Proverbs 27
BSB1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both. 4 Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? 5 Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home. 9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. 10 Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me. 12 The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. 13 Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. 14 If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse. 15 A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike— 16 restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand. 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. 18 Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. 19 As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man. 20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him. 22 Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. 23 Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds; 24 for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation. 25 When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grain from the hills is gathered, 26 the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. 27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Proverbs 27
- Themes from Proverbs 27
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Proverbs 27
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Proverbs 27 begins by warning against boasting about tomorrow, since we do not know what the day will bring (Proverbs 27:1). It then emphasizes the importance of faithful friends, who love at all times and are born for adversity (Proverbs 27:6, 17). The chapter also teaches us to be wise in our relationships, to avoid quarrels, and to seek peace (Proverbs 27:3, 14, 21). Additionally, it highlights the value of hard work, diligence, and responsible stewardship (Proverbs 27:18, 23-27). Throughout the chapter, we see the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, rather than relying on our own understanding.
Context for the Chapter
Proverbs 27 is part of the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wisdom teachings and sayings. The chapter is likely addressed to young men, who are encouraged to cultivate wisdom, faithfulness, and responsible relationships. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek wisdom in all aspects of life. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of living a life that is guided by faith, wisdom, and obedience to God's Word.
Heart Application
As we read Proverbs 27, we are encouraged to cultivate faithfulness and wisdom in our relationships. We should prioritize honesty, loyalty, and trust in our interactions with others, and seek to build strong and meaningful friendships. We should also trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and seek to live a life that is guided by faith, wisdom, and obedience to his Word.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Proverbs 27 teaches us to be faithful and honest in our relationships, and to seek wisdom in all aspects of life. We should trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and prioritize honesty, loyalty, and trust in our interactions with others. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of living a life that is guided by faith, wisdom, and obedience to God's Word, as seen in verses like Proverbs 27:1 and Proverbs 27:17.
Voices from the Church
“A true friend is a gift from God, and we should cherish and cultivate these relationships in our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We should seek wisdom in all aspects of life, and trust in God's sovereignty and providence, rather than relying on our own understanding.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Uncertainty of Tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1-2) — The chapter begins by warning against boasting about tomorrow, since we do not know what the day will bring.
- The Importance of Faithful Friends (Proverbs 27:6, 17) — The chapter teaches us to cultivate faithful friendships, which are a treasure and a gift from God.
- The Value of Wisdom (Proverbs 27:3, 14, 21) — The chapter encourages us to seek wisdom in all aspects of life, and to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- The Importance of Hard Work and Responsible Stewardship (Proverbs 27:18, 23-27) — The chapter teaches us to be diligent and responsible in our work, and to trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
- Conclusion (Proverbs 27:28) — The chapter concludes by encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and to seek wisdom in all aspects of life.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Proverbs 27 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, rather than relying on our own understanding.
- The Importance of Faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in relationships, and encourages us to cultivate faithful friendships.
- The Value of Wisdom
- The chapter teaches us to seek wisdom in all aspects of life, and to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- The Responsibility of Stewardship
- The chapter encourages us to be diligent and responsible in our work, and to trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
Lessons from Proverbs 27
- The Importance of Humility — Proverbs 27:1 teaches us to be humble and to trust in God's sovereignty, rather than boasting about tomorrow.
- The Value of Faithful Friendships — The chapter encourages us to cultivate faithful friendships, which are a treasure and a gift from God.
- The Responsibility of Stewardship — The chapter teaches us to be diligent and responsible in our work, and to trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
- The Importance of Wisdom — The chapter encourages us to seek wisdom in all aspects of life, and to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- The Sovereignty of God — Proverbs 27 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, rather than relying on our own understanding.
Themes from Proverbs 27
- Faithfulness and Wisdom — The chapter teaches us to cultivate faithfulness and wisdom in our relationships, and to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
- The Importance of Humility — Proverbs 27:1 teaches us to be humble and to trust in God's sovereignty, rather than boasting about tomorrow.
- The Value of Hard Work and Responsible Stewardship — The chapter encourages us to be diligent and responsible in our work, and to trust in God's provision and sovereignty.
- The Sovereignty of God — Proverbs 27 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, rather than relying on our own understanding.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, and to seek wisdom in all aspects of life.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Proverbs 27:1 teach us about the uncertainty of tomorrow?
- How can we cultivate faithful friendships, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:6 and 17?
- What does Proverbs 27:3 teach us about the value of wisdom?
- How can we apply the principles of hard work and responsible stewardship, as taught in Proverbs 27:18 and 23-27?
- What does Proverbs 27:28 teach us about trusting in God's sovereignty and providence?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Uncertainty of Tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1-2)
| 27:1 | The chapter begins by warning against boasting about tomorrow, since we do not know what the day will bring. |
| 27:2 | Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. |
2. The Importance of Faithful Friends (Proverbs 27:6, 17)
| 27:6 | Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. |
| 27:17 | As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. |
3. The Value of Wisdom (Proverbs 27:3, 14, 21)
| 27:3 | A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. |
| 27:14 | If anyone loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. |
| 27:21 | The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, but a man is tested by the praise he receives. |
4. The Importance of Hard Work and Responsible Stewardship (Proverbs 27:18, 23-27)
| 27:18 | He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who takes care of his master will be honored. |
| 27:23 | Know well the face of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds. |
| 27:24 | For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. |
| 27:25 | When the hay is removed and the new growth appears, and the grasses of the mountains are gathered in, |
| 27:26 | the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. |
| 27:27 | There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household, and for the sustenance of your maidens. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Proverbs 27:1 teach us about the uncertainty of tomorrow?
Proverbs 27:1 teaches us to be humble and to trust in God's sovereignty, rather than boasting about tomorrow. We do not know what the day will bring, and we should not presume to know the future.
How can we cultivate faithful friendships, as encouraged in Proverbs 27:6 and 17?
We can cultivate faithful friendships by being loyal, trustworthy, and supportive of one another. We should also prioritize honesty, loyalty, and trust in our interactions with others.
What does Proverbs 27:3 teach us about the value of wisdom?
Proverbs 27:3 teaches us that wisdom is valuable and essential for living a virtuous life. We should seek wisdom in all aspects of life, and trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 27:1 → James 4:13-17 | Both Proverbs 27:1 and James 4:13-17 teach us to be humble and to trust in God's sovereignty, rather than boasting about tomorrow. |
| 2 | Proverbs 27:6 → John 15:13 | Both Proverbs 27:6 and John 15:13 teach us about the importance of faithful friendships and the value of laying down our lives for one another. |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:17 → Ephesians 4:29 | Both Proverbs 27:17 and Ephesians 4:29 teach us about the importance of speaking the truth in love and building one another up in our relationships. |
| 4 | Proverbs 27:18 → Matthew 25:14-30 | Both Proverbs 27:18 and Matthew 25:14-30 teach us about the importance of being faithful stewards of the resources and talents that God has given us. |
| 5 | Proverbs 27:23 → Psalm 23:1-4 | Both Proverbs 27:23 and Psalm 23:1-4 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, and seeking wisdom in all aspects of life. |
| 6 | Proverbs 27:24 → 1 Timothy 6:17-19 | Both Proverbs 27:24 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, rather than relying on our own wealth or resources. |
| 7 | Proverbs 27:25 → Isaiah 40:6-8 | Both Proverbs 27:25 and Isaiah 40:6-8 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and seeking wisdom in all aspects of life. |
| 8 | Proverbs 27:26 → Luke 12:15 | Both Proverbs 27:26 and Luke 12:15 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, and seeking wisdom in all aspects of life. |
| 9 | Proverbs 27:27 → Philippians 4:19 | Both Proverbs 27:27 and Philippians 4:19 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, and seeking wisdom in all aspects of life. |
| 10 | Proverbs 27:28 → Psalm 37:3-7 | Both Proverbs 27:28 and Psalm 37:3-7 teach us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and seeking wisdom in all aspects of life. |
Sermons on Proverbs 27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t |
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Choices for Life - Tim Wiesner Talks With Jim Cymbala - Part 2 by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Symbola of the Brooklyn Tabernacle emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel in a time when people are realizing the uncertainty of tomorrow. He |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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Called to Be Accountable by Andy Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the Christian life. He argues that God does not expect us to struggle alone and that we all face the same |
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(Education for Exultation) if the Lord Wills by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper focuses on James 4:13-16 and the importance of humbling ourselves under the sovereignty of God. He addresses the issue of making plans without con |
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Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion |
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What Do You Do With Your Future by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher uses various metaphors to describe the fleeting nature of life. He compares life to a mess on a hillside, grass in a valley, the flight of a bird, and |
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Hell by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher describes the death of a soul who did not heed the warning of the trumpet. The sermon references the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically chapter 8 verse |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 8 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of heeding the warning about the reality of hell and the importance of turning to Christ for salvation. It calls for repentance, confession of si |
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Boast Not Thyself by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting the gospel and becoming a Christian. He warns that many people in a land wh |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Proverbs 27
In his commentary on Proverbs 27, Matthew Henry teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and seeking wisdom in all aspects of life. He emphasizes the value of faithful friendships, the importance of hard work and responsible stewardship, and the need to trust in God's provision and sovereignty. Henry also highlights the dangers of boasting about tomorrow, and the importance of being humble and trusting in God's sovereignty. Throughout the chapter, Henry encourages us to seek wisdom, to trust in God's sovereignty, and to live a life that is guided by faith, wisdom, and obedience to God's Word. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faithfulness
Throughout the chapter, we see the importance of faithfulness in relationships. Faithful friends are a treasure, and we should cultivate these relationships in our lives.
The Value of Wisdom
The chapter teaches us to seek wisdom in all aspects of life, and to trust in God's sovereignty and providence.
The Danger of Boasting
The chapter warns against boasting about tomorrow, since we do not know what the day will bring (Proverbs 27:1). This reminds us to be humble and to trust in God's sovereignty.