Modern Proverbs: 6 Things I Live By That Aren’t in the Bible

In addition to scripture, some words of wisdom that keep me grounded are so rich that they feel like they belong right beside Proverbs or Psalms. You know those one-liners that stop you mid-scroll or hit you like a mic drop mid-convo? The ones that don’t have a verse number, but still carry holy weight.

Yeah. Those.

I call them modern proverbs, and these six in particular have become personal pillars. I come back to them in moments of doubt, joy, exhaustion, celebration, or uncertainty. They remind me who I am, how I want to live, and who I’m becoming.

Here they are framed, lived, and fully felt:

1. “Don’t shrink to fit a space God grew you out of.”

This one? Whew. A whole sermon!

We’ve all had seasons where we’ve stayed too long in friendships, churches, careers, even identities, simply because they once felt safe. But growth isn’t comfortable. And sometimes, it requires letting go of what once fit us perfectly.

When you feel the stretch, the discontent, the pull toward expansion, that’s not rebellion. That’s growth. Honor it. Don’t downplay your evolution to keep others comfortable. You’re not abandoning people, you’re obeying purpose.

2. “You’re allowed to rest without earning it.”

If this isn’t an anti-hustle gospel, I don’t know what is.

We live in a culture that worships productivity. We’re taught that rest is a reward, that it is something you earn after doing enough. But Sabbath wasn’t designed as a bonus. It was built in from the beginning. Even God rested.

You’re allowed to slow down. To do nothing. To breathe and just be. Rest is resistance. And it’s holy. Stop apologizing for being human.

3. “If it costs you peace, it’s too expensive.”

Listen, not every opportunity, relationship, or yes is worth the internal chaos.

Peace isn’t just a luxury. It’s a compass. And when something consistently robs you of it when your gut clenches, your spirit shrinks, or your sleep disappears, that’s not sacrifice. That’s self-abandonment.

Sometimes, the best spiritual warfare is a quiet exit.

Simple math: Peace > Performance. Every time.

4. “Your ‘no’ is anointed.”

Especially for the recovering people-pleasers in the room (hi, yes, me).

Saying “no” isn’t mean, petty, or rebellious. It’s mature. It’s discerning. It’s what happens when you realize your energy, time, and presence are valuable and not everyone gets full access.

God isn’t disappointed when you draw boundaries. He often blesses them. Because when you say “no” to what drains you, you make room for the things He actually assigned to you.

Your “no” is not just allowed, it’s anointed.

5. “Celebrate in private what you prayed for in silence.”

Not everything you win needs a post, a reel, or a standing ovation.

Some victories are sacred. They were birthed in your prayer closet through tears, fasting, silence, and faith. When those prayers get answered, it’s okay to sit with the gratitude quietly before broadcasting it to the world. This doesn’t mean you don’t celebrate publicly. But it does mean you anchor your joy first in reverence, not performance. Some wins? They’re just between you and God. And that’s enough.

6. “Healing isn’t linear, but it is holy.”

There’s no step-by-step formula for healing. No straight path. Some days, you’ll feel brand new. Others, you’ll feel like you’re back at square one.

That doesn’t mean you’re broken or behind, it however, means you’re human.

God isn’t looking for perfection. He’s walking with you through the process. Every tear, every relapse, every “I thought I was over this already” moment is still holy. There’s no shame in the journey. Healing doesn’t follow a schedule, but it always leaves a sacred mark.

Final Thoughts: Frame Them. Live Them.

None of these phrases comes from a chapter or verse, but they’re saturated with truth. They’ve shaped my mindset, softened my heart, and challenged my growth.

If scripture is the foundation, these modern proverbs are the post-it notes on the bathroom mirror. Gentle reminders that this walk of faith is real, raw, and relational.

So write them down. Revisit them when life gets loud. And most of all, live them.

Because even if they’re not in the Bible, they’re definitely in my spiritual toolkit.

If your heart nodded “yes” at any point, let’s stay connected. Subscribe and come back anytime.

Till Next Time,