Proverbs 27
Do Not Boast About TomorrowThis section warns us not to be overconfident about the future. We are reminded that life is uncertain, and we should depend on God, not on our own plans. It is wise to prepare for tomorrow, but wrong to assume we will have it for sure. We should not delay important things, like turning to God, thinking we always have more time.v. 1: The Bible says, Boast not thyself of to-morrow . This means we should not be proud or sure about what will happen even the next day. Jesus also taught, Do not be anxious about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34 a). We do not know what the day will bring, because God keeps the future hidden from us (James 4:13-15; Ecclesiastes 11:5 b; Acts 1:7 c). Our lives and circumstances can change quickly. So, we should trust God and be ready for anything, focusing on today and listening to His voice while it is called to-day (Hebrews 3:13 d). Let Others Praise YouThis section teaches that it is good to live in a way that even strangers respect and praise you. However, it is not right to praise yourself. True honor comes when others notice your good actions, not when you talk about them yourself.v. 2: The Bible says, Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth . We should do good things so that our light shines before men (Matthew 5:16 e), but not just to be seen. It is best when our actions are so good that even people who do not know us, or those "in the gates," will praise us (Philippians 4:8 f). Praising ourselves is a sign of pride, foolishness, and self-love. It often causes others to dislike us. While it is sometimes right to explain the truth about ourselves, we should never try to make ourselves look great by our own words. Self-praise is not honorable. The Danger of Anger and EnvyThis section explains how uncontrolled anger and deep hatred can cause great trouble. Anger that is not controlled is heavy and dangerous, but lasting hatred is even worse. We should be careful not to make foolish people angry, and we must guard our hearts against envy and hidden hate.v. 3: The Bible says, A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both . When a foolish person gets angry, he can cause great harm. His anger is like a heavy load that hurts both himself and others. If a fool is upset, he may do or say anything without thinking. This is why it is wise not to provoke a fool, and if he is angry, it is better to stay away from him. v. 4: Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous, but who can stand before envy? . Anger can be fierce and do much harm, but deep-rooted envy and hatred are even more dangerous. If someone secretly hates another or is jealous of their success, their bad feelings last longer and are harder to escape. Just like Saul chased David with growing envy, hatred can follow and harm a person again and again. It is almost impossible to stand against such strong, hidden malice. The Value of Honest ReproofThis section teaches that it is better to have a friend who corrects us honestly than to have someone who flatters us with fake kindness. True friends care enough to point out our mistakes so we can grow. On the other hand, fake kindness from enemies can bring harm because it is not sincere.v. 5: The Bible says, Open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 27:5 g). It is good to be corrected by a true friend, even if it hurts at first. Honest correction shows real love, because our friends want to help us become better people. As it is written, You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him (Leviticus 19:17 h). In contrast, if someone only pretends to care but never helps us change, their "love" is not helpful. Also, we must beware of the kisses of an enemy. Such fake kindness, like the kiss of Joab or Judas, is deceitful and cannot be trusted (2 Samuel 20:9-10; Matthew 26:48-49 i). We should be on guard against such false affection and pray for protection from it. – Appetite and SatisfactionThis section teaches that people who have little can often enjoy and appreciate what they have more than those who have plenty. Hunger makes even simple food taste good, while those who are always full become bored with even the best things. Being thankful and content is a greater blessing than having many riches.v. 7: The Bible says, The full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet . People who have everything they want often get tired of good things and may not appreciate them, just like the Israelites grew tired of quail in the desert (Numbers 11:6 j). But those who are hungry and have little enjoy even the simplest meal. They are also more thankful for what they receive. As Mary said, The hungry are filled with good things, and the rich are sent empty away (Luke 1:53 k). This reminds us that true satisfaction comes from a thankful heart, not from having many things. The Folly of RestlessnessThis section teaches that it is unwise to always want change and never be satisfied with where you are. God gives everyone a place and a purpose, but some people are always looking for something new, leaving their responsibilities behind. This attitude is harmful and makes a person vulnerable.v. 8: The Bible says, As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man that wanders from his place . Some people do not appreciate the good things they already have. Instead, they are restless and always want to move or change their situation without a good reason. Just like a bird that leaves its nest and puts its eggs and young in danger, a person who leaves the place God has given them is exposed to trouble. Their work is left undone, and they lose the safety and comfort they once had. The Bible encourages us, Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called (1 Corinthians 7:20 l). It is best to stay faithful in the place where God has put us. The Value of True FriendshipFriendship is a great blessing. It is wise to keep our old friends close and remain loyal to them. Good friends are people we can trust, share our thoughts with, and receive honest advice from. While it can be special if our friend is also a relative, like Peter and Andrew or James and John, it is not necessary (Matthew 4:18, 21 m). Solomon often speaks of the difference between a friend and a brother. It is usually best to choose a friend who lives nearby, so you can easily help each other and keep in touch. We should also respect and care for those who have been friends to our family, especially those who were close to our parents. Keeping these friendships is a way to honor our parents, even after they are gone. Solomon warns that ignoring the advice of our parents’ friends can lead to trouble, as happened to his own son (1 Kings 12:8 n).v. 9: True friendship brings great joy. The Bible says, "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel" . Talking and sharing with a sincere friend brings happiness, like smelling sweet perfume. Opening our hearts to a true friend can help us feel better and lighten our worries. The best part of friendship is not just having fun together, but giving honest and loving advice that comes from the heart. This kind of counsel helps us grow, especially in our spiritual life (Psalm 66:16 o). We should enjoy conversations that help our souls and draw us closer to God. v. 10: Friendship also has practical benefits, especially during hard times. The Bible advises, "Do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away" . Sometimes, family may not be able or willing to help us when trouble comes. It is often wiser to turn to neighbors and friends who are close by and ready to help. By being a good neighbor ourselves, we build relationships that can support us in times of need. This is a wise way to live, as "a man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24 p). The Blessing of Wise ChildrenThis section encourages children to live wisely and do what is good. Wise and good children bring joy to their parents, especially in difficult times. They also bring honor to their family, showing that their parents’ guidance was right. A good child shows that strict or careful upbringing leads to wise choices in life, not harm. Children who have received a religious or moral education should live in a way that proves its value to others.v. 11: The Bible says, "My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproaches me" . When children act wisely, they comfort their parents and make them happy, even in hard times (Proverbs 23:15 q). Wise children show others that their parents did well in raising them, even if others thought the parents were too strict. Their lives prove that good upbringing leads to good results. Instead of the saying, "A young saint, an old devil," they show that someone who is good while young can become even better as they grow older—a "young saint, an old angel." Wisdom in Avoiding DangerThis proverb teaches the importance of being careful and wise. It tells us that we should pay attention to warnings and avoid trouble when we see it coming. God often gives us warnings, just like a watchman warns people of danger (Jeremiah 6:17 r). How we respond to these warnings will affect our lives for better or for worse.v. 12: The Bible says, "A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 27:12; Proverbs 22:3 s). A wise person can see trouble coming and takes steps to avoid it. This means staying away from things that tempt us to do wrong, because sin leads to punishment. But someone who is simple, either because they do not notice or do not care, ignores the warning and suffers for it. It is wise to think ahead and protect ourselves from future problems. Warning Against Foolish LendingThis proverb repeats advice given earlier (Proverbs 20:16 t). It warns us about the dangers of being careless with money, especially when it comes to lending or guaranteeing loans for others. People who are quick to promise money for anyone who asks, or who waste their resources on unwise living, are heading toward poverty. We should be careful and wise in our financial decisions, not only for our own sake but also for our families.v. 13: The Bible says, "Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman" . This means we should not lend money or stand as a guarantor for people who are careless with their money, unless they give good security. If someone is always making promises for others or spending foolishly, they are likely to lose everything and may even cheat those who trust them. Lending to such people without protection is unfair to our own families. Instead, we should require a pledge or security, because those who are careless with money often cannot be trusted to pay it back. The Dangers of Excessive PraiseThis proverb warns us about giving and receiving too much praise. It is good to be thankful and recognize the good in others, especially our friends and those who help us. However, if we praise someone too much or too loudly, it can seem fake and may have selfish motives. Excessive praise can also be a problem for the person being praised, as it can lead to pride or cause others to judge them harshly. We should remember that only God deserves the highest praise, especially in the morning (Psalm 5:3 u), and we should be careful not to give people more honor than they deserve. The apostle Paul was careful not to let people think too highly of him (2 Corinthians 12:6 v).v. 14: The Bible says, "He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him" . This means that if someone is always loudly praising their friend, especially early in the morning or in front of everyone, it may seem annoying or insincere. People may think the person only wants something in return. Too much praise can also make others jealous or cause them to criticize the person being praised. In the end, what was meant as a blessing can turn into a problem for both the giver and the receiver. The Trouble of a Quarrelsome WifeThis proverb talks about the sadness and discomfort caused by living with a wife who is always arguing or complaining. Solomon compares this situation to an annoying and never-ending rain. It is a problem that is hard to escape and even harder to hide. The effects of constant fighting at home are felt by everyone, and no one can fully cover it up, no matter how hard they try. This is a reminder of the importance of peace and kindness in the family.v. 15: The Bible says, "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious wife are alike" (Proverbs 27:15 w). This means that living with someone who is always arguing is like having a roof that keeps dripping water when it rains—it is uncomfortable and there is no escape. Unlike a neighbor’s anger, which is only for a short time, the constant quarrels at home are always there, and patience is the only answer (Proverbs 19:13 x). It is also something that cannot be hidden, like the sound of the wind or a strong smell. Even if someone wants to protect their family's reputation, the constant fighting will eventually be noticed by others. – The Value of Good CompanionshipThis proverb teaches us about the importance and benefit of spending time with others. Meaningful conversations and friendships help us grow in wisdom and character. Just as iron becomes sharper when rubbed against another piece of iron, people become better and wiser by talking and learning from each other. However, it is important to choose our friends wisely, because good friends encourage us to be better, but bad company can have the opposite effect. Our goal in these relationships should be to help each other grow and encourage one another to do what is right (Hebrews 10:24 y).v. 17: The Bible says, "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend" . This means that spending time with wise and good people helps us become sharper and brighter ourselves. It makes us more lively and ready for life’s challenges. Good conversations add to our knowledge and make us more pleasant to be around. But we must be careful with whom we spend time, because our friends have a big influence on us, for better or for worse. We should use our friendships to encourage each other to love and do good works (Hebrews 10:24 z). The Rewards of Faithful WorkThis proverb encourages us to be diligent and faithful in our work, no matter how simple or difficult it may seem. Even jobs that look small or unimportant can bring rewards if we do them with care and commitment. Whether someone is a gardener or a servant, hard work and loyalty will be noticed and rewarded in the end. This teaching also reminds us that God honors those who serve faithfully (John 12:26 aa).v. 18: The Bible says, "Whoever keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored" . This means that a gardener who takes good care of a fig tree will get to enjoy its fruit. In the same way, a servant who is loyal and careful in serving his master will be respected and rewarded. Hard work and faithfulness bring good results, just as a farmer enjoys the harvest from his own hands (1 Corinthians 9:7 ab). God also promises to honor those who serve Him with all their heart. Knowing Ourselves and OthersThis proverb teaches us about self-examination and understanding other people. Just as water can reflect our face like a mirror, there are ways to see what is truly in our hearts. By looking honestly at our thoughts, feelings, and intentions, we can learn about our true character. The Bible, especially the law of God, acts like a mirror for our soul (James 1:23 ac). It is important for everyone to know themselves well, because this helps us grow and change for the better.v. 19: The Bible says, "As in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man" . This means that just as water reflects a person’s face, people’s hearts are similar to each other. We can often understand others by thinking about our own feelings and experiences, because God has made human hearts much alike. This is one reason for the rule, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Exodus 23:9 ad). All people share the same basic nature, whether good or bad, so we should treat others with understanding and kindness. The Never-Ending Desires of Death and SinThis proverb teaches about two things that are never satisfied: death and human desire. Death, like the grave, is always ready to receive more and never says it has had enough. In the same way, sinful desires in people are never fully satisfied. No matter how much people gain or experience, they always want more. This restlessness comes from sin, which started when the first humans were not content with what God gave them in Eden. Only those who look to the Lord can find true satisfaction and peace.v. 20: The Bible says, "Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied" . This means that just as the grave is never filled up, our desires for pleasure or gain are never truly satisfied. The grave keeps taking more bodies, and hell has room for more souls (Isaiah 30:33 ae). In the same way, people are never content no matter how much they see or get. This is why people often feel unhappy even when they have much. True satisfaction is found only in God, not in the things of this world. Praise Tests a Person’s CharacterThis proverb explains that praise is like a test for people, just as fire is used to test silver and gold. When someone is praised or honored, their true character is revealed. How a person reacts to applause shows if they are wise and humble, or proud and foolish. Praise can be a challenge, and it is important to handle it well by giving thanks to God and staying true to good values (2 Corinthians 6:8 af).v. 21: The Bible says, "As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise" . This means that just as fire tests metals, praise tests a person’s heart. If praise makes someone proud or careless, it shows they are not truly wise. For example, King Herod took glory for himself instead of giving it to God, and this showed his pride (Acts 12:21-23 ag). But if praise makes a person more thankful to God, humble, and careful to do good, it shows they have a good and wise heart. The best character is seen in someone who stays the same whether people speak well or badly about them. The Limits of Correction and the Value of DiligenceThis section explains that while discipline can help shape a person’s character when they are young, it becomes much harder to change someone who is set in their ways. If bad habits are not corrected early, they may become impossible to fix. The proverb also teaches about the importance of working hard, being careful with your responsibilities, and providing for your family. It uses the example of taking care of flocks and herds to show that everyone should be diligent and wise in their work, whatever job they have.v. 22: The Bible says, "Though you grind a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet his foolishness will not depart from him" . Solomon had already said, "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him" (Proverbs 22:15 ah). This means that if someone is not corrected while young, their bad ways may become permanent. Some people are so stubborn that even harsh punishment won’t change them. Their hearts are set on doing wrong, like King Ahaz, who only sinned more when punished (2 Chronicles 28:22 ai). If a person refuses to change, nothing good can come from them in the end. Diligence in Caring for Your Business and Family This section encourages us to be hardworking and wise managers of whatever God has given us, especially our work, property, and the needs of our families. Solomon uses the example of shepherds and farmers, but the lesson applies to all kinds of jobs. We must take personal responsibility, be watchful, and make good use of every opportunity. Wealth and success do not last unless we care for them with effort and planning. God provides nature’s resources, but we must do our part by being careful and industrious. v. 23: Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. We should not be lazy or careless about our work. Instead, we must pay attention to what we have and check on it ourselves. Whether we are farmers, business people, or students, it is important to understand our responsibilities and make sure nothing is neglected. Good management means knowing what is happening and being ready to act when needed. v. 24: For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?. Money and success can quickly disappear if not properly cared for. Even people in high positions or with great wealth can lose everything if they are not wise and careful. We cannot assume that things will always stay the same; every generation must work to keep what it has. v. 25: The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. God is generous and provides what we need through nature. Grass and herbs grow at the right time, and we must take advantage of the seasons. We should be grateful for God’s gifts and work hard to gather and use them wisely. If we miss the right time, our animals and our families will suffer. v. 26: The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. If we are careful with our work, we will have what we need. The sheep provide wool for clothes, and the goats can be sold to pay for land or other necessities. Good management brings practical rewards and helps us provide for ourselves and our families. v. 27: And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens(Proverbs 27:27 aj). Diligence leads to plenty. By looking after our responsibilities, we will have enough for ourselves, our families, and those who depend on us. Simple things like milk and wool are valuable when we work hard for them. We should not desire luxury, but be content and thankful for what honest work brings.
Copyright information for
MHM