Proverbs 27

CHAPTER 27

More Proverbs of Solomon, Continued (27:1–27)

1–27 Verse 1: We can make plans for tomorrow, for the future, but we shouldn’t boast about them (see Proverbs 16:9; Luke 12:16–20; James 4:13–16).

Verse 4: Anger causes trouble, but jealousy causes even more. Jealousy arises when another person has an advantage over us, and it persists until that advantage is removed. One of the worst forms of jealousy occurs when someone has stolen the affection of one’s spouse or loved one (Proverbs 6:34). Jealousy is a sin, and unless it is repented of, it will end up destroying both the jealous person and the one of whom he is jealous.

Verse 5: It is better to rebuke someone honestly and openly than to withhold a necessary rebuke under the guise of love. A love that is afraid to rebuke another person is a hidden love—a useless love—that does not benefit the person needing the rebuke. When we hesitate to rebuke a friend, our motive is not love but fear—fear of rejection or anger on the part of our friend. When we hesitate to rebuke, we are concerned not about our friend but about ourselves.

Verse 6: See Proverbs 26:28.

Verse 7: When we are fully satisfied, we don’t want more; even something enjoyable becomes distasteful. But when we are in need, then even distasteful things are appreciated. This proverb applies not only to food but also to other things in life such as possessions and experiences.

Verse 10: Treat your nearby friends and neighbors properly; if you’re in trouble, they will be more help to you than a far-off relative.

Verse 11: A good son is a credit to his father; likewise, a good student is a credit to his teacher. If a father is maligned or ridiculed for some reason, he can point to his son as proof of his character and integrity. If the son is good, the father will most likely be good also.

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.