American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
Proverbs 27
7
The full soul loathes an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Reference
Parallel theme
Numbers 21:5
9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Reference
10
Your own friend, and your father's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.
Reference
12
A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Reference
13
Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Reference
14
He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
16
Whoever hides her hides the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which denudes itself.
Reference
Parallel theme
John 12:3
18
Whoever keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored.
Reference
22
Though you should bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Reference
25
The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
Reference
26
The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
27
And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 6:33
Summary of Proverbs 27
Proverbs 27 presents a practical picture of how wisdom helps a person live responsibly in the present while preparing for an uncertain future.
The chapter begins by reminding people that tomorrow cannot be controlled, so boasting about future plans is foolish. Instead of assuming that everything will happen as expected, a wise person concentrates on what can be done today.
The chapter also discourages self-praise and emphasizes that genuine character does not need constant promotion.
One of its strongest themes is the value of honest friendship, because a loyal friend may correct, challenge, or even hurt someone with truthful words while still acting out of genuine concern. Such correction is compared favorably with flattering words that may sound pleasant but conceal selfish motives. The chapter also recognizes the destructive power of jealousy, anger, persistent conflict, and uncontrolled desire, showing that these emotions can become burdens that gradually damage relationships. In contrast, good relationships can strengthen people, as illustrated by the image of iron sharpening iron. Wisdom also appears in practical responsibility: a person should watch over his household, understand the condition of his possessions, care for his animals, and recognize that wealth and positions of authority are temporary.
The agricultural examples emphasize that prosperity requires continuous attention because resources produce benefits only when they are properly managed. Overall, Proverbs 27 describes a mature life as one built on humility, trustworthy friendships, honest correction, emotional restraint, careful stewardship, and realistic preparation for change, while recognizing that neither possessions nor tomorrow itself can ever be guaranteed.
The chapter begins by reminding people that tomorrow cannot be controlled, so boasting about future plans is foolish. Instead of assuming that everything will happen as expected, a wise person concentrates on what can be done today.
The chapter also discourages self-praise and emphasizes that genuine character does not need constant promotion.
One of its strongest themes is the value of honest friendship, because a loyal friend may correct, challenge, or even hurt someone with truthful words while still acting out of genuine concern. Such correction is compared favorably with flattering words that may sound pleasant but conceal selfish motives. The chapter also recognizes the destructive power of jealousy, anger, persistent conflict, and uncontrolled desire, showing that these emotions can become burdens that gradually damage relationships. In contrast, good relationships can strengthen people, as illustrated by the image of iron sharpening iron. Wisdom also appears in practical responsibility: a person should watch over his household, understand the condition of his possessions, care for his animals, and recognize that wealth and positions of authority are temporary.
The agricultural examples emphasize that prosperity requires continuous attention because resources produce benefits only when they are properly managed. Overall, Proverbs 27 describes a mature life as one built on humility, trustworthy friendships, honest correction, emotional restraint, careful stewardship, and realistic preparation for change, while recognizing that neither possessions nor tomorrow itself can ever be guaranteed.