Proverbs 27:1-27 AMP

[1] Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring. [2] Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. [3] Stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But a fool’s [unreasonable] wrath is heavier and more burdensome than both of them. [4] Wrath is cruel and anger is an overwhelming flood, But who is able to endure and stand before [the sin of] jealousy? [5] Better is an open reprimand [of loving correction] Than love that is hidden. [6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda]. [7] He who is satisfied loathes honey, But to the hungry soul any bitter thing is sweet. [8] Like a bird that wanders from her nest [with its comfort and safety], So is a man who wanders from his home. [9] Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart. [10] Do not abandon your own friend and your father’s friend, And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. [11] My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may reply to him who reproaches (reprimands, criticizes) me. [12] A prudent man sees evil and hides himself and avoids it, But the naive [who are easily misled] continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin]. [13] [The judge tells the creditor,] “Take the garment of one who is surety (guarantees a loan) for a stranger; And hold him in pledge when he is surety for an immoral woman [for it is unlikely the debt will be repaid].” [14] He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be counted as a curse to him [for it will either be annoying or his purpose will be suspect]. [15] A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious (quarrelsome) woman are alike; [16] Whoever attempts to restrain her [criticism] might as well try to stop the wind, And grasps oil with his right hand. [17] As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]. [18] He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who faithfully protects and cares for his master will be honored. [19] As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. [20] Sheol (the place of the dead) and Abaddon (the underworld) are never satisfied; Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied. [21] The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold [to separate the impurities of the metal], And each is tested by the praise given to him [and his response to it, whether humble or proud]. [22] Even though you pound a [hardened, arrogant] fool [who rejects wisdom] in a mortar with a pestle like grain, Yet his foolishness will not leave him. [23] Be diligent to know the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; [24] For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. [25] When the grass is gone, the new growth is seen, And herbs of the mountain are gathered in, [26] The lambs will supply wool for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field. [27] And there will be enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household, And for the maintenance of your maids.