Proverbs 27:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

NIV: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

NASB: Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring.

CSB: Don't boast about tomorrow, for you don't know what a day might bring.

NLT: Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

KJV: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

NKJV: Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

No human being can infallibly predict what will happen in the future. Some predictions are reasonably secure, such as that the sun will rise. Others are dependent on circumstances, and some can be wildly unpredictable. A wise person makes plans (Proverbs 16:3; 20:18; 24:27) but takes his fallibility into account. Making well-reasoned choices is different from arrogantly ignoring risks.

The word "boast" translates a Hebrew root word rendered as "praise" later in this passage (Proverbs 27:2). No one should praise himself for what he hasn't yet accomplished. A common English statement warns "don't count your chickens before they're hatched," meaning not all eggs necessarily become birds. Things our human minds expect to happen might not happen, so we shouldn't speak of them as absolute guarantees. Such is the attitude criticized by the apostle James (James 4:13–16). He explains, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring" (James 4:14). The same verse notes that life is not only uncertain, but it is also brief. Rather than overconfidence, we should approach the future with a sense of humility. "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" is a better attitude (James 4:15).

Proverbs 27:1–6 discusses the uncertainty of life and the danger of overconfidence. Comments on relationships include those with fools (Proverbs 1:7), friends, and enemies. This continues a series of Solomon's wise sayings as collected by later scribes (Proverbs 25:1).

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.