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Proverbs 27:2
Verse
Context
Sermons
George Verwer
Clement of Rome
J.C. Philpot
St. John ClimacusJ.C. Philpot
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
2 Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips. The negative לא is with פיך, as in (Arab.) ghyra fyk, bound into one compact idea: that which is not thine own mouth (Fleischer), "not thine own lips," on the other hand, is not to be interpreted as corresponding to it, like אל־מות, Pro 12:28; since after the prohibitive אל, יהללוּך [praise thee] easily supplies itself. זר is properly the stranger, as having come from a distance, and נכרי he who comes from an unknown country, and is himself unknown (vid., under Pro 26:24); the idea of both words, however, passes from advena and alienigena to alius. There is certainly in rare cases a praising of oneself, which is authorized because it is demanded (Co2 11:18), which, because it is offered strongly against one's will, will be measured by truth (Pro 10:13); but in general it is improper to applaud oneself, because it is a vain looking at oneself in a glass; it is indecent, because it places others in the shade; imprudent, because it is of no use to us, but only injures, for propria laus sordet, and as Stobus says, οὐδὲν οὕτως ἄκουσμα φορτικὸν ὡς καθ ̓ αὑτοῦ ἔταινος. Compare the German proverb, "Eigenlob stinkt, Freundes Lob hinkt, fremdes Lob klingt" [= self-praise stinks, a friend's praise is lame, a stranger's praise sounds].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Avoid self-praise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth,.... Men should do those things which are praiseworthy; and should do them openly, that they may be seen and praised for them: for it is honourable to have such a character as Demetrius had, who had a good report of all men; and as the brother had, whose praise in the Gospel was in all the churches. To be commended by others, by any but a man's self, is to his credit and reputation; but nothing more hurtful to it than self-commendation; see Co2 10:18; in some cases it is right for a man indeed to commend himself, when the glory of God, the credit of religion, the cause of truth and self-vindication, require it; as the prophet Samuel, the Apostle Paul, and others, have been obliged to do, Sa1 12:3, &c. a stranger, and not thine own lips; a stranger means any other than a man's self; and if it is one that he knows not, or has little acquaintance with; or if a foreigner, that does not personally know him, only has good testimonies of him, or has read his works; and especially if in other respects an enemy; it is greatly to his honour to be praised by him: and such a commendation comes with much better grace than from himself, and from whom indeed it would not come with any.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. We must do that which is commendable, for which even strangers may praise us. Our light must shine before men, and we must do good works that may be seen, though we must not do them on purpose that they may be seen. Let our own works be such as will praise us, even in the gates, Phi 4:8. 2. When we have done it we must not commend ourselves, for that is an evidence of pride, folly, and self-love, and a great lessening to a man's reputation. Every one will be forward to run him down that cries himself up. There may be a just occasion for us to vindicate ourselves, but it does not become us to applaud ourselves. Proprio laus sordet in ore - Self-praise defiles the mouth.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:2 The Hebrew word translated praise comes from the same root as “brag” in 27:1. Bragging (self-praise) is foolish.
Proverbs 27:2
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Leadership Manual
By George Verwer61650:08PRO 16:9PRO 17:23PRO 27:2MAT 6:33EPH 4:111TI 3:12TI 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker also discusses the concept of redeeming time and identifies three main areas where time can be redeemed. They mention the significance of forming others and sharing a vision, particularly for a lost world. The sermon concludes with a mention of the leadership manual and the need for studying and understanding its content.
Pharisees Boast About Their Accomplishments
By Zac Poonen0PRO 27:2MAT 6:1LUK 18:11PHP 2:3JAS 4:6Zac Poonen emphasizes the danger of boasting about our accomplishments in the name of the Lord, drawing from the example of the Pharisees who glorified themselves rather than God. He warns preachers, especially, to be cautious of pride when sharing testimonies of God's work through them. Poonen highlights the importance of keeping our service to the Lord hidden, free from any hint of boasting, as God's grace is bestowed upon the humble.
Things That Please God
By Clement of Rome0PRO 16:18PRO 27:2MAT 23:12JAS 4:61PE 5:5Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, avoiding evil behaviors such as gossip, impurity, drunkenness, and pride. He encourages humility, self-control, and righteousness through actions rather than mere words, reminding that God gives grace to the humble. Clement urges believers to let their good deeds speak for themselves, rather than seeking praise for themselves, and contrasts the characteristics of those cursed by God with those blessed by Him.
William Gadsby
By J.C. Philpot02SA 3:38PRO 27:2ROM 5:20EPH 4:32TIT 2:7J.C. Philpot pays a heartfelt tribute to William Gadsby, acknowledging him as one of the greatest ministers raised up by God since the days of Huntington. He describes Gadsby's natural intellect as clear, penetrating, and quick-witted, perfectly suited for his role as a leader in the spiritual army. Philpot highlights Gadsby's sound, clear, and scriptural ministry, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to proclaiming the truth without seeking personal glory. Gadsby's humility, consistency in character, and genuine kindness towards others are commended, reflecting a life dedicated to glorifying God and serving His people.
Step 22 on the Many Forms of Vainglory
By St. John Climacus0PRO 16:18PRO 27:2MAT 6:1ROM 12:3GAL 6:3PHP 2:3COL 3:23JAS 4:61PE 5:5St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of vainglory, highlighting how it leads to pride and the importance of conquering it to avoid falling into the trap of seeking praise from others. He emphasizes the need for humility, the perils of seeking earthly glory, and the deceptive nature of vainglory that can hinder spiritual growth. St. John provides insights on how vainglory manifests in various aspects of life, such as in spiritual practices, interactions with others, and the pursuit of recognition. He warns against the subtle ways vainglory can corrupt intentions and lead to spiritual downfall, stressing the significance of genuine humility and self-awareness.
John Berridge
By J.C. Philpot0PRO 27:2MAT 23:12EPH 4:3PHP 2:3COL 4:6J.C. Philpot reflects on the remarkable period of the 18th century where ministers like Whitefield, Toplady, Berridge, Newton, Romaine, Huntington, and Hawker preached the same gospel despite differing in gifts. Philpot emphasizes the importance of humility and unity among ministers, comparing them to planets revolving around the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ. He provides a detailed sketch of John Berridge, highlighting his honesty, simplicity in language, self-destitution, self-abhorrence, deep understanding of the gospel of grace, and the sweet savor that rests upon his hymns.
Pharisees Seek Honour From Men
By Zac Poonen0PRO 27:2PRO 29:25MAT 6:1MAT 7:3MAT 23:12LUK 18:10JHN 5:441CO 10:31GAL 1:10PHP 2:3Zac Poonen preaches on the danger of seeking honor from people, drawing from Jesus' teachings on the Pharisees who prayed publicly to be noticed by others. He emphasizes the importance of genuine, humble prayer directed towards God, rather than seeking recognition from men. Zac highlights the need for preachers to evaluate their motives and continually improve the quality of their preaching, focusing on delivering messages that glorify God rather than seeking applause from the audience. He warns against seeking honor in various aspects of life, such as writing reports or showcasing work, stressing the importance of seeking God's approval above all else to avoid falling into the trap of Phariseeism.
Having a Humble Opinion of Self
By Thomas a Kempis0PRO 1:7PRO 27:2ECC 12:12MAT 7:11CO 8:21CO 13:2PHP 2:3JAS 4:6Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of humility, fearing God, and serving Him rather than seeking knowledge for the sake of pride. He warns against the vanity of intellectual pursuits that do not lead to salvation and the danger of being judgmental towards others. Kempis encourages a focus on living a good life, maintaining a clean conscience, and acknowledging one's limitations and ignorance. He advocates for selflessness, despising self, and thinking highly of others as the path to true wisdom and understanding.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
2 Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips. The negative לא is with פיך, as in (Arab.) ghyra fyk, bound into one compact idea: that which is not thine own mouth (Fleischer), "not thine own lips," on the other hand, is not to be interpreted as corresponding to it, like אל־מות, Pro 12:28; since after the prohibitive אל, יהללוּך [praise thee] easily supplies itself. זר is properly the stranger, as having come from a distance, and נכרי he who comes from an unknown country, and is himself unknown (vid., under Pro 26:24); the idea of both words, however, passes from advena and alienigena to alius. There is certainly in rare cases a praising of oneself, which is authorized because it is demanded (Co2 11:18), which, because it is offered strongly against one's will, will be measured by truth (Pro 10:13); but in general it is improper to applaud oneself, because it is a vain looking at oneself in a glass; it is indecent, because it places others in the shade; imprudent, because it is of no use to us, but only injures, for propria laus sordet, and as Stobus says, οὐδὲν οὕτως ἄκουσμα φορτικὸν ὡς καθ ̓ αὑτοῦ ἔταινος. Compare the German proverb, "Eigenlob stinkt, Freundes Lob hinkt, fremdes Lob klingt" [= self-praise stinks, a friend's praise is lame, a stranger's praise sounds].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Avoid self-praise.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth,.... Men should do those things which are praiseworthy; and should do them openly, that they may be seen and praised for them: for it is honourable to have such a character as Demetrius had, who had a good report of all men; and as the brother had, whose praise in the Gospel was in all the churches. To be commended by others, by any but a man's self, is to his credit and reputation; but nothing more hurtful to it than self-commendation; see Co2 10:18; in some cases it is right for a man indeed to commend himself, when the glory of God, the credit of religion, the cause of truth and self-vindication, require it; as the prophet Samuel, the Apostle Paul, and others, have been obliged to do, Sa1 12:3, &c. a stranger, and not thine own lips; a stranger means any other than a man's self; and if it is one that he knows not, or has little acquaintance with; or if a foreigner, that does not personally know him, only has good testimonies of him, or has read his works; and especially if in other respects an enemy; it is greatly to his honour to be praised by him: and such a commendation comes with much better grace than from himself, and from whom indeed it would not come with any.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. We must do that which is commendable, for which even strangers may praise us. Our light must shine before men, and we must do good works that may be seen, though we must not do them on purpose that they may be seen. Let our own works be such as will praise us, even in the gates, Phi 4:8. 2. When we have done it we must not commend ourselves, for that is an evidence of pride, folly, and self-love, and a great lessening to a man's reputation. Every one will be forward to run him down that cries himself up. There may be a just occasion for us to vindicate ourselves, but it does not become us to applaud ourselves. Proprio laus sordet in ore - Self-praise defiles the mouth.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:2 The Hebrew word translated praise comes from the same root as “brag” in 27:1. Bragging (self-praise) is foolish.