Proverbs 27
Proverbs 27 contains words of wisdom—practical lessons that are useful in everyday life and in human relationships. This chapter can be broadly divided into three parts: a person’s attitude (verses 1–10), carefulness in relationships with others (verses 11–19), and faithful responsibility and diligence (verses 20–27). Rather than focusing on special themes in each verse, it urges wise choices in a variety of everyday situations that people commonly encounter.
1verseDon’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring.
2verseLet another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
3verseA stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
4verseWrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?
5verseBetter is open rebuke than hidden love.
6verseThe wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
7verseA full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.
8verseAs a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.
9versePerfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.
10verseDon’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother.
11verseBe wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.
12verseA prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
13verseTake his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!
14verseHe who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him.
15verseA continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike:
16verserestraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand.
17verseIron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.
18verseWhoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored.
19verseLike water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.
20verseSheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied.
21verseThe crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise.
22verseThough you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.
23verseKnow well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds,
24versefor riches are not forever, nor does the crown endure to all generations.
25verseThe hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in.
26verseThe lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field.
27verseThere will be plenty of goats’ milk for your food, for your family’s food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls.
Key Contents of the Main Text
- Humility about the future (verse 1): The chapter begins with the lesson not to boast about tomorrow’s events. Since the future is unknown, it emphasizes humility rather than confidence.
- The value of true relationships (verses 5–6, 9–10): It speaks about love that is not hidden, a friend’s counsel, and the preciousness of the neighbor nearby. It stresses how important genuine relationships with people are.
- Self-reflection and restraint (verse 17): In the phrase, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” you learn about the presence of a friend who helps you stand firm and reflect on yourself, as well as the attitude of living with restraint.
- Diligence and responsibility (verses 23–27): It concludes with the metaphor of a shepherd tending sheep, urging you to be faithful in your own life and in the work entrusted to you.
The Overall Meaning of Proverbs 27
Amid the uncertainty of life, this chapter teaches that wisdom and peace come in life when we do not boast about ourselves, cherish true human relationships, and diligently carry out our responsibilities. It is a message that urges not to neglect any of the many aspects of life—various relationships, the right attitude toward work, and toward the future. The entire passage highlights wise choices regarding time, people, and work.
Meditation Points
- Do I not boast about tomorrow or make excessive promises about the future, but instead do my best with the role given to me today?
- Do I maintain sincere relationships with the neighbors, friends, and family around me?
- Do I have an attitude of accepting others’ counsel with an open heart and growing together?
- Am I approaching my responsibilities in life and my work with diligence and sincerity?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Today, I will look back on the things I boasted about or put off, and I will take them on with a humble heart.
- I will express my genuine feelings to the precious people around me and listen closely to their advice.
- I will also take responsibility for the work and relationships entrusted to me, and I will strive to live faithfully day by day.
