The Linked Word Project

Introduction to chapter 27

(Pro. 27:1-27)

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

Proverbs 27:2

Avoid self-praise.

Proverbs 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.

Proverbs 27:4

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

Proverbs 27:5

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.

Proverbs 27:7

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

Proverbs 27:8

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

Proverbs 27:9

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

sweetness . . . counsel — or, "wise counsel is also pleasing."

Proverbs 27:10

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

Proverbs 27:11

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

Proverbs 27:12

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

Proverbs 27:14

Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.

Proverbs 27:15

(Compare Pro 19:13).

very . . . day — literally, "a day of showers."

Proverbs 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 (Psa 17:7; Psa 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.

Proverbs 27:17

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

Proverbs 27:18

Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.

Proverbs 27:19

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

Proverbs 27:20

Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.

Proverbs 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, &c.

Proverbs 27:22

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

Proverbs 27:23

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

Proverbs 27:25

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).

Proverbs 27:27

household — literally, "house," the family (Act 16:15; Co1 1:16).