Proverbs 27

27:1 We should plan (24:27), but our plans succeed only when God so wills (16:1, 3, 33; Jas 4:13-16). Only fools think that they control the future.

27:2 The Hebrew word translated praise comes from the same root as “brag” in 27:1. Bragging (self-praise) is foolish.

27:3 Fools cause heavy . . . resentment by their foolish words and actions.

27:4 Anger can be dangerous but can be countered with a gentle answer (15:1). Jealousy is harder to resolve (6:34-35).

27:5 A rebuke improves life by correcting harmful behavior (13:1; 14:6). Hidden, unexpressed love has no value.

27:6 Wounds from a . . . friend are from a loving rebuke (27:5). They are better than flattery (many kisses) from an enemy who intends to harm rather than help.

27:7 Even the best teaching (honey) will be refused if offered at the wrong time. The key to real learning is the receptivity of the student.

27:8 A person who forsakes his family and strays from home will more likely find trouble than whatever he was seeking (e.g., Luke 15:11-16).

27:9 Nothing is more encouraging than heartfelt counsel from an intimate friend (see also 27:6).

27:10 In a crisis, one might need immediate assistance, so it is important to have friends close by and neighbors who can help.

27:11 Fairly or not, parents are evaluated by their children’s public behavior.

27:12 This proverb repeats 22:3.

27:13 This proverb repeats 20:16.

27:14 It is important to speak appropriately for the circumstances (cp. 15:23).

27:15 A quarrelsome wife: Cp. 19:13; 21:9, 19; 25:24.

27:17 iron sharpens iron: Wisdom comes from interaction, often critical, with a good friend (see 27:6, 9).

27:18 An employer values loyal workers who protect their employer’s interests. Wise employers give their workers incentives to be loyal, such as allowing them to eat the fruit (see Deut 25:4; 1 Cor 9:7-10; 1 Tim 5:17-18).

27:20 Death and Destruction: See study note on 15:11. • Human desire is never satisfied by money, power, or pleasure.

27:21 A person who avoids conceit in response to praise demonstrates purity of character (cp. 17:3).

27:22 Foolishness is deeply ingrained in the character of a fool.

27:23-27 Agricultural property can provide food and clothing from generation to generation; these resources require continuous labor and attention or, like riches, they disappear.