Proverbs 27
27:1 a We should plan (24:27 b), but our plans succeed only when God so wills (16:1 c, 3 d, 33 e; Jas 4:13-16 f). Only fools think that they control the future.27:2 g The Hebrew word translated praise comes from the same root as “brag” in 27:1 h. Bragging (self-praise) is foolish.
27:3 i Fools cause heavy ... resentment by their foolish words and actions.
27:4 j Anger can be dangerous but can be countered with a gentle answer (15:1 k). Jealousy is harder to resolve (6:34-35 l).
27:5 m A rebuke improves life by correcting harmful behavior (13:1 n; 14:6 o). Hidden, unexpressed love has no value.
27:6 p Wounds from a ... friend are from a loving rebuke (27:5 q). They are better than flattery (many kisses) from an enemy who intends to harm rather than help.
27:7 r Even the best teaching (honey) will be refused if offered at the wrong time. The key to real learning is the receptivity of the student.
27:8 s A person who forsakes his family and strays from home will more likely find trouble than whatever he was seeking (e.g., Luke 15:11-16 t).
27:9 u Nothing is more encouraging than heartfelt counsel from an intimate friend (see also 27:6 v).
27:10 w In a crisis, one might need immediate assistance, so it is important to have friends close by and neighbors who can help.
27:11 x Fairly or not, parents are evaluated by their children’s public behavior.
27:12 y This proverb repeats 22:3 z.
27:13 aa This proverb repeats 20:16 ab.
27:14 ac It is important to speak appropriately for the circumstances (cp. 15:23 ad).
27:15 ae A quarrelsome wife: Cp. 19:13 af; 21:9 ag, 19 ah; 25:24 ai.
27:17 aj iron sharpens iron: Wisdom comes from interaction, often critical, with a good friend (see 27:6 ak, 9 al).
27:18 am An employer values loyal workers who protect their employer’s interests. Wise employers give their workers incentives to be loyal, such as allowing them to eat the fruit (see Deut 25:4 an; 1 Cor 9:7-10 ao; 1 Tim 5:17-18 ap).
27:20 aq Death and Destruction: See study note on 15:11.
• Human desire is never satisfied by money, power, or pleasure.
27:21 ar A person who avoids conceit in response to praise demonstrates purity of character (cp. 17:3 as).
27:22 at Foolishness is deeply ingrained in the character of a fool.
Summary for Prov 27:23-27: 27:23-27 au Agricultural property can provide food and clothing from generation to generation; these resources require continuous labor and attention or, like riches, they disappear.
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