Proverbs 27 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
27:1
1. Do not confide implicitly in your plans (Pr 16:9; 19:21; Jas 4:13-15).
27:2
2. Avoid self-praise.
27:3
3. 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.
27:4
4. envy--or, "jealousy" (compare Margin; Pr 6:34), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions.
27:5–6
5-6. 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.
27:7
7. The luxury of wealth confers less happiness than the healthy appetite of labor.
27:8
8. Such are not only out of place, but out of duty and in danger.
27:9
9. rejoice the heart--the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses. sweetness ... counsel--or, "wise counsel is also pleasing."
27:10
10. Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood may be less reliable than those of genuine friendship.
27:11
11. The wisdom of children both reflects credit on parents and contributes to their aid in difficulties.
27:12–13
12-13. (Compare Pr 20:16; 22:3).
27:14
14. Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.
27:15
15. (Compare Pr 19:13). very ... day--literally, "a day of showers."
27:16
16. 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 (Psa 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.
27:17
17. a man sharpeneth ... friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.
27:18
18. Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.
27:19
19. We may see our characters in the developed tempers of others.
27:20
20. Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.
27:21
21. 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.
27:22
22. The obstinate wickedness of such is incurable by the heaviest inflictions.
27:23–24
23-24. flocks--constituted the staple of wealth. It is only by care and diligence that the most solid possessions can be perpetuated (Pr 23:5).
27:25–27
25-27. The fact that providential arrangements furnish the means of competence to those who properly use them is another motive to diligence (compare Psa 65:9-13). The hay appeareth--literally, "Grass appeareth" (Job 40:15; Psa 104:14).