Proverbs 27 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

27:1

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

27:2

Avoid self-praise.

27:3

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

envy — or, “jealousy” (compare Margin; Proverbs 6:34), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions.

27:5-6

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

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

27:8

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

27:9

rejoice the heart — the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses.

sweetness counsel — or, “wise counsel is also pleasing.”

27:10

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

27:11

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

27:12-13

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

27:14

Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.

27:15

(Compare Proverbs 19:13).

very day — literally, “a day of showers.”

27:16

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 (Psalm 17:7; Psalm 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

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

27:18

Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.

27:19

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

27:20

Men‘s cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.

27:21

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, etc.

27:22

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

27:23-24

flocks — constituted the staple of wealth. It is only by care and diligence that the most solid possessions can be perpetuated (Proverbs 23:5).

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 Psalm 65:9-13).

The hay appeareth — literally, “Grass appeareth” (Job 40:15; Psalm 104:14).

27:27

household — literally, “house,” the family (Acts 16:15; 1 Corinthians 1:16).