Proverbs 27
Berean Standard Bible · Compare translations · Tap a verse to copy, share or highlight ·
27 verses · 447 words · ~2 min read · ~3 min listen
Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
1Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—
a stranger, and not your own lips.
3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden,
but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood,
but who can withstand jealousy?
5Better an open rebuke
than love that is concealed.
6The wounds of a friend are faithful,
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
7The soul that is full loathes honey,
but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
8Like a bird that strays from its nest
is a man who wanders from his home.
9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
10Do not forsake your friend or your fatherʼs friend,
and do not go to your brotherʼs house
in the day of your calamity;
better a neighbor nearby
than a brother far away.
11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart,
so that I can answer him who taunts me.
12The prudent see danger and take cover,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger;
get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
14If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,
it will be counted to him as a curse.
15A constant dripping on a rainy day
and a contentious woman are alike—
16restraining her is like holding back the wind
or grasping oil with oneʼs right hand.
17As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.
18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and he who looks after his master will be honored.
19As water reflects the face,
so the heart reflects the true man.
20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;
so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,
but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle,
yet his folly will not depart from him.
23Be sure to know the state of your flocks,
and pay close attention to your herds;
24for riches are not forever,
nor does a crown endure to every generation.
25When hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered,
26the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27You will have plenty of goatsʼ milk to feed you—
food for your household
and nourishment for your maidservants.
Footnotes (3)
- a v13 Or a wayward woman
- b v17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another or sharpens the countenance of a friend
- c v20 Or Death and Destruction