Proverbs 27:8

8 A man who wanders away from his home is like a bird that wanders from its nest.

Proverbs 27:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:8

As a bird that wandereth from her nest
To seek for food for herself and her young; or that leaves it without returning to it, and so her eggs or her young are exposed, and she herself liable to fall into the hands of birds of prey, or of the fowler, when she would be safe in her nest; as there was a law in Israel in her favour, ( Deuteronomy 22:6 ) ; or as one that is forced out and obliged to wander from place to place, ( Isaiah 16:2 ) ;

so [is] a man that wandereth from his place;
who, in time of famine and distress, goes into other parts for bread, as Jacob's sons went down into Egypt; and such are they in a spiritual sense who leave all, and follow Christ for food for their souls; or who are forced to flee from place to place, and wander about in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth, because of the persecution of their enemies; or rather it is to be taken in an ill sense and applied to such who abide not in the calling whereunto they are called; dislike, and are unsatisfied with, their present business of life, and seek new employments, which oftentimes is to the hurt and detriment of themselves and families; and also to such who wander from the way of spiritual understanding, from the place of divine worship, from the word, ordinances, and commandments of the Lord; see ( Proverbs 21:16 ) .

Proverbs 27:8 In-Context

6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted. But an enemy kisses you many times.

7 When you are full, you even hate honey. When you are hungry, even what is bitter tastes sweet.

8 A man who wanders away from his home is like a bird that wanders from its nest.

9 Perfume and incense bring joy to your heart. And a friend is sweeter when he gives you honest advice.

10 Don't desert your friend or your father's friend. And don't go to your family when trouble strikes you. A neighbor nearby is better than a family member far away.