Large Christian Library. Great Christian Library Proverbs 27 11
1–6. Against arrogance, jealousy and hypocrisy. 7–14. Praise of moderation to true friendship and reasonableness. 15–16. About a grumpy wife. 17–32. About insight, caring; about greed. 22–27. An exhortation to prudent and thrifty housekeeping.
Proverbs 27:1. Do not boast about tomorrow, because you do not know what that day will give birth to.
Proverbs 27:2. Let another praise you, and not your mouth; a stranger, and not your tongue.
Proverbs 27:3. Heavy stone, weight and sand; but the wrath of a fool is heavier than both of them.
Proverbs 27:4. Anger is cruel, rage is indomitable; but who can resist jealousy?
Proverbs 27:5. Better open reproof than hidden love.
Proverbs 27:6. Sincere reproaches from the one who loves, and false kisses from the one who hates.
Thought Art. 1 about the inappropriateness on the part of a person of any decisive assumptions about tomorrow is expressed in more detail in the Apostle James (James 4.13-15). moralizing Art. 2 about the obscenity of one's own praise has become a walking truth even of worldly wisdom. In Art. 3-4 phenomena of the moral world - anger and jealousy - are compared either with physical objects (stone, sand), or with the moral (anger, jealousy). Thought Art. 5-6 about the superiority of a sincere rebuke of love over the hypocritical caresses of hidden hatred is found even lower in Proverbs 28.23.
Proverbs 27:7. A well-fed soul tramples on a honeycomb, but to a hungry soul everything bitter is sweet.
Proverbs 27:8. Like a bird leaving its nest, so is a man leaving his place.
Proverbs 27:9. Oil and smoking gladden the heart; so sweet is every friend with his heartfelt advice.
Proverbs 27:10. Do not leave your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house on the day of your misfortune: better is a neighbor near than a brother far away.
Proverbs 27:11. Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad; and I will have something to answer for the one who curses me.
Proverbs 27:12. The prudent sees trouble and hides; but the inexperienced go ahead and are punished.
Proverbs 27:13. Take his dress from him, for he has pledged for a stranger, and take a deposit from him for a stranger.
Proverbs 27:14. Whoever loudly praises his friend from early morning will be considered a slanderer.
The parables of this section repeat more than once the thoughts already expressed by the Wise One, sn. Art. 11 with Proverbs 23:15; Art. 13 with Proverbs 20:16.
Proverbs 27:15. A constant drip on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are equal:
Proverbs 27:16. whoever wants to hide it wants to hide the wind and the suit in right hand his own, letting know about himself.
Comparison Art. 15 for a quarrelsome wife was found already above Proverbs 19:13, and v. 16 reinforces the idea with a new comparison.
Proverbs 27:17. Iron sharpens iron, and a man refines his friend's gaze.
Proverbs 27:18. Whoever guards the fig tree will eat its fruit; and whoever guards his master will be honored.
Proverbs 27:19. As in water face to face, so the heart of man is to man.
Proverbs 27:20. Hell and Abaddon are insatiable; so insatiable are human eyes.–
Proverbs 27:20a. – [An abomination is before the Lord who boldly raises his eyes, and those who are intemperate with their tongues are foolish.]
Proverbs 27:21. As a foundry is for silver, a furnace for gold, so is for a man the mouth that praises him.
Proverbs 27:21a. [The heart of the wicked seeks evil, but the right heart seeks knowledge.]
Proverbs 27:22. Tossing a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, his foolishness will not be separated from him.
The saying of Art. 18 has a wide meaning, but can most closely denote insight and energy in the mutual relations of friends (cf. Heb 10.24). In Art. 18–19 the mutual relations of people are drawn from a new angle. Art. 20 has the same analogy as before (Proverbs 15:11), but it has a more specific meaning here, meaning passion, especially the greed of the human heart (cf. Sir 14:9). Likewise, the comparison of Art. 21 was found already in Proverbs 17:3. Art. 22 is a semi-joking expression of the idea that stupidity usually seems to merge with the very essence of a person who had the misfortune to fall under its influence.
Proverbs 27:23. Take good care of your cattle, take care of your flocks;
Proverbs 27:24. because wealth is not forever, and is power from generation to generation?
Proverbs 27:25. Grass vegetates, and greenery appears, and mountain herbs are gathered.
Proverbs 27:26. Sheep for your clothes, and goats for the purchase of a field.
Proverbs 27:27. And goat's milk is sufficient for your food, for the food of your household, and for the food of your maidservants.
In the concluding words of the chapter, advice is given to adhere to the two main occupations of the ancient Jews - cattle breeding (v. 23, 24) and agriculture (v. 25), and together, in view of the fluidity and variability of wealth (v. 24), simplicity and moderation of food and image are advised. life (v. 27).
Verse 1. Here is (1.) A good warning that we should not be sure of tomorrow: "Do not boast of yourself and tomorrow, much less many days and years to come." These words do not forbid preparing for tomorrow, but they do not advise relying on tomorrow. We should not hope to live long and prosperously, but speak of tomorrow with submission to the will of God and demonstrate our prudence, remaining uncertain in it. We should not worry about tomorrow (Mat 6:34), but cast our cares about it on God (see Jas 4:13-15). We should not put off until later our turning to God (as if we are sure of tomorrow), since this is the only thing that is necessary; today, as long as you can say, "today," hear the voice of God.
(2.) Good reflections on which this warning is based: “…because you do not know what that day will give birth to and what event is being prepared in the overflowing womb of time; it is a mystery until it is born (Eccl. 11:5).” In a short time, significant changes can occur, which we think little about. We do not know what the present day will bring forth; evening will show it. Nescis quid serus vesper vehat - you don't know what the evening can bring with it. God wisely keeps us in the dark about future events, leaving to Himself the knowledge of them, as the most beautiful crown jewel, to teach us to depend on Him in everything and be ready for every event (Acts 1:7).
Verse 2. Note:
(1) we must act in a way that deserves approval and even strangers could praise us. Our light must shine before the people; we should do good deeds that people can see, although we should not do them specifically to show others. Let our works be praised even at the gates (Phil. 4:8).
(2.) Having done a deed, we should not boast of it, for it shows pride, folly, and selfishness, and greatly diminishes the reputation of a person. Any person will gladly humiliate the one who exalts himself. We may have a fair chance to stand up for ourselves, but it does not befit us to applaud ourselves. Proprio laus sordet in ore - self-praise defiles the mouth.
Verses 3-4. These verses show what unbearable evil is done, (1.) Uncontrolled passion. The anger of a provoked fool who does not think about what he says and does is harder to bear than a heavy stone or a lot of sand. He puts a heavy burden on himself. He who does not control his passions sometimes even languishes under their weight. The anger of a fool is a heavy burden on those against whom it is directed and to whom, in rage, it can harm. Therefore, we will act wisely if we do not provoke the fool, and if he is furious, then we will go out of his way.
(2) Rooted malice, which is as much worse than the previous case, as the coals of the juniper are worse than the flames of thorns. Anger is cruel (it is true) and does many cruel deeds, and rage is indomitable, but one's secret enemy, envious of prosperity and desiring to avenge some offense or harm done, is much worse. A man can avoid a sudden outburst of anger, as David dodged Saul's spear, but when anger rises, as Saul did, and becomes constant jealousy, no one can resist it; it will haunt and fall upon the man. Whoever is upset because of the well-being of another will continue to plot evil against him and constantly keep his anger.
Verses 5-6. Note:
(1) It is very helpful for us when friends rebuke us and talk about our mistakes. If true love has enough zeal and courage in the heart to show itself in direct relationships with friends and rebuke them for what they said or did wrong, then this is indeed better than not only secret hatred (as in Lev 19:17), but and hidden love - that love for the neighbor, which does not show itself as good fruits, but praises their sins, causing damage to their soul. Sincere reproaches from a lover, although at present they are painful, like wounds. If friends, out of love for our souls, do not want to allow sin to overcome us, and do not leave us alone, then this is a sign that they are sincere. The doctor's concern is to cure the patient's disease, not to please his taste.
(2) It is dangerous to be flattered and caressed by an enemy whose kisses are deceptive. We cannot enjoy him because we cannot be sure of him (the kisses of Joab and Judah were deceitful), so we must be vigilant lest we be deceived by them; they need not be given importance. Some read this passage like this: "The Lord delivered us from enemy kisses, lying lips and a deceitful tongue."
Verse 7. Here, as elsewhere in his book, Solomon shows that the poor are in some sense superior to the rich, for (1.) They enjoy their food more than the rich. Hunger is the best sauce. Rough food, with a good appetite, gives sensual pleasure, which is alien to those whose hearts are heavy with overeating and drunkenness. Whoever eats exquisitely every day, he is disgusted even with delicacies, as the Israelites are with quails, while for those who have only necessary food, which a full soul would call bitter, it is sweet. They eat it with pleasure, digest it and are refreshed.
(2.) They are more grateful for their food: the hungry will bless God for bread and water, while the well-fed thinks that it is hardly worth giving thanks for various delicacies. This seems to be what the Virgin Mary means when she says (Luke 1:53): “Those who are hungry, who know how to properly evaluate God’s blessings, he filled with good things, but those who were rich, that is, those who neglected them, he sent away with nothing.”
Verse 8. Note:
(1) many people are unaware of their own well-being, are anxious about their current situation, and desire change. God by His providence ordained for them appropriate place and made it comfortable. But people prefer disorder, they like to wander; they are glad when there is a reason to go abroad, and they do not try to stay longer in one place. They unnecessarily leave their work and cares and take on what does not belong to them.
2 Those who leave their place in this way are like a bird that has left its nest. They show their stupidity by acting like a stupid bird; they are constantly darting about, like a migratory bird that flies from branch to branch, but does not nest anywhere. But this is not safe: a migratory bird exposes itself to many dangers; a man's home is his fortress, and whoever leaves it makes himself an easy target for the hunter. When a bird leaves its nest, the eggs and chicks are left unattended. Those who love to travel to foreign countries leave their work unfinished at home. Everyone stay in the rank in which you are called; stay with God.
(2) A good reason why we should value and prefer true friendship so highly.
Because she brings joy. The communication and advice of a cordial friend contains sweetness. They are like oil and smoking, which emit a pleasant smell and amuse the spirit. They gladden the heart; the heaviness of anxiety is lightened if we pour out our feelings to our friend, and we get great satisfaction when we know his opinion about our affairs. The sweetness of friendship lies not in hearty joy, hearty laughter, but in heartfelt advice, faithful and sincere, not containing flattery - advice from the whole soul (literally), which touches the matter, penetrates the heart and answers questions that excite the soul (Ps 65: 17). The most pleasant conversations we should consider are those that touch upon spiritual truths and contribute to the prosperity of the soul.
Because of its benefits and usefulness, especially on a day of misfortune. This verse advises us not to go to your brother's house and expect help from him just because he is a kinsman, for kinship duties are usually limited to kinship names and often fail when the real test of kinship feelings comes. It is better to turn to a neighbor who is nearby and is ready to help us in a difficult situation. It will be wise for us if we oblige him to do the same with a friendly attitude, and then in trouble it will turn out to be an advantage for us if he treats us the same way (Proverbs 18:24).
Verse 11. This verse exhorts children to be wise and godly, (1.) That they may be a comfort to their parents, and gladden their hearts when the day of trouble comes. Thus they will repay them for their care (Proverbs 23:15).
(2.) That they be of their good repute: “So that I may have something to answer for the one who slandered me for excessive severity and severity in the education of his children, as well as for the wrong methods of education, limiting the freedom that other young men had. Be wise, my son, and then as a result it will turn out that I have gone the wisest way in raising my children. One who has been blessed by a religious upbringing should always behave in such a way as to command respect for his upbringing and to silence those who say: “In youth, a saint, in old age, the devil”, in order to prove the opposite: “In youth, a saint, in old age, an angel.
Verse 12. This verse was discussed earlier (Prov. 22:3). Note:
(1) Evil is foreseeable. Where there is temptation, it is easy to predict that if we submit to it, we will sin. It is just as easy to foresee that if we dare to sin, punishment will follow. Before wounding, God most often warns and sets watchmen over us (Jer. 6:17).
(2.) Our affairs will be prosperous or not, according to how we act and whether we use the opportunity to foresee evil: “The prudent sees trouble, can accordingly predict it, and hides; but the inexperienced, who are so stupid that they do not see it, or are so capricious and lazy that they do not try to avoid it and go confidently forward, such are punished. We act for our own good if we care about what will happen next.
Verse 13. This verse we also considered earlier (Proverbs 20:16).
1. He shows how soon those will become poor who think little before guaranteeing for anyone who asks them, and those who are carried away by other people's wives. Such people will lend money as long as they are believed, but in the end they will deceive their creditors, moreover, they will deceive them all the time. Fair man may become a beggar because of this, but he who makes himself so is not an honest man.
2. This verse advises us to be prudent in arranging our affairs, and not to lend our money to those who have clearly squandered their wealth, unless they give good guarantees. He who borrows recklessly is unjust to his family. He does not say: “Find another who will vouch for you,” for he who has become a guarantor for everyone will take as guarantors those who are as bold as himself. So take his dress from him.
Verse 14. Note:
(2) Great stupidity is to love too much when you are loudly praised. A wise man would rather consider this a disgrace and dishonor, done not only to get into his pocket, but also to create a prejudiced opinion about him. Modest praise (as the wise man remarked) induces those present to join in the praise, while excessive indiscreet praise induces them to belittle and condemn the one who is so exaggeratedly exalted. In addition, excessive praise makes a person an object of hatred: each person counts on a good reputation and therefore considers himself disadvantaged if the other monopolizes it or gets more than he deserves. But the biggest danger is that it is a temptation for pride. People tend to think better of themselves than others when they, in turn, also overestimate them. See how careful the blessed Paul was not to be overestimated (2 Corinthians 12:6).
Verses 15-16. Here, as before, Solomon mourns the fate of the one who has a quarrelsome, intemperate wife who constantly grumbles and makes everyone around feel uncomfortable.
1. His fate is sad, since nothing can be done and the situation resembles incessant drops on a rainy day. Discord among neighbors may be like a heavy downpour, which becomes trouble for a while, but one can hide from it, and a quarrelsome wife is like continuous rain against which there is no remedy but patience, Prov. 19:13.
2. It's sad that it can't be hidden. A wise man would hide it if he could, for the sake of his own and his wife's reputation, but he cannot, just as he cannot hide the noise of the wind when it blows, or the strong smell of incense. A self-willed and scandalous person will disgrace himself, even if his friends, out of mercy, want to hide his character.
Verse 17. This refers to the pleasure and benefit derived from the conversation. One person is nothing; meditating on a book alone will not improve a person in the same way as reading and studying together. Wise and useful conversation sharpens the minds of people, and those who have a lot of knowledge, through joint meetings, can deepen them. Encouraging the spirit of a person, we make him more lively and energetic, and appearance a person begins to testify that he is pleased with himself and pleasant for others. The graces of the righteous become more effective through association with the pious, and the lusts and passions of the wicked are intensified by association with their own kind, like iron, which is sharpened with the same iron, especially with a file. People who used to be rude, dull and inactive, through communication, become filled, calm, joyful, fit for business. This verse (1) recommends this tool for us to improve ourselves, but we must be careful and watch who we associate with, for the influence of association is great and can be both beneficial and harmful.
(2) Directs us on what we should pay attention to when communicating. It should improve both others and ourselves, not take our time and mislead each other, but encourage each other to love and good deeds and also make us wiser and better.
Verse 18. This verse is meant to encourage us to be diligent, faithful, and persistent when we are engaged in even the smallest of things. Although we are called to be industrious and insignificant, at the same time, those who adhere to this will receive some benefit due to these qualities.
1. Let not the poor gardener who guards the fig tree grieve; in order to grow her, constant care and attention is required of him, and when she reaches maturity, he must look after her and collect fruits at a certain period; at the same time his efforts will be rewarded: he will eat the fruits of it (1 Corinthians 9:7).
2. Moreover, the poor servant should not think that he will never prosper in preference, for if he is diligent and waits for his master (English translation), if he is attentive to him and diligent, if he takes care of his master (literally) , does everything for the well-being of this person and his reputation, if he cares that the owner’s fortune is not wasted or damaged, he will be honored, and not only will he hear a kind word addressed to him, but will also be rewarded and promoted. God is a good Master who is busy bringing honor to those who serve him faithfully (John 12:26).
Verse 19. This verse shows that there is a way (1) to know yourself. Just as water is a mirror in which we can see the reflection of our own face, so there are mirrors with the help of which a person’s heart is revealed - to a person, that is, to oneself. Let a man examine his own conscience, his thoughts, affections and intentions. Let him, by divine law, look into his natural features (James 1:23), and then he will be able to judge what kind of person he is and what his true character is, which it would be useful for everyone to know.
(2) To know each other, for as the face of a person and his reflection in the water are similar, so are the hearts different people because God made the hearts of men similar. And so in many cases we can judge others by ourselves, which is the basis for the rule that we do to others as we want to be done to us (Ex. 23:9). Nihil est unum uni tam simile, tam par, quam omnes inter nosmet ipsos sumus. Sui nemo ipse tam simils quam omnes sunt omnium - Nothing is more like another than one person is like another. No man is so much like himself as every one is like everyone around him (Cic. de Legib. Lib.1). One depraved heart resembles another, just as sanctified hearts resemble each other, for just as the former bear the same earthly image, so the latter bear the same heavenly one.
Verse 20. This verse speaks of two things that cannot be satisfied, and they are close to each other, and that is sin and death.
1. Death is insatiable: both the first and the second. Until now, the underworld is not filled with mountains of dead bodies that are thrown into it every day, but is open coffin, yelling: "come on, come on!". Hell is also increasing and still has a place for condemned souls condemned to this prison. Tophet... deep and wide (Isaiah 30:33).
2. Sin is insatiable: human eyes are insatiable, as are the appetites of the carnal mind for profit or pleasure. The eye will not be satisfied with sight, and whoever loves silver will not be satisfied with silver. People work for that which satisfies but does not satisfy, nay, for that which causes dissatisfaction. People were justly condemned to constant discontent from the moment our first parents were not satisfied with the rest of the trees in the Garden of Eden and decided to partake of the forbidden fruit. Those whose eyes are fixed on the Lord will be satisfied with Him, and always will be.
Verse 21. This verse gives a test by which we can test ourselves. Silver and gold are tested when they are placed in a furnace, in a smelter, and a person is tested by glory. Try to praise him and give him preference - and he will show what he really is.
1. If a person, after being praised, has become proud, arrogant and arrogant, if he takes for himself all the glory that should be given to God, as Herod did, if, the more he is praised, the more he is inattentive to what he says and does, if he lies in bed until noon, because his name is exalted, then we will see that he is a stupid, empty person who, although he is praised, has nothing worthy of praise in himself.
2. If, on the contrary, as a result of praise, a person becomes more grateful to God, more respectful of friends, more vigilant about everything that can tarnish his reputation, more diligent in improving himself and doing good deeds for others, according to their expectations from him - then by doing so he will show that he is wise and pious. A good mindset is he who knows how to ignore both blame and praise, and remain the same (2 Corinthians 6:8).
Verse 22. Solomon said (Prov. 22:15), "Foolsiness has become attached to the heart of a young man, but the rod of correction will remove it from him," for then it is still possible to form a worldview and eradicate vicious habits. And here he shows that if this is not done in youth, then it will be almost impossible to change anything later: if the disease is prolonged, then there is a danger that it will become incurable. Can an Ethiopian change his skin? Note:
(1.) Some people are so wicked that cruel and severe means should be applied to them, since soft methods have not led to anything; they need to be crushed in a mortar. God in His judgments will use one way, and the authorities must use theirs and judge according to the severity of the law. Force must be applied to those who are not ruled by reason, love and their own interests.
(2.) Some people are so hopelessly vicious that even such cruel and harsh methods do not achieve the goal, and their stupidity is not separated from them - so strongly are their hearts disposed to do evil. The rod is often struck upon them, but they do not humble themselves, they end up in the furnace, but are not cleansed, like Ahaz, whose iniquities were multiplied (2 Chronicles 28:22);
and what then remains to be done with them, how not to throw them away, like rejected silver?
Verses 23-27. This verse:
I. Commands us to be diligent in our work. These words are intended for farmers and stockmen who deal with livestock, but they can be extended to all other honest professions. Whatever work we do, inside or outside the home, we must do it intelligently. This command implies, (1.) That we must have something to do in this world, and not be idle.
(2) We must properly and completely understand our business, learn what we must do, and not be interested in what we do not understand.
(3) We must rely only on ourselves, and not shift our cares to others. We must watch our cattle with our own eyes; it is the owner's eye that makes them fat.
(4) We should be prudent and consider the management of our own business, know the state of affairs and have care of them, so that nothing is lost, so that no opportunity slips away, but everything is done at the right time, in the right order and bring the greatest benefit.
(5) We should be diligent and make efforts, not only sit and think, but also do: “Set your heart on your cattle, as if you alone cared for them; put your hands and your bones to your work."
II. Gives arguments that reinforce this command. Consider:
1. Of the volatility of worldly wealth (v. 24): wealth is not for ever.
(1) Other riches are not so lasting as this: "Take care of your livestock and flocks, of the property that is in this country, and the number of livestock, for they are the most important income, which, if successful in business, will be for ever , while the wealth obtained by trade will not be so; it is unlikely that the crown will be transmitted in the family with the same certainty as cattle and herds.
(2) If wealth is not looked after well, it may even decrease. If a person has a monastery (as we say), but is lazy and extravagant, then he may be finished. Even the crown and public expenditures, if not properly cared for, will decline and will not be passed on from generation to generation without proper management. Although David's crown was rightfully to be passed down in his family, yet he kept a good eye on his cattle (1 Chronicles 27:29,31).
2. The bounty of nature, or rather the God of nature and his providence (v. 25): The grass grows. In caring for livestock and flocks, (1.) There is no labor to be done, ploughing, or sowing; their food is the spontaneous product of the earth; it is only necessary to bring the flocks to the meadows in summer, when greenery appears, and to gather mountain herbs for the winter. God has done His part of the work, and you will be ungrateful to Him if you unjustly refuse to serve His providence without doing yours.
(2) One should use every opportunity that presents itself - the time when the grass vegetates; but if you let that time slip away, then the nourishment of your livestock and flocks will deteriorate. Both for ourselves and for our cattle, we must (together with the ant) prepare food in the summer.
3. Benefits of good housekeeping for the family: “Take care of your sheep and your sheep will help you; thou shalt have food for thy children and servants, enough goat's milk (v. 27), and enough as good as a feast. You will also have clothes: sheep for your clothes. You will have money to pay the rent; you will have goats to buy a field.” Moreover, as some understand this verse, “You will become a buyer and be able to buy land to leave to your children” (v. 26). Note:
(1.) If we have food and clothing, and money to pay each one his share, then we have enough and should not only be satisfied, but grateful.
(2) The heads of families should be concerned not only about themselves, but also about the families, and see to it that the servants also have a worthy maintenance.
(3) Simple food and simple clothes, if they suit us, are the only things we should strive for. “Consider that things are going well for you if you wear clothes made of homespun fabric and wool from your sheep, if you eat goat's milk. Let your food be that which goes to the food of your household and to the food of your maidservants. Do not desire delicacies brought from afar and bought for a lot of money.
(4.) This should encourage us to be careful and industrious in our work, for on this depends financial well-being our families. You will eat from the labor of your hands.
Chapter 27
1 Do not boast about tomorrow, because you do not know what that day will give birth to.
What means " Don't brag about tomorrow"? Everything is very simple, many people say: “Do you know what things will happen to me tomorrow!? Do you know how I can do a lot of things tomorrow!? Do you know what my global plans are for tomorrow!? Look how great I can do it!”. But King Solomon says: do not do this, you do not know what the next day will bring you, you do not know what will happen to you in the future. You don't know your future, you don't know what awaits you, so don't brag about your future, because you don't know what the next day will bring to you.
2 Let another praise you, and not your mouth; a stranger, and not your tongue.
Boasting yourself is stupid, let someone else praise you, and not your mouth. A person who praises himself, who engages in self-praise, such a person is stupid and insane.
3 Heavy stone, weight and sand; but the wrath of a fool is heavier than both of them.
When a person is used to being angry, annoyed, scandalous, unable to restrain himself, relations with such a person are hard as a stone, like a sandbag and even harder, such a person cannot be endured, therefore the comparison is the wrath of a fool is heavier than stone and sand. It is impossible to endure such a state, such a person. Many people think that everyone around is to blame, that no one loves them, but the reason is very simple, very often the reason is that a person gets angry, scandals, offends other people, and therefore relationships with him are as difficult as the toe of stone and sand, it is also impossible to bear them.
4 Anger is cruel, rage is indomitable; but who can resist jealousy?
The worst thing that exists that destroys people, that destroys everything in people that is worse than anger and rage is the jealousy of a person, one person is jealous of another. Of course, it burns out such a state as ... everything that would unite people. Some people think that if they show jealousy, they will be loved more. In fact, if a person gives himself into the hands of jealousy, then he is guaranteed to lose everything that previously connected this person with the one he is jealous of, except for hatred and resentment, nothing else will and cannot work, because jealousy is worse than anger and unbridled rage.
5 Better open reproof than hidden love.
It is also very important here why some say: I love him in my soul, but I won’t show it in any way. But if you do not show love in any way, no one will notice it, it will not warm anyone. Therefore, when some say: “I am embarrassed to show love, I am somehow ashamed, embarrassed to show it, somehow inappropriate, uncomfortable,” remember and do not be offended that then no one will notice your love and will not appreciate it, because as you will notice it if it is invisible, such a phantom love. Therefore, open reproof is better than secret love. Why? Because open denunciation shows that a person is disposed towards this person and wishes him well, while hidden love expresses nothing, is useless for both the lover and the beloved.
6 Sincere reproaches from the one who loves, and false kisses from the one who hates.
When a person loves, then his words, even harsh ones, they will not hurt a person, because he will try not to hurt his soul, unless of course he sets himself such a task. But the kisses of the hater, they are deceitful, like the kiss of Judas when he betrayed Christ. And here everyone needs to look carefully at what lies behind affectionate words, behind hugs, which often hide lies and deceit.
7 A well-fed soul tramples on a honeycomb, but to a hungry soul everything bitter is sweet.
Here Solomon says that a satiated person considers even honey tasteless, but for a hungry person even bitter is sweet. Solomon says that such things do not exist by themselves, but they exist because of the state in which a person is in them. There is a saying: “There is no tasty food, there is just not enough hunger.” In fact, all our assessments are largely subjective. If we say that we like this, don't like it, this question often happens, it is connected with some objective things of ours: hungry, well-fed. A satiated person will not find a gift for him, but for a poor person even a small gift will seem huge. It is important to remember here that the question is not what you have, but what state you are in. When you are in a state of satiety, when you are in a state where you have everything, everything is not enough for you, you know this principle: if I had that, then I would be satisfied; it’s not true, you will never be satisfied if you are satiated, you want more, and what you get, even wonderful, everything will seem to you something so bad, something so unworthy of you, etc. Therefore it is said: A well-fed soul tramples and honeycomb. This also applies to relationships, when a person is used to being served by everyone, then any sacrifice will seem small to him. And when a person does not expect any good from another person, then any manifestation of warm feelings will seem to him the height of pleasantness. This is precisely the question here about relationships, because too often we are fed up, we are love, warm feelings, we are always not enough and it seems that they don’t like us, they don’t care about us, etc. All these things are associated with a state of mind, satiety, or, conversely, with a lack, internal.
9 Oil and incense gladden the heart; so sweet everyone friend with his heartfelt advice.
Ointment and incense, like incense, can be pleasing to the heart. It has been noticed that when a person tries to put himself in order, even his heart becomes pleasant. Imagine that you worked all day, walked, ran, worked, and then you have a good bath, with good shampoo, you come out clean and your heart is pleased. Also, it is said, some kind of incense, smoking, incense is still burned in the East in order for the aroma to be in the house, well, in order to honor God, in fact, and they really please the heart. Christians know that when incense is burned in a house, when a person is anointed consecrated oil, such smoking, incense, it pleases the heart already more deep sense, not in the sense of just the pleasantness of the aroma, but due to the fact that a certain spiritual force enters a person. Therefore, it is customary for the Orthodox to take oil from icons, from relics, to anoint themselves with it. It is customary for Christians to burn incense in front of icons, you can even put a piece of incense on a light bulb, read the Jesus Prayer and it becomes easier in your soul.
«… so sweet to every friend with his heartfelt advice". Friend is sweet than? Advice that comes from the heart, and not just some empty word. A person who cares deeply for you will be a sweet friend, close to you.
The Slavic text adds that the soul is torn from troubles. " The heart flaunts with worlds and wine and incense, the soul is torn to pieces by troubles. If a person suffers a lot, then his soul can be torn, torn, in the literal sense. Therefore, here Solomon says: look, beware, carefully, the soul may not endure this, as an antidote, your friend.
8 As a bird that leaves its nest, so a man that leaves his place.
What is this about? A bird that has left the nest flies but does not find a resting place; if a person has not found his place in life, then he, like a bird who has left his nest, flies in different directions, then he will grab it, then he will grab it, but he simply does not know what to do, such a state of twitching. This happens when a person leaves the place where the Lord has placed him and begins to rush to different places, this also applies to work and some kind of relationship with people. It happens that a person simply says: “I want like this!”, just like that, simply, without any motives, without a reason, without anything, he wants to assert himself and then such a result happens.
10 Do not leave your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your misfortune: better is a neighbor near than a brother far away.
Here Solomon advises to grow friends, i.e. make friends, do not lose your friend, otherwise it often happens with us that we lose childhood friends, school friends. When it comes to just friendship, this is one thing, another thing is when there is a person who leaves friends for the sake of a career, in order to break into the chosen circle. He begins to abandon his friends, says: I will find others, but Solomon says: not only do not leave your friend, but do not leave your father's friend either, learn to be friends with your father's friends. An interesting point: learn to have as many friends as possible, do not leave your father's friends, they will help you. Learn to be friendly with all people. A person who does not know how to make friends is spiritually poor, he really cannot do anything, he is not capable of either the love of God or anything else. A person who could not establish friendly relations with an earthly person, if a person is worthy of this, then such a person is unlikely to enter into a relationship of trust with God. Of course, there are exceptions, there are people prone to loneliness by nature, the Lord gives them a special gift of friendship with oneself, provided that, of course, they renounce everything for it, and they go higher way monasticism. It is to such people that the higher, special path of hermitage, monasticism is given. But this is a special way for units, an ordinary person should be able to acquire friends. If a person does not know how to make friends, this means that he has some kind of vice in his soul, some kind of ulcer that destroyed his spirit.
« ...and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your affliction...”, here we are talking about the fact that we should be able to assess our condition. There are people who complain all the time, if they have the slightest problem, they will definitely dump it on everyone, and Solomon says: you don’t have to do this, if you suffer badly yourself, be patient, pray to God. Another thing is when the situation is difficult, but try to carry everything yourself. What was wrong with you that person to whom you will now tell all your “slops”. There is such a principle of delicacy that so many people lack. A lot of people think if I'm being honest, I'm going to take everything out on everyone and so on.
No, says Solomon, try to keep your misfortunes to yourself. Why? In order not to lose your brother, your friends. Here you have to learn to see if that person can bear your misfortune. This is very important point can he bear it? This is what you need to think about. It's just that in our country people in a state of misfortune think only of themselves, and Solomon here says that we should also think about those around us in the days of our own misfortune.
But the infirmities of each other to wear?
- « Carry each other's infirmities“this is when you can endure, sorrow, when a person is humiliated by other people, this is exactly what is said about it. It is not said to load infirmities on each other, it is not said so anywhere. We are very fond of dumping our infirmities on other people's shoulders, but the Lord says, bear the infirmities of others, and do not shoulder them.
« … Better is a neighbor near than a brother far away...”, the one who is near is your neighbor, as the Lord says. The best, in what sense, it is better to lean on him than on a brother who is far away. Therefore, here Solomon warns, try not to spoil relations with either your neighbors or those who are close to you, because he can be better than the one who is far away from you.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad; and I will have something to answer for the one who curses me.
When a man has a wise son who pleases the father's heart. When a person is scolded, he can say: this is the kind of son I raised, who is wise, who knows God, who knows the ways of doing good, here I can, as it were, shield myself from slander. As the Apostle Paul, remember, does, he says: if for others I am not an apostle, then for you I am an apostle(1 Corinthians 9:2). Because: I gave birth to you in Christ Jesus with the gospel(1 Corinthians 4:15), said the Apostle Paul, addressing the Corinthian flock. Here also here, the point is that a person who knows how to raise his son so that he lives according to God, such a person has something to protect himself from the slander of other people.
12 The prudent sees trouble and hides himself; and the inexperienced go ahead and are punished.
That is, the prudent sees trouble in advance and hides from it. What does prudent mean? A prudent person is a person who knows how to reason about everything according to God, who knows how to foresee the future based on the words of God. Why based on the words of God? Because it often happens, it seems that a person is so rich, he cannot fall, he has everything under control, everything is paid for, he is clearly like that, you can rely on him. I rely on him, a person relies on him and fall. And here it says: The prudent sees trouble and hides, he foresees in advance what might happen to him severe. I wonder when troubles came to Job, what did Job say? “All the terrible things that I expected came to me.” Not "suddenly came to me", but "what I expected, then came to me." Therefore, the prudent one knows what traps may lie ahead. Knows why? He has a good mind, he learned mind-reason from God, so he sees trouble and hides.
But the foolish goes forward and is punished. Here it goes like confusion, there is such a saying: a calf butted with an oak. Some people think that you need to go straight ahead all the time, not bypass anything, just go straight, like a tank into the crowd, and everything will work out. But when you go head-on, what will happen to you? It is said: But the foolish goes forward and is punished. A person who continuously rushes like a tank, breaking everything around, he receives punishment from both God and people. But the prudent knows how to step aside in time, knows how to retreat in time. Where is the man hiding? He hides in God, in the protection of God, steps aside. He knows how to step aside, he knows how not to get into a conflict, into a fight. Remember last time we talked about the man who grabs the dog by the tail? Just like a person climbs into someone else's pack. The same is true of stupid people.
13 Take his garment from him, for he has pledged for a stranger, and take a deposit from him for a stranger.
Here Solomon says, the person who vouches for someone else's, that's it, he got hit, he will lose his clothes, take everything from him, because he has already got into ticks. Solomon reminds us to be afraid of guarantees. Do not vouch for people, especially for strangers, beware of this, do not entrust yourself to people, do not rely on people. Remember how many times Scripture speaks of this? " Do not rely on princes, on the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.(Ps. 146:3).
In our country, why is it considered very ethical to hope for people: “Well, how can it be? Not relying on people is somehow not noble, not ethical. Solomon says, if a person vouched for his neighbor, he fell, a lost person. And earlier, Solomon said: if you vouched for someone else, then go to him early in the morning, bow, beg him to give you your guarantee back, so that the person could remain in a normal state so that the person would not die.
There is such a reliable way to lose a friend, you know? lend a friend a large sum, all guaranteed way. A person has not given a large amount, he is ashamed that he cannot give it back, because of this he begins to get angry at the person who lent him a loan, and therefore he either disappears or says all sorts of nasty things about this person. This has long been proven, our well-known villainy is so human. That's why you vouch, that's it, lost a friend, lent money, that's all, lost a friend, it's better to give money. There is such a principle, if you want to help, give him this amount, just say: I give you, you don’t owe me anything else. If he can give it back, if he can’t give it back, according to the gospel, you won’t lose a friend. Otherwise, his pride will torment him and that's it.
14 Whoever praises his friend loudly early in the morning will be considered a slanderer.
This is actually very accurate, think about it, psychologically accurate. If a person is strongly praised, praised, praised. They praise him, praise him, the person thinks that, you see, he wants to get something out of this. He obviously wants to take something from him, to use something, it's obvious. There is an interesting point that needs to be heard carefully: Who loudly praises his friend from early morning. What should be done early in the morning? With prayer! The Jews have such a rule, no one greets without making morning prayer for the first expression belongs primarily to God. Therefore, if a person begins with human pleasing, then he will be considered a slanderer.
15 Constant drops on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are equal:
16 Whoever wants to hide it, he wants to hide the wind and the suit in his right hand, which makes itself known.
What does a drop on a rainy day mean? Many people think that drops are dripping from the roof on the street. No, how is Palestine organized? There, the houses are flat, the roofs are flat, people walk on them, put up huts, and the roof is smeared with lime or clay, and during the rainy season it happens that the clay starts to leak, water drips right into the house. Pleasant feeling? Imagine that your apartment is flooded and dripping from above, is it nice? That's exactly the same with a grumpy wife, these are equal phenomena. Like a drop dripping from the ceiling, which spoils everything, and a grumpy wife are equal. It is absolutely impossible to hide it, whoever wants to hide it wants to hide the wind, and wants to hide the aromatic incense in his right hand, making himself known.
And the Slavic text speaks even harder : Drops drive a man out of his house on the day of winter, tacos and a slanderous wife out of her house. The north wind is cruel, but the name is called pleasant. Just as a man runs away from a leaky house, even in winter, so a husband runs away from his wife if she is slanderous and quarrelsome. Remember how Solomon used to say that it is better to live with a she-bear in the same cage than with a quarrelsome wife, etc. There are many such similar places that say that the biggest trouble comes to a person from home.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and a man refines his friend's gaze.
This is how iron is sharpened on iron, so a person sharpens his gaze, sharpens the gaze of his friend, i.e. friendly relations between people improve both, like iron in iron, so a person becomes wiser in mutual communication. This is how a person develops.
18
Just as a person who guards his fig tree will eat its fruits, and whoever does not look after his garden, he will be completely robbed, so a person will be honored if he takes care of his master. Who is Mr. Here we have in mind not so much the master, in the sense of the master of the slave, but the boss. If a person takes care of the boss, then he will be honored. And not as it is customary for us that if the boss, then we will definitely whisper behind his back, we will say so that there are as many nasty things about him as possible. No, of course not, it says: Whoever guards the fig tree will eat its fruit; and whoever guards his master will be honored. People will give honor to such, and God will bless such. The Apostle Paul says that we must work for our masters not for fear and for conscience, we work not for them, but for Christ. Just change your attitude and that's it, at work you work not for a swearing, scandalous person, but for Christ the Savior, just say so: I work for Christ, I honestly do everything for Christ. This will be credited to you as a virtue, and it will be much easier to endure even a bad boss, otherwise you will not run into looking for a normal job.
19 As in water face to face, so the heart of man to man.
Just as a face reflects a face in water, so a person is directed towards a person. A person strives to find people close to his heart, this is a natural phenomenon that God has invested in a person, one should not think that it is normal for a person to be alone. Alone, as I said, only the elite can be, and so it is better for an ordinary person to be with people, to communicate with people.
In the Slavic text: Like the essence is unlike the face of the faces, the sit is lower than the heart of men.
The Slavic text gives a different meaning, not assumed, but simply different, complementary. He says how a face does not look like a face, there are no identical faces, except for twins, and people's hearts are completely different. No need to think, try to evaluate the other person by yourself. Each person must remember that another person is arranged differently, he has a different heart, he must live differently. We must understand that another person lives differently, according to different laws, his heart is different and this should simply be taken into account, not trying to lump everyone into one size fits all, but you just need to distinguish one from the other.
20 Hell and Abaddon are insatiable; so insatiable are human eyes.
How insatiable is hell, i.e. hell that devours all the dead and Abaddon, (Abaddon is the lord of hell, evil spirit, the guard of hell, the king of hell), which devours all people and cannot calmly let anyone pass by. All people go to hell after death, says Solomon, but that was in his time, when all people, without exception, went to hell, the place where souls are kept. Also, human eyes are insatiable, one should not think that it is possible to saturate human eyes, they are absolutely insatiable, a person will not have enough of everything, a person will always be dissatisfied, he will always lack everything: I want this, I want this and I want that. His eyes are like hell, that's why the comparison is so ugly, because a person must be able to control his eyes, be able to keep his eyes in check so that they do not scatter, so that they are in place.
[An abomination is before the Lord who lifts up his eyes insolently, and those who are intemperate with their tongues are foolish.]
A person who boldly raises his eyes, affirming his eyes, that is, who tries to burn with his eyes, tries to offend, offend with his eyes, such a person is vile before the Lord. It is disgusting to the Lord when a person tries to destroy a person with a look like a basilisk. You know this type of people, with an iron eye, they are proud that they have such a look. Scripture says that such a person is abominable before the Lord. A man with an iron eye has an evil heart. Direct connection, because the eyes are the mirrors of the soul, the windows of the soul, they say so.
«… and foolish intemperate tongue”, those who do not keep their language, they are unreasonable, stupid. Watch your tongue, says Solomon. The tongue is a small member, but it does a lot. As those who control a small rudder, they control the whole ship, so a man who controls his tongue. A person must be able to control his speech, be able to control himself, otherwise nothing good will come of it.
21 As a foundry is for silver, a furnace for gold, so is a mouth that praises a man.
In what sense? This is a test. Here in the Slavic text it is well said : The temptation of silver and gold is undressing: the husband is tempted by the mouth of those who praise him. As gold and silver are checked for quality when they are melted down, so when a person is praised, they check who he really is. If a person only pursues praise, then an empty person, if a person is calm towards praise, calmly accepts praise - he is wise.
[The heart of the wicked seeks evil, but the right heart seeks knowledge.]
In the depths of a lawless person, he already has, as it were, laid in himself the search for evil, he strives for evil, he likes to do evil, this whole process inspires him. This happens at the level of the heart, outwardly it may seem good, normal, nice person, but inside he has a desire for evil, for villainy.
«… but the right heart seeks knowledge”, a person whose heart is straightened according to the commandments of God, he is looking for how to know God, how to know His will, how to know His destiny, how to know His Mystery. This is a very important principle, because very often we are told: everyone wants the same thing; no, everyone wants different things: the evil ones want one thing, the right-hearted want another. People have different directions of hearts, people distribute their hearts in different ways, and depending on this, they behave the way they do.
22 Tossing a fool in a mortar with pestle and grain, his foolishness will not be separated from him.
Whatever you do to a fool, stupidity will remain with him, says Solomon. Don't try to convince fools. This is a very important point, because many people are engaged in complete nonsense.
It says here what you need to see if a person is a fool, in the Biblical sense, does not believe in God and does not want to believe and does not want to fulfill the commandments, i.e. acts like a fool, even a stake on his head (our version of this parable), stupidity will not be separated from him, so do not engage in empty business. You have to be completely prosaically sober people. I repeat again, the Bible is a very pragmatic book, a very pragmatic, very practical book, so don't waste your energy. If you see, a person does not want to listen, well, you don’t have to, but what can you do with him. Better than anything else, take care of it, otherwise things very often go away, all our efforts go to waste and a person, it turns out, wastes his time, wastes his strength, and everything is meaningless.
The Slavic text says a little differently: If you beat a madman in the midst of a host, shaming him, do not take away his madness. Even if you beat a fool with sticks in the middle of a meeting to disgrace him, you still won't take his madness away from him. You know, such a person, even with sticks, even in a mortar, is useless. You have to go about your business, take care of your heart, straighten yourself, and not be busy saving the person who does not want to be saved. And then we have a favorite pastime to save others without saving ourselves.
23 Take good care of your livestock; take care of your flocks;
24 because wealth not forever, and is power from generation to generation?
25 Grass vegetates, and greenery appears, and they gather mountain herbs.
26 Sheep for clothing for you, and goats for buying a field.
27 And goat's milk is sufficient for your food, for the food of your household, and for the food of your maidservants.
What is this about? That a person should be content with what he has. There is no need to chase many things, you watch what you have, take good care of what you have. Wealth is not forever. Can you take wealth with you to your grave? And does power always pass from generation to generation? All the talk about legitimate authorities, illegitimate authorities, is empty, there is nothing in the Bible about this. The Bible knows the power, which acts as the power all the time, or as a gang of robbers, the Bible does not know other divisions. If the ruler supports justice, he is from God, if he does not support justice, then he will be punished by God.
Try in such a way that you have what is necessary for life, clothing, food, drink, luxurious food is not necessary, says Solomon. If you chase after many things, after some excesses, then you will drive your whole life behind these excesses, but why?
Why be enslaved by clothes, why be enslaved by food? You need to eat in order to be full, you need to dress in order to be warm and not ashamed, that's all. And some tricks that are being done around this are just a means to deprive you of time so that you run like a donkey for carrots in this endless consumption of society. The pursuit of endless profit harasses the environment, pollutes the air and drives people away. It’s impossible for a person to stop, think, read simply, pray, nothing like that is possible, a person runs, runs, runs, then bang, fell, that’s all, died. Outcome?
Imagine, a man says: I will come off in my youth. Well, you will come off in your youth, well, you look like all the clubs, you will plant your liver, so what next? Even if you live to be seventy years old, will you be warmed by the fact that at twenty-five you spent all your pay in some fashionable club?
Therefore, here Solomon says: be moderate, know how to be satisfied with what you have, normal clothes, normal food are enough for you.
Here the Bible says very simple, pragmatic things: be able to distinguish between what you really need and what you do not need.
Prov. 27:1. Sixteen of the twenty-seven verses in this chapter deal with human relationship problems (verses 2-6, 9-11, 13-18, 21-22). The warning expressed in this verse against self-confidence in regard to " tomorrow", repeated by James (James 4:13-16). "Do not boast" about what you will do tomorrow, for you do not know what tomorrow will "do to you".
Prov. 27:2. About the unworthiness of self-praise.
Prov. 27:3. An intelligent person should not react to the words and actions of a fool, even if they cause extreme irritation. Woe to him who will be provoked into a quarrel with a fool: his anger is extremely dangerous (heavier than stone and sand).
Prov. 27:4. Anger and rage caused by jealousy are especially indomitable. compare 6:32-35.
Prov. 27:5. True, open, love also manifests itself in the ability to expose the wrongness of the beloved, his mistakes. Love, "concealed in itself," is incapable of this.
Prov. 27:6. In the first part, he reveals the thought expressed in the first part of the previous verse. The sincerity of reproach from a lover is opposed to the deceitful kisses of a hater.
Prov. 27:7. This saying echoes the proverb "The well-fed does not understand the hungry." For to the first even honey is not sweet, but to the second food is sweet and bitter.
Prov. 27:8. Here, perhaps, it is implied that a person who left his native home renounced both duties towards his family and the ties that bind him to them. He is like a bird that has left its nest early or has flown far from it. If it's about young man, then very soon he may find that he has brought upon himself unbearable difficulties (the parable of prodigal son in Luke. 15:11-32).
Prov. 27:9. Ointment and smoking mean incense (the first one was "anointed" the body, the second one was burned). The heartfelt advice of a true friend is compared with its "sweet" aroma.
Prov. 27:10. The parable, apparently, does not "belittle" blood ties so much as exalts the bonds of true friendship. On days when misfortune befalls, it is natural to seek support from relatives (here - "from a brother"); for example, 17:17. But if the brother lives far away, then it will be better (more useful) for a neighbor living nearby. compare 18:24.
Prov. 27:11. Here the only reference in chapters 25-29 is "to the son" (interpretation on 1:8). A wise (and, therefore, pious) son is always the pride of his educator (father, teacher). To those who slander him, he will point to him as evidence of his pedagogical success. compare 10:1; 15:20; 23:15,24; 29:3.
Prov. 27:12. The verse is identical to 22:3. relevant comment.
Prov. 27:13. The same saying is given at 20:16. comments on both this verse and 6:1-5.
Prov. 27:14. The parable seems to imply that he who does a good deed at an inopportune time will not reach his goal. Here we are talking about loud praises from the early morning, which cannot but cause irritation among the awakened neighbors. Praises, even to those who deserve them, will sound in their ears almost like curses.
Prov. 27:15-16. Concerning verse 15 interpretation at 19:13. Verse 16 can be read like this: Putting it out of sight, hiding it so securely that it does not pester with its grumbling, is as impossible as locking (in a safe place) the wind, or hiding incense in your right hand to anoint the body (suit) , do not let it smell.
Prov. 27:17. The view in this verse implies an attitude towards life and people, a view of things (approach to them), perhaps, and reason. All this is honed, “sharpened” (like an iron knife against another iron knife) in the relationship of people, thanks to their mutual influence on each other (compare 13:20; 22:24-25).
Prov. 27:18. Here guards in the meaning of "cares". The meaning of the proverb is that do every deed diligently and you will get good fruits.
Prov. 27:19. The original text is not easy to read. It probably means that, just as a person's face is reflected in water, so in relation to a person, his heart, i.e., his inner essence, is "reflected".
Prov. 27:20. As the Underworld and Abaddon ("death"; interpretation on 15:11) insatiably absorbs all new souls (life), so people are insatiable in their desire to see, recognize, master that and that which they did not see before, did not know, did not have . Transmitted through "the insatiability of their eyes." compare Eccl. 1:8.
Prov. 27:21. In the smelter (crucible), precious metals are "tested for quality" (and refined). (The first part of the phrase is identical to that in 17:3.) A person is "tested" by praise addressed to him. If he perceives it with self-confident triumph (I supposedly always knew that I had many virtues!), Then he betrays his pride, arrogance. A modest response to praise, on the other hand, speaks of humility.
Prov. 27:22. Witty worldly observation: a fool can never get rid of his stupidity under any circumstances (compare 26:1).
Prov. 27:23-27. In these five verses, a "treatise" on the theme of the life and life of the ancient agricultural community is summarized. The cattle breeder had to take good care of his herds, which were a more reliable guarantee of his future well-being than anything else. After all, under favorable conditions, cattle multiplied and multiplied, and the same money tends to quickly "vanish" (compare 23:5). It was useful for the “powerful of this world” to remember this, for the power gained yesterday was lost for tomorrow (verse 24).
The beginning of verse 25 (a listing of common rural activities) would be better read: "They mow the grass for hay, and new greenery appears." Hay and grass are needed to feed the herds, which give a person everything he needs: clothes were made from sheep's wool, and fields were purchased with the money earned from the sale of goats (goats). And the owner himself, as well as his household and his servants, fed on goat's milk.
27:1 Despite the fact that wisdom promises a long life, no one can control their future.
27:2 It follows from this verse that wisdom implies humility.
27:3-4 Both comparisons emphasize destructive force nonsense.
27:5 open reproof. Those. words that guide a person to the good and, thus, healing for him.
hidden love. Such love, despite its sincerity, lacks the moral strength to openly reproach.
27:6 reproach from a lover. The meaning of these words is the same as "open reproof" in v. 5.
kisses. Unlike Art. 5, this love is not sincere.
27:7 See 25.16.17.27 & com. This refers not only to food, but also to everything that a person desires.
27:10 A person should take care of his relationships not only with relatives, but also with other people, because it may happen that he will have to seek help from them.
27:11 See 10.1.
27:12 prudent. See 1.4; 12.16 & n.
inexperienced. See com. to 1.4. This verse shows the benefits of those who have learned wisdom.
27:13 See 20:16&N.
27:14 See 26.18.19.24.26. Perhaps these words refer to false and inappropriate assurances of friendship that cover up ill intentions.
27:17 Probably, here we are talking about the mutually developing and enriching influence of friends.
27:18 See 22:29. Hard work and faithful service are rewarded.
27:19 The laconic nature of the Hebrew text leaves the translation and interpretation of this verse open to all sorts of conjectures. If we take the NIV translation literally ("As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person"), the meaning of the verse can be understood in such a way that when we look at other people, we see a reflection of ourselves. Another possible meaning of the verse is that our thoughts (because they find expression in actions) reflect our character.
