Proverbs 27:1
Proverbs 27:1 in Multiple Translations
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Do not make a noise about tomorrow, for you are not certain what a day's outcome may be.
Don't boast about what you're going to do tomorrow, because you don't know what the day may bring.
Boast not thy selfe of to morowe: for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow, For thou knowest not what a day bringeth forth.
Don’t boast about tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring.
Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Boast not for tomorrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth.
Do not boast about what you will do tomorrow, because you do not know what will happen [PRS] on any day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 27:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַֽל
תִּ֭תְהַלֵּל
בְּ/י֣וֹם
מָחָ֑ר
כִּ֤י
לֹא
תֵ֝דַ֗ע
מַה
יֵּ֥לֶד
יֽוֹם
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּ֭תְהַלֵּל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
מָחָ֑ר
mâchâr
H4279
tomorrow
N-ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵ֝דַ֗ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יֵּ֥לֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:1
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֭תְהַלֵּל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Hithpael-Juss-2ms
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מָחָ֑ר
mâchâr
H4279
"tomorrow"
N-ms
This word means tomorrow or a future time. In the Bible, it is used to talk about what will happen next, like in Exodus 13:14 where it refers to the next day.
Definition: 1) tomorrow, in time to come, in the future 1a) tomorrow (as the day following the present day) 1b) in future time
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: time to come, tomorrow. See also: Genesis 30:33; Judges 19:9; Proverbs 3:28.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵ֝דַ֗ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֵּ֥לֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:1
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips. 3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 4:13–16 | Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. |
| 2 | Luke 12:19–20 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 6:2 | For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 28:19 | Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 56:12 | “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!” |
| 6 | Psalms 95:7 | For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice, |
Proverbs 27:1 Summary
[This verse reminds us that we should not be too confident about what will happen tomorrow, because we just don't know what the day will bring. As it says in Proverbs 27:1, 'Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.' This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:34, where He said, 'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.' Instead of boasting or worrying, we should focus on living for God today and trusting Him to take care of tomorrow.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I not boast about tomorrow?
We should not boast about tomorrow because we do not know what a day may bring, as Proverbs 27:1 reminds us, and this is also echoed in James 4:13-14, where we are told to humbly acknowledge God's sovereignty over our plans.
Is it wrong to plan for the future?
No, it is not wrong to plan for the future, but we must do so with humility and recognition of God's control, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, where we are told that a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
What is the danger of boasting about tomorrow?
The danger of boasting about tomorrow is that it reveals a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as warned against in Jeremiah 9:23-24, where we are told not to boast in our wisdom, strength, or riches, but to boast in knowing and understanding the Lord.
How can I apply this verse to my daily life?
You can apply this verse by living one day at a time, seeking God's guidance and wisdom, and trusting in His goodness, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33-34, where we are told to seek first the kingdom of God and not worry about tomorrow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been boasting about tomorrow, and how can I repent of this attitude?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and provision, especially when I am uncertain about the future?
- What are some practical ways that I can live out the principle of not boasting about tomorrow, such as by prioritizing today's tasks and responsibilities?
- In what ways has God been faithful to me in the past, and how can I draw on those experiences to trust Him more fully for the future?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of tomorrow,.... Or, "of tomorrow day" (t).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
CHAPTER 27 Counsel against self-conceitedness, ,2. The evil effects of envy, . The praises of a faithful friend, . The different fruits of prudence and folly, ,12. Sundry rules and cautions, . Of tomorrow; of any good thing which thou purposest to do or hopest to receive to-morrow, or hereafter; the thee being here put metonymically for things done or had in the thee, as . The same caution is given , &c. What a day may bring forth; what may happen in the space of one day, which may hinder thy designs or expectations. The day is said to bring forth what God by his almighty power and providence doth either cause or suffer to be brought forth or done in it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.Ver. 1. Boast not thyself of tomorrow.] That is, Of what thou wilt do hereafter, in quovis tempore postero. See 1 Samuel 28:19 James 4:14. He was a wise man, that being invited to a feast on the next morrow, answered, Ex multis annis crastinum non habui, For these many years I have not had a morrow day to promise for any business. But what luxurious fools were those Sybarites, that intending a feast, did use to invite their guests a whole year before! For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.] A great bellied day. While a woman is yet with child, none can tell what kind of birth it will be. Time travaileth with God’ s decrees, and in their season brings them forth; but little doth any man know what is in the womb of tomorrow, till God hath signified his will by the event. David in his prosperity said, that he should "never be moved"; but he soon after found a sore alteration: God confuted his confidence. So the evil which men intend against us may prove abortive, either die in the womb, or else they may travail with mischief, and bring forth a lie - that is, somewhat contrary to what they intended; but fata viam invenient - stat sua cuique dies.
Accidit in puncto quod non speratur in anno. Petrarch, lib. iii. Memorab. ad finem. Aelian. Nescis quid serus vesper vehat. Hinc Hebraei eventa appellant "filios temporis."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
XXVII. (1) Boast not thyself of to-morrow.—This is forbidden also in James 4:13, sqq.; but there on the higher ground that it argues a want of submission to the will of Almighty God. This temper of mind, as well as the opposite one of too great anxiety for the morrow (Matthew 6:34), proceed from the same cause, too much dependence upon self, and are only to be met by learning to realise the love of God for His children (ibid., 26, 30, 33), and looking up to Him daily for protection, guidance, and support.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
CHAPTER XXVII To-morrow is uncertain. Self-praise forbidden. Anger and envy. Reproof from a friend. Want makes us feel the value of a supply. A good neighbour. Beware of suretyship. Suspicious praise. The quarrelsome woman. One friend helps another.
Man insatiable. The incorrigible fool. Domestic cares. The profit of flocks for food and raiment. NOTES ON CHAP. XXVII Verse 1. Boast not thyself of to-morrow] See Clarke on James 4:13, c. Do not depend on any future moment for spiritual good which at present thou needest, and God is willing to give, and without which, should death surprise thee, thou must be eternally lost such as repentance, faith in Christ, the pardon of sin, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and complete renovation of soul. Be incessant in thy application to God for these blessings. My old MS.
Bible translates thus: Ne glorie thou into the morewenning. Here we see the derivation of our word morning; morewenning, from more, and wen or won, to dwell, i.e., a continuance of time to live or dwell in your present habitation. Every man wishes to live longer, and therefore wishes for to-morrow; and when to-morrow comes, then to-morrow, and so on.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:1
1. a day] This is taken to mean the (coming) day, the morrow, both by LXX. (ἡἐ ?ðéïῦ ?óá), and Vulg. (superventura dies), as well as by some modern commentators (comp. St James 4:13-14); but the absence of the article shews that the rendering of A.V., which is followed by R.V., is right.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:1
1. Boast not thyself — Do not exult too confidently in anticipation of the future. Count not too surely on life and prosperity, but redeem the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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(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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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 |