Proverbs 27:8-18

8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home.

9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; So does earnest counsel from a man's friend.

10 Don't forsake your friend and your father's friend. Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster: Better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.

11 Be wise, my son, And bring joy to my heart, Then I can answer my tormentor.

12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it:

13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger; Hold it for a wayward woman!

14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be taken as a curse by him.

15 A continual dropping on a rainy day And a contentious wife are alike:

16 Restraining her is like restraining the wind, Or like grasping oil in his right hand.

17 Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens his friend's countenance.

18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored.

Proverbs 27:8-18 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.