Proverbs 27:5-15

5 Open criticism is better than unexpressed love.

6 Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy's kisses are too much to bear.

7 One who is full despises honey, but to one who is hungry, even bitter food tastes sweet.

8 Like a bird wandering from its nest, so is a husband wandering from his home.

9 Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest.

10 Do not abandon your friend or your father's friend. Do not go to a relative's home when you are in trouble. A neighbor living nearby is better than a relative far away.

11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad so that I can answer anyone who criticizes me.

12 Sensible people foresee trouble and hide. Gullible people go ahead [and] suffer.

13 Hold on to the garment of one who guarantees a stranger's loan, and hold responsible the person who makes a loan in behalf of a foreigner.

14 Whoever blesses his friend early in the morning with a loud voice-- his blessing is considered a curse.

15 Constantly dripping water on a rainy day is like a quarreling woman.

Proverbs 27:5-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 14

This chapter relates the sickness of Jeroboam's son, the application of his wife, at his instance, to the prophet Ahijah, in the child's favour, 1Ki 14:1-6, the prophecy of the prophet concerning the ruin of Jeroboam's house, and the death of the child, which came to pass, 1Ki 14:7-18, an account of the years of Jeroboam's reign, and also of Rehoboam's, 1Ki 14:19-21, and of the evil things done and suffered by the latter in his kingdom, and the calamities that came upon him for it, 1Ki 14:22-28 and the conclusion of his reign, 1Ki 14:29-31.