What does Proverbs 27:25 mean?

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) reflects on changing seasons. This is part of his lesson about properly caring for one's resources. This is to be well-prepared for the future (Proverbs 27:23–24). Hay, grass, and mountain pasturage provide food for sheep and goats, but a farmer must work diligently to harvest what he can to take care of the livestock. A lazy farmer who sleeps during harvest will have nothing to give to his animals, and he himself will go hungry. The flocks and herds can eat grass in the summer and enjoy mountain fields when they are available. God does His part in providing this food, but the farmer must do his part by gathering and storing food for the winter (Proverbs 6:6–8).

David took good care of his father's flocks (1 Samuel 16:11, 19). Even when he was king, he made provision for animals (1 Chronicles 27:29–31). Psalm 23 provides a picture of how the Good Shepherd provides for His sheep. David, the psalmist writes, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters" (Psalm 23:1–2).