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Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27 continues the theme of wise living and relationships, providing practical advice on friendship, humility, caution, and integrity. It emphasizes the importance of character and loyalty in relationships, as well as the wisdom of preparing for the future. Each verse offers insights into how one should live wisely and honorably before God and others.

Proverbs 27:1 (NKJV)
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

It is unwise to boast about future plans because no one knows what will happen tomorrow. Life is uncertain, and we should live with humility and trust in God's plan. Boasting implies a sense of control over the future, which we do not have. Instead, we should live in the present, acknowledging that God ultimately holds our future.

Proverbs 27:2 (NKJV)
2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Self-praise is prideful and often comes across as insincere. It is better to let others speak well of us than to exalt ourselves. Genuine recognition from others carries more weight than self-promotion. Humility and integrity in character will naturally draw praise from others.

Proverbs 27:3 (NKJV)
3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, But a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them.

Dealing with the anger of a foolish person is burdensome and overwhelming. Just as carrying a heavy stone or sand is physically exhausting, enduring the wrath of a fool is emotionally and mentally draining. It is a reminder to avoid unnecessary conflict with those who are unreasonable.

Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV)
4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?

Wrath and anger are destructive forces, but jealousy is even more dangerous. Jealousy consumes a person and can lead to irrational and harmful actions. While anger may pass, jealousy tends to linger and can cause deep-rooted bitterness and conflict.

Proverbs 27:5 (NKJV)
5 Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed.

It is better to be corrected openly than to receive hidden or unspoken love. True love sometimes involves difficult conversations and correction, which are ultimately for our good. Concealed love, though present, does not help others grow or avoid mistakes.

Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

A true friend may offer painful truths that help us grow, while an enemy may offer flattering words that mislead or harm us. The "wounds" of a friend are valuable because they come from a place of love and concern, whereas deceitful flattery from an enemy is dangerous.

Proverbs 27:7 (NKJV)
7 A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

When we are content, we may overlook even the sweetest things in life. However, when we are in need or hunger, even something bitter can seem desirable. This verse reminds us to be grateful for what we have and not take blessings for granted.

Proverbs 27:8 (NKJV)
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest Is a man who wanders from his place.

A bird that leaves its nest is vulnerable, just as a person who leaves their rightful place or responsibilities is exposed to harm. It is important to stay within the boundaries of our roles and responsibilities to avoid unnecessary risks.

Proverbs 27:9 (NKJV)
9 Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

Just as ointment and perfume bring physical refreshment, wise and heartfelt counsel from a friend brings joy and comfort to the soul. True friendship offers guidance and support that refreshes and strengthens us during difficult times.

Proverbs 27:10 (NKJV)
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

Loyalty to friends, especially long-term family friends, is important. In times of trouble, it may be wiser to rely on a nearby neighbor or close friend rather than a distant family member. Proximity and established relationships often provide more immediate help and comfort in difficult times.

Proverbs 27:11 (NKJV)
11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.

A wise and righteous child brings joy to a parent and gives them confidence to respond to any criticism. Wisdom in children not only benefits themselves but also reflects positively on their family, offering a defense against reproach or dishonor.

Proverbs 27:12 (NKJV)
12 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished.

The prudent person is careful and avoids danger by taking precautions, while the simple or naive person ignores warning signs and suffers the consequences. Wisdom involves foresight and the ability to anticipate and avoid harm.

Proverbs 27:13 (NKJV)
13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, And hold it in pledge when he is surety for a seductress.

This verse advises caution in dealing with those who take on the financial responsibilities of others, particularly in questionable situations. If someone guarantees a loan for a stranger or a morally questionable person, it is wise to take security or collateral, as they may not be trustworthy.

Proverbs 27:14 (NKJV)
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.

Offering a loud and enthusiastic blessing at an inappropriate time, such as early in the morning, can be more annoying than kind. Timing and sensitivity are important in how we interact with others; even good intentions can be perceived negatively if done insensitively.

Proverbs 27:15-16 (NKJV)
15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand.

Living with a contentious or argumentative person is compared to the annoyance of constant dripping on a rainy day. Just as it's impossible to control the wind or hold oil in one's hand, it is difficult to control or find peace in such an environment. The verse warns of the challenge and futility of trying to manage constant strife.

Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Just as iron sharpens iron through friction, friends sharpen each other through constructive interaction. True friends challenge and improve one another by offering guidance, correction, and encouragement, leading to personal growth.

Proverbs 27:18 (NKJV)
18 Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored.

Diligence and faithful service lead to rewards. Just as one who cares for a fig tree will benefit from its fruit, so too, one who serves their master or employer faithfully will receive honor and recognition. This emphasizes the importance of hard work and loyalty.

Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV)
19 As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.

Just as water reflects a person's face, a person's heart (their thoughts and intentions) reveals their true character. This verse reminds us that the condition of our heart determines who we are and how others perceive us.

Proverbs 27:20 (NKJV)
20 Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Just as the grave is never satisfied and continues to take more lives, human desires are insatiable. No matter how much people obtain, they always crave more. This warns against the danger of unchecked greed and the pursuit of worldly pleasures.

Proverbs 27:21 (NKJV)
21 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, And a man is valued by what others say of him.

Just as silver and gold are refined through fire, a person’s character is tested by the praise or criticism they receive from others. How someone responds to praise reveals their true nature, whether they remain humble or become prideful.

Proverbs 27:22 (NKJV)
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

Even severe punishment or discipline will not remove the foolishness from someone who is set in their ways. This highlights the stubbornness of foolishness and how deeply it can be ingrained in a person's character.

Proverbs 27:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

These verses emphasize the importance of careful stewardship and diligence in managing one’s resources. Wealth and success are not guaranteed to last forever, so it is wise to take care of what you have and plan for the future, recognizing that prosperity can be fleeting.

Proverbs 27:25-27 (NKJV)
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

These verses highlight the rewards of diligent labor and careful planning. By tending to your flocks and preparing the harvest, you will be provided for. The passage reassures that faithful work results in provision for yourself, your family, and those under your care. It teaches the importance of self-sufficiency and responsible management of resources.

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