Proverbs 27:1

Translation
King James Version
¶ Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Boast H1984 not thyself of to morrow H4279; for thou knowest H3045 not what a day H3117 may bring forth H3205.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what the day may bring.
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Berean Standard Bible
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
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American Standard Version
Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
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World English Bible Messianic
Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Boast not thy selfe of to morowe: for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
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Young's Literal Translation
Boast not thyself of to-morrow, For thou knowest not what a day bringeth forth.
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See also
James 4:13James 4:16Luke 12:19Luke 12:202 Corinthians 6:21 Samuel 28:19Psalms 95:7
In the KJVVerse 17,171 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Proverbs 27:1 delivers a profound and timeless admonition against presumptuous boasting about future events, asserting that humanity's knowledge and control over tomorrow are fundamentally limited. This concise proverb underscores a foundational principle of biblical wisdom: the necessity of genuine humility before the unknown and an acknowledgment that the unfolding of life's events is ultimately beyond human dominion. It calls for a posture of present faithfulness and humble dependence on divine providence, rather than arrogant self-assurance concerning what the next day may bring.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 27:1 is situated within a collection of wise sayings, primarily attributed to Solomon, designed to impart practical wisdom for righteous living. This particular chapter, like much of the book, contrasts wisdom with folly, encouraging prudence, humility, and a proper understanding of human limitations. The immediate literary context in Proverbs 26 concludes with warnings against deceit and flattery, setting a tone of caution regarding human speech and presumption. Following Proverbs 27:1, the chapter delves into themes such as the value of open rebuke, the faithfulness of a true friend, the importance of diligent labor, and the dangers of self-deception. Thus, the warning against boasting about tomorrow fits seamlessly into this broader tapestry of practical wisdom, emphasizing a humble, realistic, and God-aware approach to life's endeavors and interactions.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, life was inextricably linked to the rhythms of nature, agricultural cycles, and the unpredictable forces of weather, disease, and conflict. Unlike modern societies with advanced planning, insurance, and technological controls, individuals faced daily contingencies with little means of absolute control or foresight. This context profoundly amplified the understanding that human plans were always subject to divine will and unforeseen circumstances. The cultural emphasis on communal life and a deep-seated dependence on God for sustenance, protection, and success would have reinforced the message that self-sufficient boasting was not only foolish but also an affront to divine sovereignty. The proverb reflects a worldview where God is actively involved in the daily affairs of humanity, and true wisdom involves acknowledging His ultimate authority over time and events.
  • Key Themes: This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the wisdom literature and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions Humility and Dependence, directly challenging human pride and self-sufficiency by asserting that our plans are subject to factors beyond our control. This theme resonates with the call for dependence on God rather than self-reliance, as seen in passages like the exhortation to trust in the Lord with all your heart in Proverbs 3:5-6. Secondly, it highlights the Uncertainty of Life, underscoring the unpredictable nature of tomorrow. We cannot definitively know what a single day will bring, whether joy, sorrow, opportunity, or challenge. This truth is powerfully echoed in the New Testament, where James similarly cautions against presuming upon the future without acknowledging God's will. Implicitly, the verse also points to the Sovereignty of God, who holds ultimate control over time and events. While humans can plan, their plans are ultimately subject to divine providence, a truth articulated in Proverbs 16:9: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Boast (Hebrew, hâlal', H1984): This primitive root means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." In this context, hâlal carries the strong connotation of arrogant self-congratulation or presumptuous declaration regarding future achievements. It's not merely planning, but an overconfident assertion that ignores the fragility and unpredictability of life, bordering on foolishness or madness in its disregard for divine sovereignty.
  • tomorrow (Hebrew, mâchâr', H4279): This word refers to "deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter." It signifies the immediate future, the very next day. The proverb specifically targets boasting about this near-future, emphasizing that even the closest segment of time is not within one's absolute control or certain knowledge. This highlights the immediacy and proximity of the uncertainty.
  • knowest (Hebrew, yâdaʻ', H3045): This primitive root means "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." The negation "knowest not" highlights the absolute human ignorance regarding future events. It's not just a lack of information, but a fundamental inability to perceive, determine, or even fully comprehend what a new day will bring, reinforcing human limitation in contrast to divine omniscience.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Boast not thyself of to morrow": This opening clause delivers a direct command and a strong prohibition. It warns against any form of self-congratulation, arrogant planning, or confident declaration about what one will achieve or experience on the very next day. The emphasis is on the "boasting" (H1984, hâlal), which implies a presumptuous and prideful attitude that disregards the inherent uncertainty of life and the limits of human control. It's not merely about making plans, but about the spirit of self-sufficiency and defiance of divine sovereignty with which those plans are held. It is a caution against the hubris that assumes mastery over time.
  • "for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.": This second clause provides the foundational reason and justification for the preceding command. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, kî) introduces the rationale: human beings simply "know not" (H3045, yâdaʻ) the future. The phrase "what a day may bring forth" (literally, "what a day will give birth to" from H3117, yôwm, and H3205, yâlad, "to bear young; causatively, to beget") uses a vivid, almost personifying metaphor to illustrate the dynamic and unpredictable nature of time. Each new day is depicted as a womb, capable of birthing unforeseen events, circumstances, or challenges that are entirely beyond human foresight or influence. This serves as a stark reminder of humanity's limited perspective and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all of life's unfolding, emphasizing that the future is not a blank slate for human inscription but a realm of divine prerogative.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 27:1 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message with conciseness and impact. The primary device is Proverbial Wisdom, characteristic of the book of Proverbs, offering a pithy, memorable, and universally applicable truth. It functions as a direct Admonition or warning, expressed in the imperative "Boast not," which immediately captures the reader's attention and conveys a sense of urgency. The use of Personification is evident in the phrase "what a day may bring forth," where "a day" is given the human capacity to "bring forth" or "give birth" to events. This vivid imagery also functions as a Metaphor, comparing the unfolding of a day to the act of childbirth, emphasizing the new, often surprising, and uncontrollable elements that emerge with each sunrise. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes Contrast implicitly, opposing human arrogance and limited knowledge with the vast, unknown expanse of the future and, by extension, the infinite knowledge and sovereignty of God. The brevity and directness of the statement contribute to its impactful and enduring nature, making it easily remembered and applied.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 27:1 is a powerful theological statement on human humility and divine sovereignty. It fundamentally challenges anthropocentric tendencies to assume control over time and destiny, redirecting focus to the inherent uncertainties of life and the ultimate authority of God. The proverb implicitly teaches that true wisdom involves acknowledging our finite nature and placing our trust in the One who holds all things in His hands. It is a call to live with a posture of dependence, recognizing that every breath and every moment is a gift, and that our plans, however well-intentioned, are always subject to a higher purpose. This perspective fosters a spirit of gratitude for the present and a humble reliance on God for the future, freeing us from the anxiety of trying to control what is ultimately uncontrollable. This wisdom cultivates a deeper reverence for God's providential care and a release from the burden of self-sufficiency.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 27:1 is not a discouragement from planning, but a profound reorientation of our attitude towards the future. It calls us to abandon a spirit of arrogant self-sufficiency and embrace a posture of humble dependence on God. In a world that often values control, predictability, and the achievement of self-made goals, this proverb reminds us that true security is found not in our foresight or meticulous planning, but in trusting the One who knows "what a day may bring forth." It encourages us to live faithfully and diligently in the present moment, stewarding the opportunities and responsibilities of today, rather than presuming upon a tomorrow that is not guaranteed. This wisdom fosters peace, reduces anxiety, and cultivates a deeper reliance on divine providence, allowing us to face the unknown with faith rather than fear, and to hold our plans loosely, always submitting them to God's ultimate will.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific areas of your life do you tend to "boast" or presume about tomorrow, rather than humbly trust God?
  • How might acknowledging the profound uncertainty of tomorrow change your daily priorities and actions today?
  • What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of humility and dependence on God in your personal and professional planning?

FAQ

Does this proverb discourage making plans for the future?

Answer: Not at all. Proverbs 27:1 does not forbid planning or setting goals; rather, it warns against the attitude of presumptuous boasting or arrogant self-assurance concerning those plans. The emphasis is on humility and the recognition that our future is not entirely within our control. Biblical wisdom encourages diligent planning and foresight, as seen in passages like Proverbs 21:5, which states, "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness." However, this planning must always be undertaken with an awareness of God's ultimate sovereignty and the unpredictable nature of life. As Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." The warning is against the folly of assuming that our plans will unfold exactly as we envision, without acknowledging the divine hand that guides all things and the inherent uncertainties of existence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 27:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb cautions against human presumption regarding tomorrow, Christ embodies the perfect trust and submission to the Father's will, even in the face of the unknown. He consistently taught His disciples not to worry about tomorrow, for "sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34). This is not an endorsement of idleness, but a call to live in humble dependence on God's daily provision, echoing the very spirit of Proverbs 27:1. Unlike the rich fool who boasted of his future prosperity only to lose his soul (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus lived a life fully surrendered to the Father's plan, culminating in His perfect obedience on the cross, where He willingly laid down His life, trusting in the Father's ultimate purpose (Philippians 2:8). For the believer, the inherent uncertainty of tomorrow is met not with anxiety or foolish boasting, but with the profound assurance that our lives are "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). He is our ultimate security, the Lord of both today and tomorrow, who promises to be with us "always, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). Thus, the wisdom of Proverbs 27:1 leads us to rest in the sovereign care of the resurrected Christ, who holds all time in His hands and whose faithfulness transcends all human limitations.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
He that says, “When I am dying I will be baptized, lest I should sin and defile my baptism,” is ignorant of God and forgetful of his own nature. For “do not delay to turn to the Lord, for you do not know what the next day will bring forth.” Baptize also your infants, and bring them up in the nurture and admonition of God. For he says, “Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not.” .
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES CONCERNING THE STATUES 20:22
Let us not then be procrastinating until tomorrow. For we “know not what the next day may bring forth,” nor let us say “we shall conquer this habit “little by little,” since this “little by little” will never come to an end. Therefore, dismissing that excuse, let us say, “If we do not reform the practice of swearing today, we will not delay until later, when ten thousand things press upon us. Though it were necessary to die, or to be punished, or to lose all that we have, we will not give the devil the advantage of slackness nor the pretext of delay.” Thus if God should perceive your soul inflamed and your diligence quickened, then he also himself will lend his assistance to change you.
Nilus of SinaiAD 451
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES 6:3.15
He that says, “When I am dying I will be baptized, lest I should sin and defile my baptism,” is ignorant of God and forgetful of his own nature. For “do not delay to turn to the Lord, for you do not know what the next day will bring forth.” Baptize also your infants, and bring them up in the nurture and admonition of God. For he says, “Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not.”
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 209:1
“You know not what any day may bring forth.” “Between morning and evening the weather changes.” Elsewhere we are also advised with a salutary precept: “Let us walk while we still have the light, before darkness comes over us.” Now some careless person may say, When I reach old age, then I shall have recourse to the healing of repentance. The wretched person does not know that if one has been accustomed to commit sins with a promise of repentance, never or only with difficulty will he merit to obtain the fruit of repentance.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 38:3
Therefore let us love our enemies. Perhaps the person who is your friend today will commit such sins that he cannot be with you in eternal life, “for you know not what tomorrow may bring.” On the contrary, your enemy may be converted to repentance in such a way that he merits to be your fellow citizen in that heavenly Jerusalem; in fact, he might even become greater than you.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 109:2
Let us turn to him, dearly beloved, and not wish to defer our amendment until the end of our life. Let us listen to the prophet when he says, “Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day,” “for you know not what any day may bring forth.” O man, why do you delay from day to day, when perhaps today you are going to have your last day?
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 22:5
With what boldness does he put off his salvation to old age, when he cannot be certain of the space of one day? Therefore, if we do not want to fear death, we should always be ready. Then, when the Lord bids us come from this world, we may come before the sight of the eternal judge with a clear and free conscience; not with despair but with joy.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
Do not boast about tomorrow, etc. Do not ever be secure about the future, because even if you see yourself serving the Lord today, you cannot at all foresee what you might become in the future or how you may end your life. For blessed is the man who is always fearful (Prov. XXVIII).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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