Proverbs 27:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.

NIV: As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

NASB: As in water a face reflects the face, So the heart of a person reflects the person.

CSB: As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person.

NLT: As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.

KJV: As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

NKJV: As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.

Calm water can act as a mirror. When someone looks into a pool, they see their reflection. This shows them what they truly look like, which might be different from what they assumed. In a similar way, a person's heart reflects who they really are. Self-examination is a good thing (2 Corinthians 13:5; Proverbs 4:26). It can reveal what's happening deep within ourselves.

Some interpreters believe the "reflection" in question comes through other people. This would harmonize with the idea presented in an earlier proverb (Proverbs 27:17). That perspective implies that one learns more about themselves by seeing how words and actions are received by others. It also echoes the idea of two people interacting "face to face."

In the book of Proverbs, the imagery of the "heart" is typically associated more with thoughts and attitudes than with emotions or desires. However, other passages give reasons to be skeptical of our own "hearts," regardless of the context. Jeremiah 17:9 depicts the natural human heart as deceitful and desperately wicked. This leads away from God (Isaiah 53:6). Romans 3:12 says, "All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Adding to the description of unregenerate individuals, Paul quotes, "Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their path are ruin and misery" (Romans 3:15).

But God can give sinners a new heart and a new way of living. When He changes the heart, He sets a person on a new path. Galatians 4:6 explains that with redemption comes adoption into God's family and God sends the Spirit of Jesus into our hearts. Immediately the old sinful habits begin to drop off, and new godly habits take their place (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

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.

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.