Proverbs 27 Commentary: Navigating Life with Wisdom and Foresight
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
Proverbs 27, a continuation of Solomon's wise sayings collected by King Hezekiah's scribes (Proverbs 25:1), offers practical guidance on a variety of essential life themes. These include humility, the importance of genuine friendship, the wisdom of planning, and the value of diligent stewardship. This chapter urges us towards thoughtful communication, genuine relationships, and responsible living.
The Uncertainty of Tomorrow and the Folly of Arrogance
The chapter begins with a stark reminder of life's unpredictable nature: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring" (Proverbs 27:1). It is easy to fall into the trap of presuming control over the future, confidently outlining our plans without acknowledging the many factors beyond our control. As James 4:13-15 echoes, such boasting is unwise. The hospital emergency room and the cemetery serve as sobering reminders that our plans can be disrupted in an instant. Instead of arrogance, we should approach each day with humility, recognizing God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance in our decisions.
The Value of Honest Friends
Proverbs 27 emphasizes the immeasurable value of true friendship. Unlike superficial flattery, genuine love is demonstrated through honesty and constructive criticism. "Better is open rebuke than hidden love" (Proverbs 27:5). A true friend will not shy away from pointing out our faults, offering correction with love and a desire for our growth. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" (Proverbs 27:6). Just as Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, those who excessively flatter us may have ulterior motives. A faithful friend will speak godly counsel into your life (Proverbs 27:9) and is always willing to come when needed (Proverbs 27:10). Seek out such a friend and become such a friend.
The proverb "Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17) beautifully illustrates the power of friendship to refine and improve us. Good friends challenge our thinking, help us make sound decisions, and encourage us to grow spiritually. We need friends who will challenge and sharpen our thinking, help us make good decisions, and help us hone our spiritual lives until they are razor-sharp. That’s why we need communities and churches that are full of men and women talking about more than superficial topics.
Furthermore, Proverbs 27:10 reminds us that a nearby neighbor is often better than a distant relative. True friends are invaluable in times of crisis, offering support and assistance that blood relations may be unable to provide.
Practical Wisdom for Daily Living
This chapter also offers practical advice on various aspects of daily life. We are encouraged to be sensible and avoid danger (Proverbs 27:12), seeking refuge "within God's covenant and agenda." We're reminded to be mindful of how our actions affect others; even a positive trait like being a "morning person" can become a curse if forced upon others (Proverbs 27:14).
The proverb regarding a wandering bird (Proverbs 27:8) serves as a metaphor for those who abandon responsibility and seek trouble. Like a bird that leaves its nest, they forfeit their own protection and stability.
The passage also touches on the misery of a nagging spouse (Proverbs 27:15-16), urging those afflicted to seek the qualities of the "wife of noble character" described in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Stewardship and Planning for the Future
The final verses of Proverbs 27 shift focus to the importance of good stewardship. Using the examples of livestock and farming, the passage highlights the value of diligence and planning. "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds" (Proverbs 27:23). A wise and diligent farmer cares for his flock, ensuring a prosperous future. Current wealth is not guaranteed, so it is crucial to plan ahead and work responsibly. "Wealth is not forever" (Proverbs 27:24)—especially when you make no plans for it to grow. Look after what is placed in your care, though, and it will provide for you (Proverbs 27:25-27).
Those who think financial planning is pointless because they have no money are missing the point. Often, the lack of planning is the root of the problem. We must know where we are, pay attention to what we have (Proverbs 27:23), and then plan for where we want to go.
The Mirror of the Heart
Proverbs 27:19 offers a profound insight into human nature: "As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart." Our actions and attitudes are a direct reflection of what lies within. When trying circumstances shake a person up, what’s inside him will inevitably spill out (see Proverbs 27:19). When an honorable man is placed in the crucible of life, the godliness stored up in his heart will be seen, and people will praise him (Proverbs 27:21). Likewise, when hard times grind a fool, you’ll see the foolishness that was within him all along (Proverbs 27:22). Therefore, it is essential to cultivate a heart filled with wisdom, integrity, and gratitude. A heart controlled by greed will never have pleasure. The cure for the cycle is a heart that regularly expresses gratitude to God.
Proverbs 27 serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge, but a practical guide for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing humility, cultivating genuine friendships, practicing diligent stewardship, and nurturing a heart of integrity, we can live lives that are both fulfilling and pleasing to God.
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
Proverbs 27, a continuation of Solomon's wise sayings collected by King Hezekiah's scribes (Proverbs 25:1), offers practical guidance on a variety of essential life themes. These include humility, the importance of genuine friendship, the wisdom of planning, and the value of diligent stewardship. This chapter urges us towards thoughtful communication, genuine relationships, and responsible living.
The Uncertainty of Tomorrow and the Folly of Arrogance
The chapter begins with a stark reminder of life's unpredictable nature: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring" (Proverbs 27:1). It is easy to fall into the trap of presuming control over the future, confidently outlining our plans without acknowledging the many factors beyond our control. As James 4:13-15 echoes, such boasting is unwise. The hospital emergency room and the cemetery serve as sobering reminders that our plans can be disrupted in an instant. Instead of arrogance, we should approach each day with humility, recognizing God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance in our decisions.
The Value of Honest Friends
Proverbs 27 emphasizes the immeasurable value of true friendship. Unlike superficial flattery, genuine love is demonstrated through honesty and constructive criticism. "Better is open rebuke than hidden love" (Proverbs 27:5). A true friend will not shy away from pointing out our faults, offering correction with love and a desire for our growth. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" (Proverbs 27:6). Just as Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, those who excessively flatter us may have ulterior motives. A faithful friend will speak godly counsel into your life (Proverbs 27:9) and is always willing to come when needed (Proverbs 27:10). Seek out such a friend and become such a friend.
The proverb "Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17) beautifully illustrates the power of friendship to refine and improve us. Good friends challenge our thinking, help us make sound decisions, and encourage us to grow spiritually. We need friends who will challenge and sharpen our thinking, help us make good decisions, and help us hone our spiritual lives until they are razor-sharp. That’s why we need communities and churches that are full of men and women talking about more than superficial topics.
Furthermore, Proverbs 27:10 reminds us that a nearby neighbor is often better than a distant relative. True friends are invaluable in times of crisis, offering support and assistance that blood relations may be unable to provide.
Practical Wisdom for Daily Living
This chapter also offers practical advice on various aspects of daily life. We are encouraged to be sensible and avoid danger (Proverbs 27:12), seeking refuge "within God's covenant and agenda." We're reminded to be mindful of how our actions affect others; even a positive trait like being a "morning person" can become a curse if forced upon others (Proverbs 27:14).
The proverb regarding a wandering bird (Proverbs 27:8) serves as a metaphor for those who abandon responsibility and seek trouble. Like a bird that leaves its nest, they forfeit their own protection and stability.
The passage also touches on the misery of a nagging spouse (Proverbs 27:15-16), urging those afflicted to seek the qualities of the "wife of noble character" described in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Stewardship and Planning for the Future
The final verses of Proverbs 27 shift focus to the importance of good stewardship. Using the examples of livestock and farming, the passage highlights the value of diligence and planning. "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds" (Proverbs 27:23). A wise and diligent farmer cares for his flock, ensuring a prosperous future. Current wealth is not guaranteed, so it is crucial to plan ahead and work responsibly. "Wealth is not forever" (Proverbs 27:24)—especially when you make no plans for it to grow. Look after what is placed in your care, though, and it will provide for you (Proverbs 27:25-27).
Those who think financial planning is pointless because they have no money are missing the point. Often, the lack of planning is the root of the problem. We must know where we are, pay attention to what we have (Proverbs 27:23), and then plan for where we want to go.
The Mirror of the Heart
Proverbs 27:19 offers a profound insight into human nature: "As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart." Our actions and attitudes are a direct reflection of what lies within. When trying circumstances shake a person up, what’s inside him will inevitably spill out (see Proverbs 27:19). When an honorable man is placed in the crucible of life, the godliness stored up in his heart will be seen, and people will praise him (Proverbs 27:21). Likewise, when hard times grind a fool, you’ll see the foolishness that was within him all along (Proverbs 27:22). Therefore, it is essential to cultivate a heart filled with wisdom, integrity, and gratitude. A heart controlled by greed will never have pleasure. The cure for the cycle is a heart that regularly expresses gratitude to God.
Proverbs 27 serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge, but a practical guide for navigating the complexities of life. By embracing humility, cultivating genuine friendships, practicing diligent stewardship, and nurturing a heart of integrity, we can live lives that are both fulfilling and pleasing to God.