Proverbs 27:26

26 The lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field.

Proverbs 27:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:26

The lambs [are] for thy clothing
This is another argument, exciting to diligence in the pastoral calling, taken from the profit arising from it: the wool of the lambs, or rather "sheep", as many versions render it; of it cloth is made, and of that garments to be worn, to keep decent, warm, and comfortable; see ( Job 31:20 ) ; and the goats [are] the price of thy field:
these, being brought up and sold, furnish the husbandman with money to purchase more fields to feed his cattle on. The Targum is,

``the goats are for negotiation;''

with the price of them a man may purchase any of the necessaries of life for himself and family; these are negotiated, ( Ezekiel 27:21 ) ; the Syriac version is, "the goats are for thy food"; and so, between both the sheep and goats, man has both food and raiment; though his food is particularly mentioned in ( Proverbs 27:27 ) .

Proverbs 27:26 In-Context

24 For riches [are] not for ever: and doth the crown [endure] to every generation?

25 The plant appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

26 The lambs [are] for thy clothing, and the goats [are] the price of the field.

27 And [thou shalt have] goats milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and [for] maintenance for thy maidens.