Proverbs 27
1BOAST not of things of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what the coming day will bring forth.
2Let a neighbour praise thee and not thine own mouth—a stranger and not thine own lips.
3A stone is heavy and sand is weighty; but a fool’s anger is heavier than both.
4Wrath is cruel and anger outrageous: but nothing can withstand envy.
5Open rebukes are better than concealed love.
6More faithful are the wounds of a friend; than the feigned kisses of an enemy.
7A full soul loatheth a honeycomb: but to a hungry soul even bitter things are sweet.
8As a bird when taken hooded from its nest; so is a man reduced to slavery, when removed from his country.
9With myrrh and wine and perfumes the heart is cheered: but with misfortunes the spirit is broken.
10Thine own friend and thy father’s friend forsake not; but when unfortunate go not to the house of thy brother. Better is a friend near at hand, than a brother far off.
11Be wise, my son that thy heart may rejoice, and remove from thee reproachful speeches.
12When ills approach, a prudent man is hidden: but the simple pass on to their sorrow.
13Take away his mantle, for a scorner passed by who wasteth the property of others.
14He who blesseth a friend with a loud voice, rising early, will appear not unlike one who curseth him.
15A continual dropping driveth a man out of his house in a rainy day: and so doth a contentious wife.
16Boreas is a harsh wind, though it be called by an honourable name.
17Iron sharpeneth iron, but a man exasperateth the face of a companion.
18He who planteth a fig tree shall eat of its fruit; and he who guardeth his master shall be honoured.
19As faces do not resemble faces: so neither do the thoughts of men.
20The grave and destruction are never satisfied: in like manner the eyes of men are insatiable.
He who hath staring eyes, and fools who cannot govern their tongue; are an abomination to the Lord.
21Fire is the trier of gold and silver: but a man is tried by the mouth of them who praise him.
The heart of a transgressor seeketh evils: but a righteous heart seeketh knowledge.
22Though thou shouldst whip a fool publicly and disgrace him, thou canst not take away his folly.
23Be careful to know the state of thy flock; and pay close attention to thy herd:
24for wealth and power do not continue with a man forever; nor can he transmit them from one generation to another.
25Take care of the herbage in thy field: mow grass and collect provender from the hills:
26that thou mayst have sheep for clothing.
Honour the field that thou mayst have lambs.
27My son, thou hast sayings from me powerfully fortified for thy life, and the life of thy servants.