Proverbs 27:23

KJV

¶ Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be thou diligent {H3045} to know {H3045} the state {H6440} of thy flocks {H6629}, and look {H7896} well {H3820} to thy herds {H5739}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Take care to know the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.

Berean Standard Bible

Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;

American Standard Version

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:23 offers profound wisdom on diligent and intimate oversight, urging individuals to actively understand and meticulously care for their responsibilities, symbolized by "flocks" and "herds." This timeless proverb transcends its ancient agrarian context, advocating for a proactive, informed, and sustained engagement with all entrusted resources—be they material assets, relationships, spiritual gifts, or personal well-being—as a foundational principle for stability, flourishing, and wise stewardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 25-29), characterized by a diverse array of short, pithy sayings offering practical wisdom for daily living. Unlike some chapters that focus on a single theme, Proverbs 27 presents a series of disconnected but equally insightful admonitions, covering topics such as friendship (Proverbs 27:9-10), self-control (Proverbs 27:2), the dangers of boasting (Proverbs 27:1-2), and the value of honest labor (Proverbs 27:26). Verse 23, with its focus on diligent management of resources, fits within this broader tapestry of practical advice, emphasizing the importance of responsible stewardship as a pathway to security and prosperity, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature. It immediately precedes verses that speak to the abundance that comes from such diligence (Proverbs 27:24-27), reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship inherent in the wisdom tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, livestock—sheep, goats, and cattle—represented the primary form of wealth, capital, and sustenance. Flocks and herds were not merely possessions but living assets that provided food (meat, milk), clothing (wool, hides), and even a medium of exchange. The health and productivity of these animals directly impacted a family's or community's survival and prosperity. Neglect could lead to disease, loss, and destitution, while diligent care ensured a steady supply of resources and sustained livelihood. Therefore, the instruction to "know the state of thy flocks" and "look well to thy herds" was a direct, practical command for sound economic management, personal responsibility, and the preservation of one's legacy in a society where wealth was intrinsically tied to agricultural success. This context highlights the tangible, life-sustaining implications of the proverb's wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **Diligence and Active Oversight**, advocating for hands-on, informed management rather than passive ownership. This proactive approach is consistently linked to prosperity and contrasted with the poverty that results from sloth, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence and Wealth"). The verse also champions the principle of **Stewardship of Resources**, teaching that all possessions are entrusted assets requiring careful, responsible management. This concept extends beyond material wealth to encompass all of life's provisions, including time, talents, and relationships, echoing the broader biblical call to be faithful stewards of God's gifts, a theme further developed in the New Testament, such as in [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - Faithfulness in Stewardship"). Furthermore, Proverbs 27:23 exemplifies **Practical Wisdom and Prosperity**, demonstrating how consistent, informed effort leads to stability and success, aligning with the book's overall aim to impart wisdom for a flourishing life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know," but with a rich semantic range. It implies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it suggests an intimate, experiential, and often relational knowledge. In this context, it means to ascertain by observation, to care for, to recognize the condition of, and to comprehend fully. It calls for a deep, personal understanding of the "state" of one's flocks, not just a superficial glance.
* **state (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440, plural of an unused noun meaning "face." This word is used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively. Here, "state" (often rendered "face" or "presence") refers to the outward appearance, condition, or immediate reality of the flocks. To "know the state" means to be intimately familiar with their current condition, health, number, and overall well-being as if looking them directly in the "face."
* **look well (Hebrew, _shîyth lêb'_):** H7896 (to place, set) combined with H3820 (heart). The phrase literally means "set your heart upon" or "place your heart on." This is a powerful idiom indicating deep attention, careful consideration, and focused effort. It's not just about observing, but about investing one's mind, will, and affection into the task of caring for the herds. It implies a commitment of one's inner being to the management of these resources.
* **flocks (Hebrew, _tsôʼn'_), herds (Hebrew, _ʻêder'_):** H6629 and H5739 respectively. Both are collective nouns for groups of small (sheep/goats) and large (cattle) animals. Together, they represent the entirety of one's livestock, symbolizing all of one's material assets, livelihood, and responsibilities. The use of both terms emphasizes comprehensiveness – diligent care should extend to all aspects of one's entrusted resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks,"**: This opening clause is an imperative command for active, thorough, and ongoing assessment. "Diligent to know" implies a persistent, intentional effort to gain a deep, intimate understanding of the current condition, health, and needs of one's sheep and goats. It's about being proactive in observation and analysis, ensuring nothing is overlooked that might impact their well-being or productivity.
* **"and look well to thy herds."**: This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, applying the same principle to cattle. "Look well to" (literally "set your heart upon") signifies a profound level of care, attention, and commitment. It's not just about knowing, but about applying one's mind and will to the careful management and nurturing of these valuable assets, ensuring their prosperity and guarding against neglect.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:23 employs several effective literary devices to convey its timeless wisdom. The primary device is **Analogy**, where the specific context of managing "flocks" and "herds" serves as a direct parallel for the broader principle of diligent oversight in all areas of life. This agrarian imagery makes the abstract concept of responsible stewardship concrete and relatable. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the second line ("and look well to thy herds") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first line ("Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks"). This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the required diligence. Finally, the use of "flocks" and "herds" functions as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where these concrete objects stand in for all forms of wealth, resources, responsibilities, and even one's life circumstances, illustrating that the principle extends far beyond literal animal husbandry to encompass all entrusted aspects of one's existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 27:23 is deeply rooted in the biblical theology of stewardship, a foundational principle that recognizes God as the ultimate owner of all things, and humanity as His appointed caretakers. This verse teaches that diligent management of resources is not merely a practical skill for earthly prosperity, but an act of faithfulness and obedience to God. It reflects the divine order where hard work, attentiveness, and wise oversight are blessed, contributing to a flourishing life (shalom). The proverb connects to themes of responsibility, accountability, and the understanding that true wisdom involves practical application in daily life, transforming abstract knowledge into tangible, beneficial actions. It reminds us that our resources, whether material or otherwise, are gifts from God, and our diligent care for them reflects our reverence for the Giver.

* [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "The Parable of the Talents")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "Faithfulness in Stewardship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The wisdom of Proverbs 27:23 transcends its ancient setting, offering profound guidance for contemporary life. It challenges us to move beyond passive ownership or superficial engagement with our responsibilities, urging us instead toward a posture of active, informed, and heartfelt diligence. This applies to every sphere: our finances, careers, relationships, physical health, and spiritual growth. To "know the state" means to regularly assess, understand, and address the needs of what has been entrusted to us. To "look well to" implies investing our "heart"—our deepest attention, care, and commitment—into these areas. Neglecting any of these "flocks" or "herds" in our lives inevitably leads to decay and loss, while consistent, prayerful, and intentional oversight cultivates growth, stability, and flourishing. This proverb calls us to a life of responsible stewardship, recognizing that our well-being and effectiveness are often directly proportional to the diligence we apply to the things God has placed in our care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "flocks" and "herds" (resources, relationships, responsibilities) has God entrusted to your care in this season of life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "diligent to know the state," and where might you be neglecting to "look well to" them?**
* **How can you apply the principle of "setting your heart upon" (looking well to) a specific area of your life that needs more intentional care?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to improve your diligent oversight in one personal, professional, or spiritual "flock" or "herd"?**

### FAQ

**What does "know the state" truly imply in this verse?**

Answer: "Know the state" (Hebrew: `yâdaʻ pânîym`) implies a deep, intimate, and experiential understanding, not just a superficial awareness. It means to ascertain by seeing, to observe carefully, to comprehend the current condition, health, and needs of your "flocks" (or whatever resources they represent). It's an active, ongoing process of assessment and recognition, akin to looking someone in the "face" to truly understand their condition. This level of knowing allows for proactive care and informed decision-making.

**How does this ancient agricultural proverb apply to modern life?**

Answer: While the immediate context is ancient agriculture, the principles are universally applicable. "Flocks" and "herds" symbolize all forms of resources and responsibilities in modern life. This includes financial assets (budgets, investments), professional duties (career, business ventures), personal well-being (physical health, emotional state), relationships (family, friends), and spiritual disciplines. The proverb teaches that diligent, attentive, and intentional management of these areas is crucial for stability, growth, and flourishing. Just as a shepherd must understand his animals' needs, we must understand and actively care for what has been entrusted to us. For example, in the [Parable of the Talents](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents"), Jesus illustrates the importance of diligent stewardship of entrusted resources, a principle directly paralleling Proverbs 27:23.

**Is this verse primarily about material wealth, or does it have broader spiritual implications?**

Answer: While the verse uses material wealth (livestock) as its example, its implications are far broader and deeply spiritual. It speaks to the principle of stewardship, which is a core biblical concept: all that we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are called to manage it faithfully. This includes not only material possessions but also our time, talents, relationships, and even our own bodies and minds. The diligence and care described in this verse reflect a posture of responsibility before God, recognizing that faithful management of the "little things" can lead to being entrusted with "much," as taught in [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things"). Thus, it has profound spiritual implications for how we live out our lives as stewards of God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:23, with its call for diligent and intimate oversight of one's resources, finds its ultimate fulfillment and highest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks to human responsibility, Christ embodies the perfect Steward, demonstrating unparalleled diligence and care for all that was entrusted to Him by the Father. He perfectly "knew the state" of His "flocks"—the people of God—understanding their deepest needs, their spiritual sickness, and their lost condition (Matthew 9:36). He did not merely observe from a distance but intimately engaged with humanity, laying down His life for His sheep, as the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Furthermore, Jesus perfectly "looked well to His herds," diligently managing His earthly ministry, His time, and His divine mission to accomplish redemption. His unwavering focus on the Father's will and His meticulous execution of His redemptive purpose—from His teaching and healing to His suffering and resurrection—demonstrate the ultimate "setting of the heart upon" His divine task. In Christ, we see not only the perfect model of diligence and stewardship, but also the One who, through His sacrifice, provides the spiritual "flocks" and "herds" (the Church and its resources) that we are now called to steward with the same Christ-like diligence, empowered by His Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-12). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the wisdom of Proverbs, showing us what true, faithful stewardship looks like, both in His life and in the life He enables us to live.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 5:2

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

2 Chronicles 26:10

Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

Genesis 33:13

And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

Proverbs 24:32

Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction.

John 10:3

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.