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Proverbs 27

World English Bible

WEB

1Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring. 2Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. 3A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. 4Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy? 5Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse. 7A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. 8As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home. 9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend. 10Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother. 11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor. 12A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it. 13Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman! 14He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him. 15A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike: 16restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand. 17Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. 18Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored. 19Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. 20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied. 21The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise. 22Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him. 23Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds, 24for riches are not forever, nor does the crown endure to all generations. 25The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in. 26The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field. 27There will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food, for your family’s food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 27 offers a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of relationships, self-awareness, and the value of counsel. The chapter begins with a reminder in verse 1 that we should not boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what a day may bring. This teaches us humility and the need to rely on God’s providence rather than our own plans. The subsequent verses highlight the significance of genuine friendship, as seen in verse 6, which states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This illustrates that true friends may offer correction for our benefit, while false friends may flatter us insincerely. #friendship #wisdom

The chapter continues to explore the theme of self-reflection and the importance of knowing oneself. In verse 19, it states, "As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." This metaphor emphasizes that just as we see our reflection in water, we can gain insight into our own hearts through our interactions with others. Additionally, verses 23-27 encourage diligence in caring for our responsibilities, particularly in the context of family and livelihood. The imagery of a shepherd tending to his flock serves as a reminder of the need for stewardship and foresight. Overall, Proverbs 27 calls us to cultivate meaningful relationships, practice humility, and be diligent in our daily lives, all while trusting in God’s guidance. #Proverbs #wisdom #selfawareness

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Referenced by

  1. 1 Samuel 23:16v17Jonathan strengthens David's hand in God in 1 Samuel 23:16, exemplifying the principle found in Proverbs 27:17, where iron sharpens iron, highlighting the importance of godly friendship and encouragement.
  2. Psalms 141:5v6Psalm 141:5 speaks of the righteous striking as a kindness, which is similar to Proverbs 27:6 where the wounds of a friend are considered faithful.
  3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10v17Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the benefits of companionship, similar to Proverbs 27:17, which emphasizes mutual support and sharpening of one another.
  4. Ecclesiastes 6:7v20Ecclesiastes 6:7 states that all a man's labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied. Proverbs 27:20 similarly notes that human desires are never satisfied, highlighting the insatiable nature of human wants.
  5. Ecclesiastes 7:5v6Ecclesiastes 7:5 values the rebuke of the wise over the song of fools, akin to Proverbs 27:6, which states that faithful are the wounds of a friend.
  6. Ecclesiastes 10:10v17Ecclesiastes 10:10 discusses the advantage of wisdom in sharpening tools, akin to Proverbs 27:17 which states that iron sharpens iron, emphasizing the value of wisdom and preparation.
  7. James 4:13-15v1James 4:13-15 warns against boasting about tomorrow, emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the need to acknowledge God's will. Proverbs 27:1 similarly advises not to boast about tomorrow, as one does not know what a day may bring.

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