Proverbs chapter 27

English Standard Version

1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. 3A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool 's provocation is heavier than both. 4Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. 7One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet. 8Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home. 9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. 10Do not forsake your friend and your father 's friend, and do not go to your brother 's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. 11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who reproaches me. 12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 13 Take a man 's garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress. 14Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing. 15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; 16to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one 's right hand. 17Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. 18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored. 19As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. 20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man. 21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. 22 Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him. 23 Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, 24for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? 25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, 26 the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. 27 There will be enough goats ' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.

What does Proverbs chapter 27 mean?

Chapter 25 began a series of wise sayings attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 25:1), collected from other sources by Hezekiah's men. This list continues through the end of chapter 29. This passage includes several references to truthful, tactful communication and the value of good stewardship.

The chapter begins with a famous warning about the uncertainties of life. Much of this chapter extols the virtue of planning for the future. However, it's unwise to brag about something that has not yet been accomplished. Similar ideas are echoed in the New Testament (James 4:13–15). Arrogance of any kind is risky. Solomon notes how difficult it is to endure attacks from foolish, persistent people. In contrast, genuine love is shown by speaking the truth (Proverbs 27:1–6).

Further wisdom explains the value of close friends, who can be even more helpful than blood relatives in a time of crisis. Other notes speak about the sensibility of avoiding danger, maintaining a good reputation, the misery of a nagging spouse, and the frustrating way foolish people seem to cling to their errors (Proverbs 27:7–22).

The final segment of this chapter highlights the value of good stewardship. This uses the examples of livestock and farming. A diligent farmer cares for his flock, doing his best to ensure a prosperous future. Current wealth does not guarantee future wealth, so it's wise to plan ahead. Such efforts are more likely than not to lead to success. A lazy or irresponsible person risks falling behind and failing to provide for their family (Proverbs 27:23–27).

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Book Summary
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

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Chapter Context
This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

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