heart (Proverbs 4:23)

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3. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  Wisdom's Foundation (Proverbs 1:7)

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4. "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."  Diligence and Work (Proverbs 10:4)

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5. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Power of Words (Proverbs 15:1)

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These verses are often highlighted for their clear, practical advice on how to live wisely and righteously.

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Proverbs on Self-Control 

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6. "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."  Value of Self-Control (Proverbs 16:32)

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7. "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."  Control Over Temper (Proverbs 16:32, a slight variation found in some translations or combined themes)

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8. "A person without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."  Vulnerability (Proverbs 25:28)

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9. "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise quietly hold it back."  Managing Anger (Proverbs 29:11)

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10. "Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly."  Discipline/Breaking Bad Habits (Proverbs 26:11)

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Wisdom on Speech and Silence

 

11. The Weight of Words

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." — Proverbs 18:21

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12. The Virtue of Listening

"To answer before listening—that is folly and shame." — Proverbs 18:13

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13. Strategic Silence

"Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." — Proverbs 17:28

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Wisdom on Success and Planning

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14. The Value of Preparation

"Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." — Proverbs 24:27

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15. Humility in Achievement

"Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips." — Proverbs 27:2

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16. Integrity in Business

"The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him." — Proverbs 11:1

 

Wisdom on Character and Resilience

 

17. Getting Back Up

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes." — Proverbs 24:16

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18. The Danger of Flattery

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." — Proverbs 27:5-6

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19. The Blessing of Generosity

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." — Proverbs 11:25

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20. Living with Transparency

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." — Proverbs 10:9