Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Twenty Seven
We will now look at chapter twenty seven.
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 (NASB)
Don't go bragging about what you are going to do tomorrow for, in reality, you really don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. You can make plans - but those plans may never come to pass. God never has to change His plans for He knows all things.
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 27:2 (NASB)
Allow others to lift you up in praise rather than yourself. Do those things that are commendable - but do not commend yourself.
3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them. Proverbs 27:3 (NASB)
The Message Bible says this:
"Carrying a log across your shoulders while you're hefting a boulder with your arms Is nothing compared to the burden of putting up with a fool." Proverbs 27:3 (MSG)
Some burdens that are carried are not physical. It is easier to carry a bolder than having to put up with a fool. God's Word Translation says:
"A stone is heavy, and sand weighs a lot, but annoyance caused by a stubborn fool is heavier than both." Proverbs 27:3 (GW)
4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4 (NASB)
Wrath, anger, jealousy are all strong emotions and can cause great problems. According to this verse jealousy is the most troubling of all. Matthew Henry has said: "Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load."
5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Proverbs 27:5 (NASB)
Love that is concealed has little value. If you love someone - tell them and show them.
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6 (NASB)
Who would prefer a friend's wounds to an enemy's kisses? Anyone who considers the source. A friend who has your best interests at heart may have to give you unpleasant advice at times, but you know it is for your own good. An enemy, by contrast, may whisper sweet words and happily send you on your way to ruin. We tend to hear what we want to hear, even if an enemy is the only one who will say it. A friend's advice, no matter how painful, is much more valuable.
7 A sated man loathes honey, But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:7 (NASB)
It is only if you are hungry that you will find even honey to be good. If you are full to the brim - there is no room for anything else. But a person who is famished will find even that which is bitter - sweet. Elicott has said, "the less hunger we feel, and less enjoyment do we derive from them." Our Lord has said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6 (NASB)
If a person is full of himself - there is no want for anything else.
8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home. Proverbs 27:1-27 (NASB)
The home should be full of stability and security. But many wander away from this. They think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence - but the truth of the matter is - the grass is greener over the septic tank. Find that which is solid - that which is secure - and hold on to it. Do not wander out there - there is danger. Abide in Christ - there is safety there.
Matthew Henry has said: It is an instance of their folly; they are like a silly bird; they are always wavering, like the wandering bird that hops from bough to bough and rests nowhere. It is unsafe; the bird that wanders is exposed; a man's place is his castle; he that quits it makes himself an easy prey to the fowler. When the bird wanders from her nest the eggs and young ones there are neglected. Those that love to be abroad leave their work at home undone. Let every man therefore, in the calling wherein he is called, therein abide, therein abide with God.
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. Proverbs 27:9 (NASB)
If something smells rotten - it usually is. But a godly man will bring forth that which is pleasant. There is an interesting verse in 2nd Corinthians 2:15 which says, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." A godly friend's advice will bring about a pleasant sweet fragrance.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, And do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away. Proverbs 27:10 (NASB)
Better is a neighbor who is really near in heart and spirit, than a brother who though closer by blood, is far off in feeling.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches me. Proverbs 27:11 (NASB)
Matthew Henry has said, "Children are here exhorted to be wise and good, that they may be a comfort to their parents and may make their hearts glad, even when the evil days come, and so recompense them for their care." Children may be a credit to their parents: “That I may answer him that reproaches me with having been over-strict and severe in bringing up my children, and having taken a wrong method with them in restraining them from the liberties which other young people take. My son, be wise, and then it will appear, in the effect, that I went the wisest way to work with my children.” Those that have been blessed with a religious education should in every thing conduct themselves so as to be a credit to their education and to silence those who say, A young saint, an old devil; and to prove the contrary, A young saint, an old angel.
12 A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, The naive proceed and pay the penalty. Proverbs 27:12 (NASB)
A prudent man will keep away from evil. He will run - he will hide - he will do whatever it takes to keep away. The naive man is not so. They will proceed on though the cliff of destruction lies in their path. They will surely pay the penalty. Where there is sin - punishment will follow.
13 Take his garment when he becomes surety for a stranger; And for an adulterous woman hold him in pledge. Proverbs 27:13 (NASB)
When you loan something to a stranger - make sure there is good collateral to back it up. You do not know what other business transactions the stranger is involved in. He may owe more than you know. Your loan may never be repaid but at least you will have the garment.
14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be reckoned a curse to him. Proverbs 27:14 (NASB)
Clarke has said: "He who makes loud and public protestations of acknowledgments to his friend for favors received, subjects his sincerity to suspicion. Extravagant public professions are little to be regarded.
Ellicott has said: "If gratitude is to be acceptable, the time, place, and manner of shewing it must all be well chosen. A man who is so eager to express his thanks that he begins early in the morning, and in so loud a voice as to draw upon his patron the attention of all the bystanders, is looked upon as a nuisance; any one would as soon be cursed as blessed by him. So God loves heartfelt gratitude offered in secret.
15 A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike; Proverbs 27:15 (NASB)
Quarrelsome nagging, a steady stream of unwanted advice, is a form of torture. People nag because they think they're not getting through, but nagging hinders communication more than it helps. When tempted to engage in this destructive habit, stop and examine your motives. Are you more concerned about yourself—getting your way, being right—than about the person you are pretending to help? If you are truly concerned about other people, think of a more effective way to get through to them. Surprise them with words of patience and love, and see what happens.
16 He who would restrain her restrains the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. Proverbs 27:16 (NASB)
Here is spoken of the contentious women. How can you hold on to the wind? How can you pick up a handful of oil with your hand? Both are impossible.
17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)
Benson has said: "Iron tools are made sharp, and fit for use, by rubbing them against the file, or some other iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend — Quickens his ingenuity, enlivens his affections, strengthens his judgment, excites him to virtuous and useful actions, and makes him, in all respects, a better man."
Christian brothers sometimes are not in agreement - even over the interpretation of scripture. One may come from Baptist background another may come from Methodist background and may see the same verse in a different light. Discuss it - talk it out - try to understand the others perspective. They may not change their views - but in the process they have become sharper into the understanding of scripture - which is a good thing.
18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who cares for his master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18 (NASB)
Take care of that which you have been put in charge of - you will benefit from it. Do not muzzle the ox - let it eat of the grain it is harvesting. He who takes care of the fruit tree should be allowed to eat some of its fruit. Be sure that in all your planning, organizing, and working, you don't forget the people who are helping you the most.
19 As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. Proverbs 27:19 (NASB)
Spurgeon has said: "If I look into water, I see the reflection of my own face, not another man’s; and if I look into society, I shall probably see men like-minded with myself. How is it that a drunken man always finds out drunken men? How is it that lascivious men always have a bad opinion of the morality of other people? How is it that hypocrites always think other people hypocrites? Why, because they can see the reflection of their own faces. When a man tells me that there is no love in the Church of God, I know it is because he sees his own face, and knows that there is no love in it. You will generally find that men measure other people’s corn with their own bushels. They are sure to mete out to others according to their own measure; and they thus unconsciously betray themselves."
20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied. Proverbs 27:20 (NASB)
There is no end to the grave - the abode of the dead is never full. Man wants and wants and wants some more. A very wealthy man was once asked, "How much is enough?" His answer was, "More than I have."
21 The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him. Proverbs 27:21 (NASB)
Praise tests a person, just as high temperatures test metal. How does praise affect you? Do you work to get it? Do you work harder after you've gotten it? Your attitude toward praise tells a lot about your character. People of high integrity are not swayed by praise. They are attuned to their inner convictions, and they do what they should whether or not they are praised for it.
22 Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. Proverbs 27:22 (NASB)
Bray has said: "To pound wheat in a mortar with a pestle, in order to free the wheat from its husks and impurities, is to go through a far more elaborate process than threshing. But the folly of the fool is not thus to be got rid of. It sticks to him to the last; all discipline, teaching, experience seem to be wasted on him." I have often hear - there is no cure for stupidity.
23 Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; Proverbs 27:23 (NASB)
We should all be responsible stewards - like a farmer with his lands and herds. We should pay close attention to that which we are in charge of. Thinking of the care for others is a duty - not an option - for God's people.
24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. Proverbs 27:24 (NASB)
What will money matter in the Kingdom of Heaven where gold is walked on under-foot? Riches will matter very little - they are here today and gone tomorrow. A kings crown may not be passed on from generation to generation but may end in a moment. Therefore consider the present - take care of what needs to be taken care of today - for who knows what tomorrow may bring.
25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, Proverbs 27:25 (NASB)
Gill has said of this verse: "Some think this is mentioned to illustrate the uncertainty of riches, which soon vanish away; as the tender grass shows itself, and is presently cut down and quickly appears hay, and that soon consumed; but rather this (verse) contains an argument to take to the pastoral life and calling, since it may be performed with so much ease; for the earth, the valleys and hills, are covered with grass for the cattle; so that there is no further trouble than to drive the flocks into the pastures, and feed them there; or to cut down the grass, and make hay of it, and lay it up against the winter for fodder for them."
God makes the grass grow. In fact only God can make grass grow - yes we can help promote growth - but only God makes it grow. And when grass is gone - new grass follows. God's providing for His children is a godly act - just as the growth of the grass is season after season. Notice the seasons - reap and harvest as the seasons change. Gather in when you can for there may be a season when it is needed.
26 The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, Proverbs 27:26 (NASB)
Should not the shepherd profit from the keeping of the sheep? Could not some goats be sold in order that others can have new pasture?
27 And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens. Proverbs 27:27 (NASB)
How much is needed? Most of us have much more than we need. But diligence in the keeping of the sheep and goats will provide those needs. And will also provide for the needs of your "maidens" also.
