Proverbs27

Proverbs 27 offers diverse wisdom on personal conduct and relationships. It cautions against boasting of the future and highlights the destructive nature of wrath and envy. The chapter emphasizes the value of honest friendship and diligent stewardship, contrasting these with the folly of a contentious spirit and insatiable desires.
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Humility and Self-Control

1
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. ​
2
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. ​

The Dangers of Emotion and Envy

3
A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. ​
4
Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? ​
5
Open rebuke is better than secret love. ​
6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. ​

Contentment and the Value of True Friendship

7
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. ​
8
As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place. ​
9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. ​
10
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. ​

Prudence, Caution, and Domestic Strife

11
My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. ​
13
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman. ​
14
He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. ​
15
A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. ​
16
Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Mutual Refinement and Human Nature

17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. ​
18
Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. ​
19
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. ​
20
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. ​
21
As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
22
Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. ​

The Necessity of Diligence in Work

23
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. ​
24
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? ​
25
The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26
The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
27
And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Study Notes for Proverbs 27

Verse 1

This proverb warns against presumptuous planning, reminding the reader that the future is uncertain and ultimate control belongs to God. This teaching is echoed in the New Testament (James 4:13–16).

Verse 2

A lesson in humility: true worth is recognized by others, not by self-promotion. Self-praise often diminishes one's credibility and suggests insecurity.

Verse 3

The weight of a fool’s wrath refers to its destructive burden. Uncontrolled anger is heavier and more damaging than any physical load one might carry.

Verse 4

While anger is fierce, envy (jealousy) is depicted as far more dangerous. Anger often burns out, but envy is a corrosive, relentless force that cannot be openly confronted or satisfied.

Verse 5

Honest criticism, though painful, is superior to a secret, passive affection that fails to address necessary faults. True love requires courageous confrontation.

Verse 6

This verse reinforces the previous one. The 'wounds' (painful counsel) given by a loyal friend are trustworthy and beneficial, whereas excessive flattery ('kisses') from an enemy masks malicious intent.

Verse 7

A proverb on contentment. When the 'soul is full' (satiated or wealthy), even the best things are despised; but necessity makes all things palatable and appreciated.

Verse 8

This simile emphasizes the importance of stability and community. A person who wanders aimlessly from their home, community, or proper sphere of influence loses security and direction.

Verse 9

Just as pleasant scents delight the senses, sincere, heartfelt counsel from a friend brings refreshment and joy to the spirit.

Verse 10

This counsel prioritizes proven loyalty over biological kinship. A neighbor or established friend who is present and reliable in a crisis is more valuable than a relative who is distant or unavailable.

Verse 12

This classic wisdom teaching (repeated from 22:3) contrasts the prudent person, who anticipates danger and takes preventative action, with the simpleton, who ignores warnings and suffers the consequences.

Verse 13

This is a strong warning against the danger of suretyship (co-signing debt), especially for strangers. The severity of the instruction suggests demanding immediate collateral to prevent financial ruin.

Verse 14

Excessive or untimely praise is suspect. Flattery that is too loud or offered too early in the day suggests insincerity or a manipulative motive, making it sound like a curse rather than a blessing.

Verse 15

The contentious woman is likened to an incessant drip, implying that her nagging and quarrelsomeness are unavoidable, exhausting, and damaging to the peace of the home.

Verse 17

A powerful metaphor for reciprocal influence. Just as friction between metal improves its sharpness, friends challenge, counsel, and refine each other’s character and intellect.

Verse 18

This illustrates the principle of reward for diligence and service. Loyally tending to a resource (fig tree) or faithfully serving a master ensures one will enjoy the benefits and honor that result.

Verse 19

This simile suggests that just as water provides a clear external reflection, genuine fellowship and heartfelt conversation reveal the true nature of one person to another.

Verse 20

Sheol (Hell/the grave) and Abaddon (destruction) are eternally insatiable forces. This is paralleled by the endless, unsatisfied desires ('eyes') of humanity, illustrating the limits of earthly gratification.

Verse 22

This vivid image shows the incorrigibility of deep-seated foolishness. Even extreme measures (like the harsh process of milling grain) cannot remove a fool’s inherent commitment to folly.

Verse 23

This verse begins an extended didactic poem on agricultural and pastoral diligence, urging the reader to personally and consistently monitor their resources.

Verse 24

This statement provides the motivation for diligence: earthly wealth and even royal power ('the crown') are temporary. Only consistent, productive labor provides enduring provision.

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