Proverbs 27 - Godly Instructions Series

Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Twenty Seven

We will now look at chapter twenty seven.

1 Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 (NASB)

Don't go bragging about what you are going to do tomorrow for, in reality, you really don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. You can make plans - but those plans may never come to pass. God never has to change His plans for He knows all things.

2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2 (NASB)

Allow others to lift you up in praise rather than yourself. Do those things that are commendable - but do not commend yourself.

3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them. Proverbs 27:3 (NASB)

The Message Bible says this:

"Carrying a log across your shoulders while you're hefting a boulder with your arms Is nothing compared to the burden of putting up with a fool." Proverbs 27:3 (MSG)

Some burdens that are carried are not physical. It is easier to carry a bolder than having to put up with a fool. God's Word Translation says:

"A stone is heavy, and sand weighs a lot, but annoyance caused by a stubborn fool is heavier than both." Proverbs 27:3 (GW)

4 Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood, But who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4 (NASB)

Wrath, anger, jealousy are all strong emotions and can cause great problems. According to this verse jealousy is the most troubling of all. Matthew Henry has said: "Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load."

5 Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Proverbs 27:5 (NASB)

Love that is concealed has little value. If you love someone - tell them and show them.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6 (NASB)

Who would prefer a friend's wounds to an enemy's kisses? Anyone who considers the source. A friend who has your best interests at heart may have to give you unpleasant advice at times, but you know it is for your own good. An enemy, by contrast, may whisper sweet words and happily send you on your way to ruin. We tend to hear what we want to hear, even if an enemy is the only one who will say it. A friend's advice, no matter how painful, is much more valuable.

7 A sated man loathes honey, But to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:7 (NASB)

It is only if you are hungry that you will find even honey to be good. If you are full to the brim - there is no room for anything else. But a person who is famished will find even that which is bitter - sweet. Elicott has said, "the less hunger we feel, and less enjoyment do we derive from them." Our Lord has said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6 (NASB)

If a person is full of himself - there is no want for anything else.

8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home. Proverbs 27:1-27 (NASB)

The home should be full of stability and security. But many wander away from this. They think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence - but the truth of the matter is - the grass is greener over the septic tank. Find that which is solid - that which is secure - and hold on to it. Do not wander out there - there is danger. Abide in Christ - there is safety there.

Matthew Henry has said: It is an instance of their folly; they are like a silly bird; they are always wavering, like the wandering bird that hops from bough to bough and rests nowhere. It is unsafe; the bird that wanders is exposed; a man's place is his castle; he that quits it makes himself an easy prey to the fowler. When the bird wanders from her nest the eggs and young ones there are neglected. Those that love to be abroad leave their work at home undone. Let every man therefore, in the calling wherein he is called, therein abide, therein abide with God.

9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. Proverbs 27:9 (NASB)

If something smells rotten - it usually is. But a godly man will bring forth that which is pleasant. There is an interesting verse in 2nd Corinthians 2:15 which says, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." A godly friend's advice will bring about a pleasant sweet fragrance.