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Proverbs Chapter Study

Wisdom for Friendship, Humility, and Faithful Stewardship

Proverbs 27 (KJV)

Proverbs 27 teaches wisdom for daily life, relationships, humility, correction, friendship, contentment, and responsibility. Solomon warns against boasting about tomorrow, self-praise, envy, foolish anger, and careless living. This chapter also highlights the value of faithful friends, honest rebuke, wise counsel, diligent stewardship, and knowing the true condition of what God has entrusted to us.

What You’ll Learn

• Why tomorrow should be held with humility before God
• Why self-praise reveals pride and insecurity
• How envy can become more dangerous than anger
• Why faithful correction is a gift from a true friend
• How godly friendships sharpen character and wisdom
• Why praise tests the condition of a person’s heart
• How diligent stewardship creates provision and stability

Wisdom walks humbly before tomorrow, receives faithful correction, values godly friendship, resists envy and pride, and diligently cares for what God has entrusted.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Proverbs 27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Proverbs 27:11 My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

Proverbs 27:12 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Proverbs 27:13 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

Proverbs 27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

Proverbs 27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:18 Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

Proverbs 27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Proverbs 27:21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

Proverbs 27:22 Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Proverbs 27:24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Proverbs 27:25 The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

Proverbs 27:26 The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

Proverbs 27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Proverbs 27:1

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Study: This verse warns against prideful confidence in the future. Spiritually, tomorrow belongs to God, not man. Practically, wisdom plans ahead while staying humble, prayerful, and dependent on the LORD instead of assuming life will unfold exactly as expected.

Proverbs 27:2

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Study: True honor does not need self-promotion. Spiritually, humility lets character speak louder than words. Practically, a wise person does not constantly advertise their own greatness, but lives faithfully and allows others to recognize what is true.

Proverbs 27:3

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.

Study: Foolish anger creates a heavy burden for everyone around it. Spiritually, uncontrolled wrath reveals a heart lacking wisdom and restraint. Practically, foolish anger can weigh down homes, friendships, teams, and communities more than physical labor ever could.

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?

Study: Anger is destructive, but envy can be even more dangerous because it hides deep within the heart. Spiritually, envy resents another person’s blessing. Practically, jealousy can quietly poison relationships, decisions, conversations, and motives until it brings serious damage.

Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Study: Love that never speaks truth may fail to help when help is needed most. Spiritually, faithful correction can be an act of love. Practically, honest rebuke given with humility is better than hidden affection that stays silent while someone walks toward harm.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Study: A true friend may say something painful because they care about your soul. Spiritually, loving correction can wound pride while protecting life. Practically, sincere accountability is safer than flattering words from someone whose motives are not faithful.

Proverbs 27:7

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Study: Abundance can make people ungrateful, while need can make even small provisions precious. Spiritually, the satisfied heart must guard against complacency. Practically, gratitude helps us value blessings rightly instead of becoming spoiled, entitled, or numb to God’s provision.

Proverbs 27:8

As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

Study: A bird away from its nest becomes exposed and vulnerable. Spiritually, abandoning one’s place of responsibility can lead to danger. Practically, wisdom values stability, faithfulness, and remaining attentive to the people, duties, and calling God has given.

Proverbs 27:9

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Study: Wise counsel from a faithful friend refreshes the heart. Spiritually, godly friendship can bring clarity, encouragement, and strength. Practically, sincere advice from someone who loves truth is a gift that can restore perspective during difficult seasons.

Proverbs 27:10

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Study: Longstanding faithful relationships should not be neglected. Spiritually, God often provides help through loyal friends and nearby community. Practically, a dependable neighbor or friend close at hand may be more helpful in trouble than distant family who cannot act.

Proverbs 27:11

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

Study: Wisdom in a child or student brings joy to those who taught them. Spiritually, faithful instruction bears fruit when it becomes lived wisdom. Practically, wise choices honor parents, mentors, and spiritual leaders who invested truth and discipline into a person’s life.

Proverbs 27:12

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Study: Prudence sees danger before it becomes disaster. Spiritually, wisdom pays attention to warning signs and responds with humility. Practically, the wise person prepares, avoids unnecessary risk, and changes course, while the simple ignore danger and suffer consequences.

Proverbs 27:13

Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

Study: This verse warns against careless financial guarantees and risky entanglements. Spiritually, wisdom avoids becoming bound to foolish commitments. Practically, responsibility requires caution before pledging security for people or situations marked by instability, immorality, or poor judgment.

Proverbs 27:14

He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

Study: Even kind words can become irritating when delivered without wisdom. Spiritually, love considers timing, tone, and the other person. Practically, encouragement should be thoughtful, not loud, intrusive, or self-serving in a way that creates frustration instead of blessing.

Proverbs 27:15

A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.

Study: Constant conflict wears down a home like a relentless leak during a storm. Spiritually, contention reveals a lack of peace, humility, and self-control. Practically, repeated criticism, arguing, and strife can make life emotionally exhausting for everyone nearby.

Proverbs 27:16

Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Study: Persistent contention is nearly impossible to hide or control. Spiritually, what fills the heart eventually becomes visible. Practically, just as wind cannot be contained and perfume cannot be concealed, ongoing strife eventually reveals itself in words, attitudes, and relationships.

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Study: Godly friendship sharpens character, wisdom, courage, and faithfulness. Spiritually, wise relationships help refine what is dull, weak, or undeveloped. Practically, good friends challenge, encourage, correct, and strengthen one another instead of leaving each other unchanged.

Proverbs 27:18

Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.

Study: Faithful care leads to fruit and honor. Spiritually, God values steady service and patient diligence. Practically, the person who responsibly tends what has been entrusted to them will often share in the blessing that comes from that faithfulness.

Proverbs 27:19

As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

Study: Just as water reflects a face, human hearts often reflect shared desires, fears, motives, and struggles. Spiritually, this teaches humility and compassion. Practically, understanding others often begins by recognizing the same human nature within ourselves.

Proverbs 27:20

Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Study: Human desire without God is never satisfied. Spiritually, the heart that chases the world always wants more. Practically, greed, comparison, lust, and ambition can become endless unless contentment and worship are rooted in the LORD.

Proverbs 27:21

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

Study: Praise tests a person like fire tests metal. Spiritually, honor can reveal pride, humility, gratitude, or insecurity. Practically, how a person handles recognition often exposes what is truly in their heart more clearly than criticism does.

Proverbs 27:22

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

Study: Deep foolishness cannot be forced out by pressure alone. Spiritually, a hardened heart resists correction even when consequences are severe. Practically, some people remain committed to folly unless they become truly humble, repentant, and teachable.

Proverbs 27:23

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Study: Wise stewardship requires attention. Spiritually, God calls His people to faithfully care for what He has entrusted to them. Practically, leaders, parents, business owners, and servants must know the real condition of their responsibilities, not merely assume all is well.

Proverbs 27:24

For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Study: Wealth and status are temporary. Spiritually, this verse warns against trusting in possessions, position, or inheritance. Practically, riches can disappear and power can shift, so wisdom builds disciplined stewardship instead of relying on what may not last.

Proverbs 27:25

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

Study: This verse points to seasons of growth, harvest, and provision. Spiritually, wisdom pays attention to God’s created order and timing. Practically, faithful stewardship means recognizing seasons, gathering what is available, and preparing wisely while provision is present.

Proverbs 27:26

The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.

Study: Properly managed resources produce practical provision. Spiritually, stewardship turns God’s entrusted gifts into blessing and stability. Practically, diligent care of flocks, fields, work, and resources can provide clothing, income, opportunity, and support for future needs.

Proverbs 27:27

And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

Study: Faithful stewardship blesses more than the individual. Spiritually, diligent care can become provision for a household and those under one’s responsibility. Practically, wisdom manages resources so that family, workers, and dependents are sustained with stability and care.

Proverbs 27 focuses on humility, relationships, correction, friendship, contentment, and stewardship. Solomon warns against boasting about tomorrow, praising oneself, giving way to envy, and allowing foolish anger to rule the heart. The chapter shows that faithful friends may wound us with truth, while enemies may deceive us with flattery. It also teaches that godly relationships sharpen character, praise tests the heart, and wise people diligently care for what God has entrusted to them. Proverbs 27 ultimately calls believers to live humbly, receive correction, value faithful friendships, resist envy, and practice responsible stewardship.

Lord, teach me to walk humbly before You and not boast about tomorrow. Help me receive faithful correction, value godly friendships, and reject pride, envy, and self-promotion. Give me wisdom in my relationships, my words, my responsibilities, and my stewardship. Help me know the condition of what You have entrusted to me and care for it faithfully. Shape my heart through truth, humility, diligence, and wise counsel. Amen.

• Read Proverbs 27 every day this week
• Memorize Proverbs 27:1, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:21, or Proverbs 27:23
• Thank God for one faithful friend or mentor in your life
• Ask yourself where envy, pride, or self-promotion may be affecting your heart
• Review one area of responsibility that needs better stewardship
• Receive correction this week without becoming defensive
• Encourage or sharpen someone else with sincere, godly counsel

Proverbs 27 teaches wisdom for real-life relationships and responsibilities. It warns against boasting about tomorrow, praising oneself, giving way to envy, ignoring correction, and becoming careless with what God has entrusted. The chapter highlights the value of faithful friends who speak truth, the sharpening power of godly relationships, and the danger of endless human desire. It also closes with a strong call to stewardship, reminding believers to know the condition of their flocks and care diligently for their households. Proverbs 27 calls God’s people to humility, gratitude, correction, friendship, contentment, and faithful responsibility.

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