Proverbs 27

We know not what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid preparing for to-morrow, but presuming upon to-morrow. We must not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing needful.

There may be occasion for us to justify ourselves, but not to praise ourselves.

Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load.

Plain and faithful rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul.

The poor have a better relish of their enjoyments, and are often more thankful for them, than the rich. In like manner the proud and self-sufficient disdain the gospel; but those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, find comfort from the meanest book or sermon that testifies of Christ Jesus.

Every man has his proper place in society, where he may be safe and comfortable.

Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for kindred's sake; apply to those who are at hand, and will help in need. But there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and let us place entire confidence in him.

An affectionate parent urges his son to prudent conduct that should gladden his heart. The good conduct of Christians is the best answer to all who find fault with the gospel.

Where there is temptation, if we thrust ourselves into it, there will be sin, and punishment will follow.

An honest man may be made a beggar, but he is not honest that makes himself one.

It is folly to be fond of being praised; it is a temptation to pride.

The contentions of a neighbour may be like a sharp shower, troublesome for a time; the contentions of a wife are like constant rain.

We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better.

Though a calling be laborious and despised, yet those who keep to it, will find there is something to be got by it. God is a Master who has engaged to honour those who serve him faithfully.

One corrupt heart is like another; so are sanctified hearts: the former bear the same image of the earthly, the latter the same image of the heavenly. Let us carefully watch our own hearts, comparing them with the word of God.

Two things are here said to be never satisfied, death and sin. The appetites of the carnal mind for profit or pleasure are always desiring more. Those whose eyes are ever toward the Lord, are satisfied in him, and shall for ever be so.

Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried by praising him.

Some are so bad, that even severe methods do not answer the end; what remains but that they should be rejected? The new-creating power of God's grace alone is able to make a change.

We ought to have some business to do in this world, and not to live in idleness, and not to meddle with what we do not understand. We must be diligent and take pains. Let us do what we can, still the world cannot be secured to us, therefore we must choose a more lasting portion; but by the blessing of God upon our honest labours, we may expect to enjoy as much of earthly blessings as is good for us.

Do not confide implicitly in your plans (Pr 16:9; 19:21; Jas 4:13-15).

Avoid self-praise.

heavy--The literal sense of "heavy," applied to material subjects, illustrates its figurative, "grievous," applied to moral. a fool's wrath--is unreasonable and excessive.

envy--or, "jealousy" (compare Margin; Pr 6:34), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions.

secret love--not manifested in acts is useless; and even, if its exhibition by rebukes wounds us, such love is preferable to the frequent (compare Margin), and hence deceitful, kisses of an enemy.

The luxury of wealth confers less happiness than the healthy appetite of labor.

Such are not only out of place, but out of duty and in danger.

rejoice the heart--the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses. sweetness ... counsel--or, "wise counsel is also pleasing."

Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood may be less reliable than those of genuine friendship.

The wisdom of children both reflects credit on parents and contributes to their aid in difficulties.

(Compare Pr 20:16; 22:3).

Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.

(Compare Pr 19:13). very ... day--literally, "a day of showers."

hideth--or, "restrains" (that is, tries to do it); is as fruitless an effort, as that of holding the wind. the ointment of his right hand--the organ of power (Ps 17:7; 18:35). His right hand endeavors to repress perfume, but vainly. Some prefer: "His right hand comes on oil," that is, "cannot take hold." Such a woman cannot be tamed.

a man sharpeneth ... friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.

Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.

We may see our characters in the developed tempers of others.

Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.

Praise tests character. a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.

The obstinate wickedness of such is incurable by the heaviest inflictions.

flocks--constituted the staple of wealth. It is only by care and diligence that the most solid possessions can be perpetuated (Pr 23:5). 25-27. The fact that providential arrangements furnish the means of competence to those who properly use them is another motive to diligence (compare Ps 65:9-13). The hay appeareth--literally, "Grass appeareth" (Job 40:15; Ps 104:14).

household--literally, "house," the family (Ac 16:15; 1Co 1:16).