Proverbs 27:25

KJV

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

KJV (with Strong's)

The hay {H2682} appeareth {H1540}, and the tender grass {H1877} sheweth {H7200} itself, and herbs {H6212} of the mountains {H2022} are gathered {H622}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the hay has been mown, and the new grass appears, and the mountain greens have been gathered;

Berean Standard Bible

When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered,

American Standard Version

The hay is carried, and the tender grass showeth itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:25 offers a concise yet profound observation of the natural world's cyclical provision, serving as a foundational premise for the subsequent exhortations on diligent stewardship and prudent management of resources. It highlights the predictable appearance of vegetation—from initial sprouts to mature forage—culminating in the necessary act of gathering, thereby underscoring the timeless principles of attentiveness, timely action, and preparation essential for sustained prosperity in any sphere of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27:25 is situated within a broader section of wisdom literature (Proverbs 27:23-27) that specifically addresses the theme of diligent and attentive stewardship, particularly concerning agrarian and pastoral wealth. The preceding verses often deal with the importance of knowing the state of one's flocks and herds, emphasizing personal oversight rather than delegated management. This verse, by detailing the natural progression of vegetation, sets the stage for the subsequent verses (Proverbs 27:26-27), which speak of the practical benefits of this natural cycle—lambs for clothing, goats for food, and milk in abundance for the household. It functions as an observational premise, establishing the reliable patterns of nature that a wise individual must recognize and respond to, thereby linking natural cycles to human responsibility and provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, life was inextricably linked to the rhythms of agriculture and animal husbandry. The economy was primarily agrarian, making the health of crops and livestock paramount to survival and prosperity. The "hay" (general fodder or grass) and "tender grass" refer to the initial and ongoing growth of pasture, crucial for feeding sheep and goats. The "herbs of the mountains" likely indicates richer, perhaps wilder, forage found in higher elevations or more rugged terrains, which would be gathered to supplement the diet of livestock, especially during less abundant seasons or for specific needs. This verse reflects a society deeply dependent on seasonal changes, rainfall, and the fertility of the land, where the ability to observe, anticipate, and act upon these natural signs was a mark of practical wisdom and ensured the well-being of the family and community.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes found in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions **Observational Wisdom**, encouraging a keen and attentive eye to the patterns and processes of the natural world, which serve as a metaphor for understanding life's broader opportunities and challenges. Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Diligence and Preparation**, as the appearance of vegetation is not merely to be noted but acted upon through "gathering," implying active labor and foresight to secure future provision, a principle vividly illustrated by the diligent ant in [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Wisdom of the Ant"). Thirdly, the dependable cycle of nature implicitly points to **God's Consistent Provision**, assuring the diligent farmer or shepherd that their efforts, aligned with natural rhythms, will be blessed with sustenance. Finally, it promotes a philosophy of **Sustainable Living**, advocating for a lifestyle attuned to environmental realities and focused on long-term well-being rather than short-term exploitation, echoing the broader call for responsible stewardship found throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 12:11](/proverbs/12-11 "Proverbs 12:11 - Working the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **appeareth (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to denude," "to reveal," or "to disclose." In the context of "the hay appeareth," it denotes the natural, visible emergence or manifestation of vegetation. It suggests that the signs of provision are not hidden but openly displayed, requiring only an observant eye to perceive them. The word implies a natural unveiling, a process by which what was unseen (seeds, dormant roots) becomes visible and accessible.
* **tender grass (Hebrew, _desheʼ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sprout," _desheʼ_ specifically refers to young, fresh shoots or new growth. This term emphasizes the early stage of vegetation, the initial greening of the landscape. Its inclusion alongside "hay" (which can refer to more mature fodder) highlights the progression of growth and the importance of recognizing the nascent stages of development, which are precursors to future abundance.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** This primitive root means "to gather for any purpose," "to receive," or "to take away." In this verse, it signifies the deliberate human action of harvesting or collecting the "herbs of the mountains." It moves beyond mere observation to active engagement and labor. The act of gathering implies foresight, preparation, and the necessary effort to secure resources when they are available, ensuring provision for the future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hay appeareth":** This clause describes the initial, visible manifestation of general fodder or grass. It speaks to the natural cycle of growth, where vegetation emerges from the ground, becoming evident to the observer. This "appearing" is a reliable sign of the season and the availability of resources.
* **"and the tender grass sheweth itself":** This phrase reinforces and specifies the previous clause, emphasizing the emergence of young, fresh shoots. It points to the vibrant, early stages of growth that are crucial for grazing animals. The repetition underlines the clear and undeniable nature of these natural indicators.
* **"and herbs of the mountains are gathered":** This final clause shifts from observation to action. It indicates that after the initial growth of general grass and tender shoots, specific, perhaps richer or more diverse, "herbs" from the higher elevations are collected. This implies a deliberate, active effort on the part of the farmer or shepherd to harvest these resources, demonstrating foresight and diligent labor to secure sustenance for their flocks.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:25 employs several literary devices to convey its wisdom. **Observation** is foundational, as the verse begins with a direct statement about natural phenomena, inviting the reader to pay close attention to the world around them. This observation then functions as an **Analogy** or **Metaphor**, where the predictable cycle of vegetation and the necessary human response of gathering serve as a pattern for diligent living in all areas of life. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, though not strictly synonymous or antithetical, in its progression from the appearance of "hay" and "tender grass" to the gathering of "herbs," creating a sense of natural flow and completion. The overall tone is **Didactic**, instructing the reader by presenting a self-evident truth from nature and implicitly drawing a lesson about preparedness and active stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb, while rooted in agricultural observation, carries profound theological implications. It implicitly testifies to God's faithful provision through creation, where the dependable cycles of nature—the appearing of grass and herbs—are a testament to His sustaining hand. The wisdom imparted is not merely practical but spiritual, teaching that human diligence and foresight are to be exercised within the framework of divine order. Just as God provides the resources, humanity is called to steward them wisely, recognizing the opportune moments for action. This interplay between divine provision and human responsibility is a core biblical theme, emphasizing that true prosperity results from aligning human effort with God's established patterns and blessings.

* [Psalm 104:14](/psalms/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God Provides Grass for Cattle")
* [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Diligence of the Ant")
* [Matthew 6:26-30](/matthew/6-26 "Matthew 6:26-30 - Lessons from the Birds and Lilies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:25 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its agrarian context, speaking directly to the modern individual's need for attentiveness and proactive stewardship. In a world often characterized by distraction and delayed gratification, this verse calls us to cultivate a keen awareness of the "signs" in our own lives—the emerging opportunities, the subtle shifts in circumstances, the nascent resources that God makes available. Just as the farmer must observe the tender grass to know when to act, we are encouraged to be present and discerning, recognizing the seasons of growth and opportunity in our careers, relationships, finances, and spiritual lives. This observation must then be coupled with diligent action, "gathering" what is needed through thoughtful planning, consistent effort, and wise decision-making. It's a powerful reminder that sustained well-being and abundance are not accidental but are the fruit of consistent, thoughtful effort aligned with God's providential rhythms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "tender grass" or emerging opportunities are appearing in my life right now that I might be overlooking?**
* **In what areas am I failing to "gather" or act diligently on the resources and opportunities God has provided?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of awareness and foresight in my daily decisions, both practically and spiritually?**
* **What steps can I take today to better steward the "herbs of the mountains"—the unique or less obvious resources—that are available to me?**

### FAQ

**Why does Proverbs include such a seemingly simple observation about nature?**

Answer: Proverbs, as wisdom literature, often draws profound spiritual and practical lessons from everyday observations of the natural world and human experience. Proverbs 27:25 is not merely a botanical note but a foundational premise for the subsequent teaching on diligent stewardship (Proverbs 27:26-27). It illustrates that life's provisions are cyclical and require active participation. The "simple observation" serves as an analogy for understanding the rhythms of life, the importance of recognizing opportunities, and the necessity of timely action and hard work to secure future well-being. It teaches that wisdom begins with attentiveness to God's created order and acting in harmony with it.

**What is the practical application of "herbs of the mountains are gathered" for someone not involved in agriculture?**

Answer: For those not in agriculture, "herbs of the mountains are gathered" is a metaphor for actively securing and utilizing all available resources, especially those that might be less obvious, more challenging to access, or unique. Just as a farmer would seek out the best forage for his livestock, we are called to diligently identify and leverage all the "resources" in our lives—whether they are skills, relationships, knowledge, financial opportunities, or spiritual insights. It speaks to proactive resourcefulness, ensuring that nothing valuable is wasted and that preparation is made for future needs, reflecting the broader biblical call to wise stewardship as seen in passages like [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:25, with its focus on the natural cycles of provision and the call to diligent stewardship, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very **Wisdom of God** incarnate, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained (Colossians 1:16-17). Just as the "hay appeareth" and "tender grass sheweth itself" as a sign of God's consistent provision in creation, so too does Christ reveal the Father's ultimate care and faithfulness. He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who provides spiritual nourishment, and the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who leads His flock to green pastures (Psalm 23:2). The "gathering" of herbs points to the active work of harvesting and securing resources, which in the New Covenant finds its parallel in the spiritual harvest of souls (Matthew 9:37-38) and the diligent stewardship of the gifts and callings given by Christ (Matthew 25:14-30). Ultimately, Christ Himself is the ultimate provision, the one who brings forth abundant spiritual fruit (John 15:5) and ensures eternal sustenance for those who diligently follow Him, making all earthly provisions a shadow of His ultimate and everlasting grace.

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

Proverbs 10:5

¶ He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame.

Psalms 104:14

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;