Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27:1

Never boast what thou wilt be or do in any future period; for thou knowest not what changes Providence may make in a very short time

Proverbs 27:2

Never commend thy own excellencies or works; but leave that to others, who cannot be suspected of partiality. 3, 4. The anger, cruelty, and rage of foolish men, are very intolerable, crushing, and hard to be appeased: but an envious desire of revenge is still more dangerous, as it lies hid, increases daily, and is more and more exasperated, till it find opportunity to vent itself in the intended mischief

Proverbs 27:5

To tell men plainly of their faults, and rebuke them freely, when need requires, is a more valuable piece of friendship than the strongest inward affection

Proverbs 27:6

Just and seasonable reproofs, however severe, ought to be cheerfully received when they proceed from true love and faithful regard; but the most tender and abundant expressions of kindness from an enemy ought to be suspected as false and treacherous

Proverbs 27:7

Rich men are apt to be unsatisfied with, or even to nauseate, the most delicious enjoyments: but poverty disposes men to a ready and thankful reception of the smallest blessings, though mixed with care and labour

Proverbs 27:8

When men, by levity or discontent, change their country, trade, or office, in which providence had placed them, they ordinarily expose themselves to manifold dangers and inconveniences, but rarely mend their condition

Proverbs 27:9

The kind conversation and prudent counsels of affectionate friends are extremely refreshing and comfortable

Proverbs 27:10

Nay, such friends are more to be depended on in a time of distress than our nearest relations

Proverbs 27:11

My son, improve these instructions, to make thee truly wise and good; which will at once comfort my heart, and enable me to refute such as charge me with want of due care about my children

Proverbs 27:12

Prudent men foresee the approach of calamities, and take proper methods to avoid them; but inconsiderate persons, deceived by others, securely rush forward till they are ruined

Proverbs 27:13

Never trust, without a sufficient pledge, a man that is so foolish and rash as to be surety for persons whom he knows not, and even for harlots

Proverbs 27:14

Extravagant and flattering commendations of a friend or benefactor are rather a disparagement than an honour, as it is a shame to have connections with such silly sycophants

Proverbs 27:15

A contentious and brawling woman is a continual plague, and a destructive ruin to her husband, family, and estate: 16. For it is quite impossible to conceal her infamous bawling humour, or to make her hold her tongue

Proverbs 27:17

By mutual conversation friends quicken the wit, enliven the affection, strengthen the judgment, and animate the activity, of one another

Proverbs 27:18

Such servants as faithfully defend their master’s person and reputation, and labour to preserve and promote his wealth, ought to be rewarded by him, and shall be honoured of God and men

Proverbs 27:19

There is a surprising likeness in the tempers and dispositions of men, both among saints and sinners: and most are inclined to carry themselves towards others as they do towards them. And they who are remarkably sagacious can penetrate far into the inclinations and designs of others

Proverbs 27:20

It is impossible to satisfy the corrupt desires of men: the more they are indulged, the more they crave: and nothing but the fulness of God can satisfy the desires of an immortal soul

Proverbs 27:21

Nothing more effectually tries a man than high commendations. If he be light, vain, frothy, and easily puffed up by them, it discovers his emptiness: but if under them he be humble, modest, and sensible of his own defects, it manifests him truly valuable

Proverbs 27:22

Some are so hardened and stupified in their sinful courses, that no reproofs or corrections can make them a whit better

Proverbs 27:23-27

Masters should look after the management of their worldly affairs themselves, and not leave all to servants: for, without due care and diligence, the richest estates will soon come to nought: whereas, by a proper care of the hay, grass, herbs, and flocks, which providence bestows, they may enjoy a most comfortable livelihood for themselves and families