Proverbs 27:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

NIV: Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.

NASB: Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

CSB: Let another praise you, and not your own mouth -- a stranger, and not your own lips.

NLT: Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth — a stranger, not your own lips.

KJV: Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

NKJV: Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

The prior proverb noted the arrogance of bragging about things a person has not yet accomplished (Proverbs 27:1). This teaching criticizes those who brag about things they have accomplished. In both cases, the concern is arrogance. Or, an inflated sense of one's own greatness. Even if the statements are factual, crowing about oneself doesn't look good to others. The better path is to let others speak well of you; it seems more like sincere praise and less like bragging.

In Daniel 4 we learn that King Nebuchadnezzar foolishly bragged about his past victories. He was walking on the palace roof and viewing the city of Babylon when he sang his own praises. He boasted: "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" (Daniel 4:30). Before he was even done speaking, a heavenly voice declared his impending humiliation. That would include insanity, wallowing with animals, and eating grass. For seven years Nebuchadnezzar endured this, until he fully understood "that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will" (Daniel 4:31–34).

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.