Proverbs 27:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,

NIV: Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

NASB: Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds;

CSB: Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to your herds,

NLT: Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,

KJV: Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

NKJV: Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds;

It is extremely important for a rancher to keep up to date on the condition of his livestock. He should care for them diligently. Laziness or indifference will hurt not only the livestock but the rancher as well. If livestock are in poor condition, the rancher's livelihood will suffer. What applies to the rancher in his care of his flocks and herds, applies also to anyone who is responsible for a business or a segment of a business. Idleness will surely cause a business to fail. This sentiment can also be applied to management of one's personal finances. Inattention or ignorance of the condition of one's finances can lead to negative outcomes. The same is true when related to management over or responsibility of others. Knowing the condition of one's flocks, or of whatever or whomever one manages, implies a person who not only cares about their flock, but who also takes active steps to monitor their well-being.

A pastor, also, needs to know the condition of his flock and care for the sheep, which are God's people. Jesus commissioned the apostle Peter to feed Jesus' lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep (John 21:15–17). Later, Peter charged the elders among the scattered Jewish believers to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2–3).

The following verses (Proverbs 27:24–27) reinforce the idea of knowing the condition of one's flocks and giving attention to one's herds. Diligent planning and effort today is more likely to result in good outcomes tomorrow.

Proverbs 27:23–27 teaches using imagery from farming. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) stresses the necessity of work in the present to set up success in the future. This repeats the sentiment of prior Scriptures (Proverbs 20:4; 21:5; 27:18). Diligence in tending to flocks and herds is more likely to provide for a family than being careless. The terminology in these verses is about livestock, but the principles apply to any area of work or life.

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.