Proverbs 27:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,

NIV: When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

NASB: When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

CSB: When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered in,

NLT: After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in,

KJV: The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

NKJV: When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) reflects on changing seasons. This is part of his lesson about properly caring for one's resources. This is to be well-prepared for the future (Proverbs 27:23–24). Hay, grass, and mountain pasturage provide food for sheep and goats, but a farmer must work diligently to harvest what he can to take care of the livestock. A lazy farmer who sleeps during harvest will have nothing to give to his animals, and he himself will go hungry. The flocks and herds can eat grass in the summer and enjoy mountain fields when they are available. God does His part in providing this food, but the farmer must do his part by gathering and storing food for the winter (Proverbs 6:6–8).

David took good care of his father's flocks (1 Samuel 16:11, 19). Even when he was king, he made provision for animals (1 Chronicles 27:29–31). Psalm 23 provides a picture of how the Good Shepherd provides for His sheep. David, the psalmist writes, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters" (Psalm 23:1–2).

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.