Proverbs 27:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.

NIV: Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.

NASB: Like a bird that wanders from its nest, So is a person who wanders from his home.

CSB: Anyone wandering from his home is like a bird wandering from its nest.

NLT: A person who strays from home is like a bird that strays from its nest.

KJV: As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

NKJV: Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place.

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) has just noted the importance of contentment (Proverbs 27:7). In a similar way, he warns that a bird wandering from its nest trades security for insecurity. It becomes vulnerable to danger, hunger, and isolation. This is especially dangerous if the bird is young and not ready to survive in the world on its own. So, too, a man who leaves home out of discontent faces insecurity, danger, hunger, and isolation. Ultimately, he may regret his decision to leave home.

Jesus related the story of the prodigal son who demanded his share of the inheritance from his father. He wandered far from home, wasted his money, and lived with reckless abandon. After exhausting his inheritance, he hired himself out to a pig herder and fed the pigs. He was so destitute that he was tempted to eat the pigs' food. At last, he came to his senses. He regretted his actions and longed to be back home. Fortunately, he returned home and found his loving father waiting for him (Luke 15:11–24).

Proverbs 27:7–22 continues Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25:1). He reflects on wealth, poverty, friendship, the wisdom of staying away from danger, good neighborly relationships, a nagging spouse, responsibility, and the tendency of foolish people to cling to their errors.

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.

Accessed 4/30/2024 7:00:50 AM