Proverbs Chapter 27
Planning for the Future, Receiving Honor
Proverbs 27:1
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
It is the tendency of human pride to look upon tomorrow as if it were already ours, yet Scripture warns us not to boast about the future. Man in his arrogance assumes that he controls what is to come, but the truth is that every day is under the sovereign rule of God. We are reminded that our knowledge of tomorrow is limited and our confidence in our own plans is misplaced. As James wrote, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil” (James 4:13–16).
The instruction is not against wise and godly planning, for Scripture commends prudence, but against the arrogant presumption that we can control or guarantee our future. David once said in confidence, “And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled” (Psalm 30:6–7). Even David learned that security rests not in prosperity or planning, but in the favour of God. Charles Spurgeon observed that it is indeed a mercy we do not know what tomorrow holds, for such knowledge could lead to either presumption or despair. Our ignorance of the future is a gracious gift, teaching us dependence upon the Lord day by day.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
Pride finds delight in self-promotion, yet the Word of God calls for humility and restraint. The wise man does not praise himself but allows others to speak if there is cause for commendation. Self-exaltation reveals insecurity and vanity, while true honour comes from integrity, not advertisement. Jesus taught the same principle: “But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:10–11).
It is better that praise come from another, even from a stranger, for such words are more credible and more pleasing before God. A German proverb wisely says, “Self-praise stinks, friend’s praise limps, stranger’s praise rings.” Genuine recognition carries weight only when it is unsolicited. The child of God should therefore seek not the applause of men, but the approval of the Lord, remembering that “he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
Proverbs 27:3
“A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.”
The imagery here compares the physical burdens of nature to the emotional and relational weight caused by a fool’s anger. Stones and sand are naturally heavy, but the fury of a fool weighs far more heavily upon all who must endure it. The wrath of one who rejects godly wisdom is unpredictable and destructive. Proverbs elsewhere warns that “a fool’s wrath is presently known” (Proverbs 12:16), meaning that the fool cannot contain his temper, and “an angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22).
To deal with the wrath of such a person is to carry an unbearable burden. His anger lacks reason, his emotion lacks restraint, and his pride blinds him to correction. The fool’s wrath crushes peace, destroys relationships, and weighs down the soul. The believer, by contrast, is called to the gentleness of Christ, who said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Wisdom teaches patience, self-control, and humility, while folly produces chaos and oppression.
Proverbs 27:7–9
Proverbs 27:7
“The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”
When one’s life is filled and satisfied, even the sweetest delicacies lose their appeal. The satisfied soul no longer treasures what once seemed desirable. This proverb speaks beyond food, illustrating a universal principle of human nature. When we have much, we tend to take blessings for granted, but when deprived, even the smallest provision becomes precious. Ross notes that this applies to possessions, experiences, and education alike. The danger of abundance is complacency; the danger of satisfaction is forgetfulness of the Giver.
Spiritually, there is a warning here for the believer. As Bridges observed, spiritual fullness can become a curse when it breeds apathy: “He who is full loathes honey.” Many professing Christians grow indifferent toward the sweetness of God’s Word and the joy of fellowship with Christ because their hearts are filled with worldly abundance. Yet, positively, the same principle works for godliness. As F. B. Meyer said, “The best way of combating worldliness is by satisfying the heart with something better. Fill your heart with God and His sacred truth, and the things of the world will lose their charm.”
To the hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. Hunger transforms bitterness into nourishment. The one who is truly hungry for righteousness will find even rebuke, hardship, and correction to be precious lessons. Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Charles Spurgeon beautifully applied this to the sweetness of Christ, saying that liberty is sweet to the captive, pardon to the condemned, health to the sick, and light to those in darkness—and Jesus Christ is all these to the soul.
Proverbs 27:8
“As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.”
Solomon painted a simple yet powerful picture: a bird away from its nest is exposed, vulnerable, and unsettled. The nest represents safety, order, and belonging. In the same way, a man who wanders from his God-appointed place loses stability and purpose. His life becomes restless, lacking both shelter and direction.
Charles Spurgeon compared this to believers who drift from their spiritual home—the fellowship of the church. He warned against those who wander from congregation to congregation, never taking root. “Too many are a sort of flying camp,” he said, “a set of gipsy-Christians who have no settled abode.” A man out of place is like a bird away from its nest or a fish out of water.
Trapp wrote, “An honest man’s heart is the place where his calling is; such a one, when he is abroad, is like a fish in the air, whereinto if it leap for recreation or necessity, yet it soon returns to its own element.” Each believer must discern the specific calling and position God has given and abide faithfully there. Ross adds, “Those who wander lack the security of their home and can no longer contribute to their community life.” The verse thus warns against restlessness, discontent, and abandoning our divine assignments.
Proverbs 27:9
“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.”
Just as the pleasant fragrance of oil and perfume lifts the spirit, so also the heartfelt counsel of a true friend refreshes the soul. In the ancient world, ointment and perfume were valued not only for their fragrance but for their comforting and healing qualities. Solomon used this imagery to compare the deep joy that comes from genuine friendship rooted in godly advice.
True friendship is marked by honesty, encouragement, and godly wisdom. Proverbs 27:6 earlier reminded us that “faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Here we see the other side of that truth—faithful friends do not only correct; they also comfort. Their words bring joy and strength, just as fragrance brings delight.
Waltke explains, “The gladdening oil and incense is a simile for the agreeable and delightful counsel of a friend that originates in his very being. Both the outward fragrances and the wholesome counsel produce a sense of wellbeing.” Such counsel does not flatter or manipulate but springs from sincerity and love.
For the believer, this verse also points to the beauty of fellowship within the body of Christ. Hebrews 10:24–25 instructs, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another.” Godly friendships and their hearty counsel are one of the great means of grace in the Christian life.
Proverbs 27:10
“Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”
Solomon here teaches the value of faithful, time-tested friendship. The bond of true friendship, especially one forged through years or even generations, is not to be neglected. These relationships, built on mutual trust, loyalty, and love, often prove more steadfast than those bound merely by blood. The counsel, “Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,” is a call to honor those who have proven themselves through faithfulness and consistency.
Clarke wisely noted, “A well and long-tried friend is invaluable. Him that has been a friend to thy family never forget, and never neglect.” The friendship that once benefited one’s father should continue in the son’s generation. Solomon himself exemplified this by maintaining the alliance with Hiram, who had been David’s friend (1 Kings 5:1–10). Yet Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, ignored this principle, rejecting the seasoned counsel of his father’s friends. His arrogance divided the kingdom and brought shame upon his house (1 Kings 12:6–19).
Spiritually, this proverb finds its highest meaning in our relationship with Christ. Charles Spurgeon drew the parallel: “Now, inasmuch as the Lord Jesus is thine own Friend, and thy father’s Friend, the injunction of the text comes to thee with peculiar force: Forsake Him not. Canst thou forsake Him?” Christ, who is the Friend of sinners and the Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24), must never be forsaken.
The second half of the verse cautions, “Neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.” This emphasizes practical wisdom. A friend nearby, even if not related by blood, can provide timely aid in trouble, while a brother far away may be of little help. Garrett observes that this runs counter to Israel’s normal customs, where family identity was paramount. Yet here Solomon shows that proximity and loyalty matter more than mere kinship. The nearness of a faithful friend often surpasses the distant sympathy of a relative.
Proverbs 27:11
“My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.”
This is both a personal plea and a moral exhortation. Solomon appeals to his son to walk in wisdom, knowing that the wise conduct of a child brings honor and gladness to a parent. Few joys compare to seeing one’s children live wisely and righteously, and few sorrows wound deeper than their folly.
The father’s gladness here is not merely emotional—it also strengthens his testimony before others. When a son lives foolishly, he gives ammunition to those who mock righteousness, suggesting that godly training has failed. But when a son walks in wisdom, he silences those reproaches. As Garrett notes, “His son will either publicly disgrace the father or enable him to stand proudly before even his enemies.”
This verse echoes Proverbs 10:1: “A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” The principle is timeless: a child’s wisdom or folly reflects upon the family’s name and faith. In a spiritual sense, this applies to believers as the children of God. When we walk in wisdom, we bring joy to our Heavenly Father and silence those who speak reproachfully against His truth.
Proverbs 27:12
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
This proverb, repeated from Proverbs 22:3, stresses the difference between wisdom and naivety in responding to danger. The prudent man is discerning—he sees trouble before it arrives and takes refuge. His wisdom does not merely consist of knowledge but of foresight and action. It is the mark of spiritual maturity to recognize potential evil and to avoid its snare.
Poole observes that the repetition of this proverb reinforces the previous exhortations to wisdom, “by representing the great advantage of wisdom.” Wisdom brings protection, while folly brings punishment. The prudent person does not flirt with temptation or danger; he sees it coming and removes himself from its path.
In contrast, “the simple pass on and are punished.” The naive refuse to heed warnings. They lack discernment, mistaking danger for opportunity and curiosity for courage. They rush blindly into trouble, suffering consequences that wisdom could have prevented. Ross comments that the proverb motivates the naive to seek instruction, for “life would be far less painful if they knew how to avoid life’s dangers.”
Bridges adds a sobering note: “The simple rush blindfolded into hell. The ox has to be driven to destruction, but the sinner plunges into it in spite of every effort to restrain him.” Sin’s path always ends in ruin, and those who ignore God’s warnings will find themselves punished not by chance but by consequence.
The godly response is to be spiritually alert and discerning. Jesus gave the same principle in Matthew 24:42: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” The wise man anticipates danger, hides in the refuge of obedience and faith, and is spared; the fool closes his eyes to the coming storm and perishes in it.
Proverbs 27:13
“Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.”
Solomon once again warns against the folly of guaranteeing another’s debt, especially for those of questionable character. To become surety for a stranger or for a seductress is to assume risk without wisdom, for such people are unstable and untrustworthy. The instruction to “take his garment” means to secure a pledge or deposit in advance, as a safeguard against the inevitable loss that follows rash commitments. In the ancient world, a man’s outer garment could serve as collateral; here, Solomon advises one to treat the irresponsible borrower as a credit risk and to protect oneself accordingly.
To stand as surety for a stranger reflects poor discernment, but to do so for a seductress exposes not only folly but also moral compromise. The man who binds himself to such a woman is already entangled by sin. Waltke explains, “Probably by her enticements and flatteries, she seduced some male to become indebted to her. The proverb instructs the disciple to have nothing to do with these fools.” Proverbs 6:26 warns that “by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread.” Such entanglements destroy reputation, resources, and righteousness.
The wisdom here is practical: guard yourself against the carelessness of others, and never let misplaced sympathy or lust blind you to danger. As Proverbs 11:15 earlier stated, “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.” The righteous man exercises prudence and keeps his resources under God’s stewardship rather than risking them to enable the folly of others.
Proverbs 27:14
“He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.”
Here Solomon warns against insincere or excessive flattery disguised as friendship. The image is vivid—a man loudly proclaiming blessings upon his friend early in the morning, disturbing the peace with exaggerated enthusiasm. His voice and timing betray his hypocrisy. True friendship expresses itself in quiet sincerity, not in loud, public displays designed to manipulate or impress.
Trapp comments, “That extols a man above measure, as the false prophets did Ahab, and the people Herod, that praiseth him to his face.” Such praise, when excessive, ceases to be genuine; it becomes deceit. Clarke adds, “Extravagant public professions are little to be regarded.” The Italian proverb captures it well: “He who praises you more than he was wont to do, has either deceived you, or is about to do it.”
Flattery often masks a hidden motive. The one who praises too loudly may seek advantage, position, or favor. Morgan warned, “There is nothing more calculated to arouse suspicion than profuse protestations of friendship.” True love and friendship require no exaggeration, for real affection proves itself by quiet loyalty. Bridges notes, “When a man exceeds all bounds of truth and decency, affecting pompous words and hyperbolical expressions, we cannot but suspect some sinister motive. Real friendship needs no such assurance.”
Thus, the proverb reverses expectations: what sounds like a blessing becomes a curse. Words meant to flatter often end in distrust and ruin. Genuine kindness is measured by truth and discretion, not by noise and pretense.
Proverbs 27:15–16
“A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.”
The comparison here is striking: a contentious woman is likened to the constant dripping of water from a leaky roof on a stormy day. The image communicates irritation, weariness, and helplessness. Just as a man seeks shelter from the storm only to find his house leaking over his head, so a husband seeks rest in his home but finds his peace destroyed by continual contention.
Waltke writes, “The man takes shelter under the roof of his home expecting to find protection from the storm. Instead, he finds his leaky roof provides him no shelter from the torrential downpour. Likewise, he married with the expectation of finding good, but the wife from whom he expected protection from the rudeness of the world harshly attacks him at home.”
The picture of “a continual dropping” conveys something relentless—drip after drip, wearing down patience and joy. Proverbs 21:9 earlier said, “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.” Domestic peace is precious, but a spirit of contention drains life and love from a household.
The next verse explains, “Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind.” To attempt to restrain or reform a contentious woman by argument or force is as futile as trying to contain the wind or grasp oil in one’s hand. Ross notes, “The husband would be dealing with a woman who was as unpredictable and uncontrollable as a gust of wind or a hand grasping oil.” Oil slips through the fingers, leaving only a residue—so too the effort to silence a quarrelsome spirit leaves the husband frustrated and marked by the struggle.
Trapp gives sound counsel: “Let this be marked by those that venture upon shrews, if rich, fair, well descended, in hope to tame them and make them better.” The proverb therefore serves as both warning and wisdom. It warns men to marry wisely, not being swayed by beauty or status without regard for character. And it offers wisdom to husbands already in difficulty—to cease striving in their own strength and instead love with grace. The New Testament gives the divine solution: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). A quarrelsome spirit cannot be subdued by human force, but through prayer, humility, and godly love, the Lord may bring transformation.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
This proverb portrays the value and necessity of godly fellowship and accountability. As one piece of iron sharpens another through friction, impact, and pressure, so too does one man sharpen another through conversation, correction, and challenge. Growth and refinement often come through tension and testing, not mere comfort. Iron striking iron produces sparks, but those sparks are part of the process that brings a sharp edge.
Waltke observes, “The analogy infers that the friend persists and does not shy away from critical, constructive criticism.” True friendship is not mere flattery; it involves truth spoken in love. Proverbs 27:6 earlier reminded us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Likewise, the sharpening of one’s soul requires honesty and friction that lead to improvement.
Bridges exhorts, “Gladly let us take up the bond of brotherhood. If a brother seems to walk alone, sharpen his iron by godly communication. Walk together in mutual concern for each other’s infirmities, trials, and temptations.” Genuine Christian friendship exists not to affirm mediocrity but to stir each other to greater faithfulness. As Hebrews 10:24 commands, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”
Kidner notes that “countenance” here “almost equals ‘personality’; it can stand for the man himself.” The point is that true companionship shapes character. Fellowship among believers should be edifying, purifying, and strengthening—just as friction between iron blades refines their edge. A dull man among dull company remains unsharpened, but a godly man among godly friends grows sharp, discerning, and effective for the Lord.
Proverbs 27:18
“Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.”
This proverb affirms the principle of faithful stewardship and reward. The one who tends the fig tree with diligence will enjoy its fruit in due time. So too, the servant who faithfully attends to his master will receive honor as his proper reward. Solomon uses a common agricultural image to teach a moral truth: diligence leads to blessing.
Poole remarks, “He mentions the fig tree because they abounded in Canaan, and were more valued and regarded than other trees.” The fig tree, which required careful cultivation, represents work that demands steady attention. Just as no one enjoys figs without patient tending, no one receives honor or reward without faithful labor.
Ross adds, “The fig tree needed closer attention than other plants; so the point would include the diligent tending of it.” The one who keeps his field, craft, or calling with care is entitled to its fruit. Likewise, the believer who serves his Master—Jesus Christ—faithfully will receive spiritual honor, whether in this life or at His coming.
In his sermon on this verse, Charles Spurgeon outlined the manifold ways that Christ honors His servants:
We are honored in our Master’s honor. His exaltation glorifies those who serve Him.
We are honored with our Master’s approval. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) is the highest crown of joy.
We are honored by being given more to do. God entrusts greater responsibility to those proven faithful.
We are honored in the eyes of our fellow servants. The faithful worker becomes an example and inspiration to others.
We are honored by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Divine recognition is the truest reward.
This principle echoes throughout Scripture: “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Timothy 5:18). God’s economy never overlooks faithfulness. The servant who labors humbly for the Master’s glory will be exalted in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
Proverbs 27:19
“As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.”
This proverb draws a parallel between reflection and revelation. Clear, still water reflects the image of the face; likewise, a man’s heart—his thoughts, desires, and intentions—reveals who he truly is. Just as one cannot look into calm water without seeing his reflection, so one cannot observe a man’s actions and words without eventually discerning the condition of his heart.
Kidner explains, “The Hebrew is very cryptic: literally, ‘As the water the face to the face, so the man’s heart to the man.’” The meaning, however, is profound: the heart is the mirror of the soul. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34), and behavior inevitably reflects inner character.
Water mirrors the outer man; the heart mirrors the inner man. The heart is not only what defines us but what others eventually see in us. Over time, our responses, priorities, and attitudes reveal who we truly are. As Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
Spiritually, this teaches both discernment and humility. We must examine our hearts before God, asking Him to cleanse and renew them, for our inner life shapes every outward reflection. As David prayed in Psalm 139:23–24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Proverbs 27:20
“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Here Solomon contrasts two insatiable forces—the grave and the human heart. “Hell and destruction,” translated from Sheol and Abaddon, symbolize death and the world beyond, which are never satisfied, for they continually receive the dead and are always ready to receive more. Poole observed, “The grave devours all the bodies which are put into it, and is always ready to receive and devour more and more without end.” In the same way, the eyes of man—representing human desire—are never content.
The human appetite for more, whether it be pleasure, power, possessions, or praise, mirrors the unending hunger of the grave. What the eyes see, the heart soon craves, and what the heart craves, the flesh soon pursues. Trapp said, “The eyes of man, that is, their lusts, their carnal concupiscence. To seek to satisfy it is an endless piece of business.” Eve’s fall in Genesis 3 began with the lust of the eyes: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes... she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat” (Genesis 3:6). Waltke notes that this “lust of the eye” led humanity to transgress divine boundaries and continues to plague mankind.
The Apostle John likewise warned, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16). Clarke insightfully connects this proverb to human restlessness: “As the grave can never be filled up with bodies, nor perdition with souls; so the restless desire, the lust of power, riches, and splendour, is never satisfied. Out of this ever unsatisfied desire spring all the changing fashions, the varied amusements, and the endless modes of getting money, prevalent in every age, and in every country.”
The only cure for such endless craving is contentment in God. True satisfaction is found not in seeing more, but in seeing rightly. David declared, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” (Psalm 17:15). The soul that looks upon God finds its hunger filled and its wandering eyes at rest.
Proverbs 27:21
“As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.”
Just as precious metals are tested in the fire, so a man is tested by how he handles praise. The refining pot brings out the purity or impurity of silver and gold through heat; likewise, praise reveals what is in the heart. Some men grow proud under applause, others remain humble, and in that response lies the true measure of their character.
Morgan offered three possible interpretations: “First, that you may know what a man is by the way he bears praise. Second, that you may know what a man is by the things he praises. Third, that a man who treats praise as the fining pot treats silver and gold purges it of unworthy substance.” Each meaning points to the same truth—praise is a test, not a crown.
Praise is often a sharper trial than reproach. Bridges wrote, “He who is praised is not only much approved, but much proved. The courting of the praise of our fellow creatures has to do with the world within. Praise is a sharper trial of the strength of principle than is reproach.” Saul and David both faced this test when Israel sang, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul failed the test, growing jealous and bitter, while David, though not perfect, maintained a heart after God.
Flattery and success are the fire that expose impurities in the heart. The humble man gives glory to God, while the proud man takes it for himself. Therefore, this proverb reminds us that how we respond to praise—whether we grow arrogant or remain grateful—reveals our spiritual metal. As Paul wrote, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).
Proverbs 27:22
“Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.”
Here Solomon employs a vivid and almost humorous image to depict the stubbornness of folly. The “mortar” was a stone or metal bowl used to crush grain, and the “pestle” was the heavy instrument used to grind it. The proverb pictures taking a fool and pounding him like grain, yet even such harsh treatment cannot remove his foolishness. His folly is ingrained in his nature; external pressure cannot transform a corrupt heart.
This teaches that foolishness is not a superficial flaw but a spiritual disease. It is not corrected by punishment alone or by life’s harsh blows. Discipline may restrain a fool temporarily, but it cannot reform him without the intervention of divine grace. Waltke commented, “Prisons were made into penitentiaries through the mistaken notion that confinement would bring repentance and effect a cure. Instead, many prisoners become hardened criminals. Divine grace that regenerates the fool is his only hope of being converted into a useful person.”
The fool is resistant to correction because he lacks the humility to learn. Proverbs 26:11 likened him to a dog returning to his vomit. Reproof, pain, and consequence may surround him, but until his heart changes, his folly remains. Jeremiah 17:9 describes the root of this condition: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Only the new birth in Christ can purge folly from the soul.
In contrast, the wise man invites correction and learns from it. Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser.” The difference is not in the treatment, but in the heart that receives it. The fool resists, the wise man repents. Therefore, this proverb reminds us that wisdom cannot be beaten into a man—it must be born in him by the Spirit of God.
Proverbs 27:23–27
“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.”
This closing section of Proverbs 27 offers a picture of wise stewardship, reminding the reader to labor diligently and manage faithfully the resources entrusted by God. The imagery is drawn from an agrarian setting, but the principles are timeless—applying to finances, leadership, family, and ministry alike.
A. Be Diligent to Know the State of Your Flocks (27:23)
The command to “be diligent to know the state of thy flocks” calls for intentional, consistent oversight. The Hebrew carries the sense of setting one’s heart upon something, implying care, attentiveness, and personal involvement. Solomon exhorts the wise man not to neglect the condition of what God has placed under his care. In the ancient world, flocks and herds represented wealth, stability, and security; today, the same principle extends to all forms of stewardship—business, finances, relationships, or spiritual responsibility.
Poole notes, “Flocks and herds are here put for all riches and possessions, because anciently they were the chief part of a man’s riches.” Solomon’s wisdom encourages every man to be hands-on and aware of his affairs. Laziness, ignorance, or delegation without oversight leads to decline. Trapp advises, “Set thy heart to them—that is, be very inquisitive and solicitous of their welfare. Leave not all to servants, though never so faithful; but supervise and oversee business, as Boaz did.”
This proverb is not simply about animal husbandry, as Kidner points out: “This country scene is not designed to make farmers of everybody, but to show the proper interplay of man’s labour and God’s nurture, which a sophisticated society neglects at its peril.” In other words, diligence honors the Creator by wisely tending His provision. A lack of attentiveness leads to waste; diligence ensures stability and blessing.
B. For Riches Are Not Forever (27:24)
“For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” The wise man recognizes that wealth and position are fleeting. Prosperity today does not guarantee security tomorrow. Both riches and rule fade with time. Therefore, it is essential to manage what one has with foresight and gratitude. Solomon reminds us that only God’s wisdom and righteousness endure.
Ross comments, “People should preserve what income they have because it does not long endure…the poem shows the proper interplay between human labor and divine provision.” Our possessions are gifts of stewardship, not permanent guarantees. The imagery of fading riches and a crown that does not last through generations points to the vanity of trusting in material or temporal power.
In an agricultural sense, the farmer’s diligent care brings ongoing provision; in a spiritual sense, the believer’s faithfulness ensures that he will reap eternal fruit. Those who neglect what God has given may find their fields barren when need arises. The call is to preserve, maintain, and labor faithfully, for “the crown” of wealth or authority is only temporary.
C. The Reward of Diligent Provision (27:25–27)
“When the hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.” These verses describe the seasonal process of work and reward. When the grass grows and hay is harvested, the laborer gathers what is needed for both man and beast. It is a natural picture of God’s provision meeting human diligence.
The lambs provide wool for clothing, and the goats are valuable for both trade and milk. Trapp explains, “Goats the price of a field, wherewith thou mayest pay thy rent, and besides hire tillage, or it may be purchase land, and have money in thy purse to do thy needs with.” The worker who tends his flock with care will find his needs supplied, not through chance, but through consistent stewardship.
Verse 27 completes the picture: “And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.” Waltke notes, “The milk is qualified by goat’s, because goat’s milk was by far the animal nutrient of choice in the ancient Near East. It is richer in protein and easier to digest than cow’s milk.” The wise man’s diligence ensures not only his own sustenance but also that of his entire household, including servants and dependents.
Garrett clarifies, “Verse 27 need not be taken to imply that goat’s milk will be the staple of everyone’s diet; after verse 26b the intent is rather that one can sell surplus milk or barter it for other kinds of food…you will have more than enough to meet all of your family’s needs.” Thus, diligent stewardship under God’s blessing produces abundance—not necessarily luxury, but sufficiency.
Spiritual Application
This passage closes Proverbs 27 with a call to practical wisdom rooted in godly responsibility. The believer is not to live by presumption or laziness but by faithful attention to what God has entrusted. In the New Testament, similar counsel is found in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
Our “flocks” may represent finances, ministries, relationships, or personal callings. Whatever they are, God commands us to know their state—to manage them carefully, to plan wisely, and to trust Him for increase. The diligent man works, the fool drifts; the diligent man plans, the fool presumes. The wise steward will find that his labor, coupled with God’s provision, brings stability and blessing to himself and to those under his care.
