Proverbs 27

Verse 13: See Proverbs 20:16.

Verse 14: If we think we are doing something good (giving a blessing) but we do it in the wrong way or at the wrong time, our “good” will be considered a curse—a nuisance, an irritation.

Verse 17: An iron file sharpens an iron blade. Likewise, honest criticism between friends sharpens (develops) character; intellectual debate sharpens wit. True friends test each other, challenge each other; and both sides are the better for it.

Verse 19: Our heart⁶⁵ reflects who we really are. When we look into our heart, we begin to know ourselves.

Verse 20: Death is never satisfied; millions die each year but “Death” is always “looking for more.” In the same way, man’s eyes (desires) are never satisfied; man always desires more.

Verse 21: Just as silver and gold are tested by heat, so a man’s character is tested by praise. A godly man is made humble by praise; an ungodly man is made proud. A godly man rejoices when others are praised; an ungodly man grows jealous.

Verse 22: In Proverbs 22:15, Solomon said that the rod of discipline would drive folly from a child. Here, however, he is talking about driving folly from an adult, one whose character is already formed. If folly isn’t driven out in childhood, it will be almost impossible to drive it out later—unless the Holy Spirit intervenes.

Verses 23–27: In these verses, Solomon affirms the wisdom of basing one’s livelihood on agriculture and livestock. Such “wealth” is renewable year by year, whereas other forms of wealth can more easily be lost and are harder to replace. These verses reflect the agricultural economy of biblical times, but the principles they teach concerning provision and planning still apply today.