Proverbs – Chapter 27

Old Testament27 Verses

Chapter Summary

Proverbs 27 opens with the words: "Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth." Across its 27 verses, two threads run through the text: wisdom for daily living and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth.

2Let another praise thee, and not thy own mouth: a stranger, and not thy own lips.

3A stone is heavy, and sand weighty: but the anger of a fool is heavier than them both.

4Anger hath no mercy: nor fury, when it breaketh forth: and who can bear the violence of one provoked?

5Open rebuke is better than hidden love.

6Better are the wounds of a friend, than the deceitful kisses of an enemy.

7A soul that is full shall tread upon the honeycomb: and a soul that is hungry shall take even bitter for sweet.

8As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that leaveth his place.

9Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul.

10Thy own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not: and go not into thy brother's house in the day of thy affliction. Better is a neighbour that is near than a brother afar off.

11Study wisdom, my son, and make my heart joyful, that thou mayst give an answer to him that reproacheth.

12The prudent man seeing evil hideth himself: little ones passing on have suffered losses.

13Take away his garment that hath been surety for a stranger: and take from him a pledge for strangers.

14He that blesseth his neighbour with a loud voice, rising in the night, shall be like to him that curseth.

15Roofs dropping through in a cold day, and a contentious woman are alike.

16He that retaineth her, is as he that would hold the wind, and shall call the oil of his right hand.

17Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

18He that keepeth the fig tree, shall eat the fruit thereof: and he that is the keeper of his master, shall be glorified.

19As the faces of them that look therein, shine in the water, so the hearts of men are laid open to the wise.

20Hell and destruction are never filled: so the eyes of men are never satisfied.

21As silver is tried in the fining-pot, and gold in the furnace: so a man is tried by the mouth of him that praiseth. The heart of the wicked seeketh after evils, but the righteous heart seeketh after knowledge.

22Though thou shouldst bray a fool in the mortar, as when a pestle striketh upon sodden barley, his folly would not be taken from him.

23Be diligent to know the countenance of thy cattle, and consider thy own flocks:

24For thou shalt not always have power: but a crown shall be given to generation and generation.

25The meadows are open, and the green herbs have appeared, and the hay is gathered out of the mountains.

26Lambs are for thy clothing: and kids for the price of the field.

27Let the milk of the goats be enough for thy food, and for the necessities of thy house, and for maintenance for thy handmaids.

Important Verses in Proverbs 27

Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Anger hath no mercy: nor fury, when it breaketh forth: and who can bear the violence of one provoked?

Proverbs 27:4

Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul.

Proverbs 27:9

As silver is tried in the fining-pot, and gold in the furnace: so a man is tried by the mouth of him that praiseth. The heart of the wicked seeketh after evils, but the righteous heart seeketh after knowledge.

Proverbs 27:21

Historical Context

Proverbs belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the young and all who seek to live skillfully before God. Chapter 27 of 31 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 27 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth." The final verse reads: "Let the milk of the goats be enough for thy food, and for the necessities of thy house, and for maintenance for thy…" In terms of historical background, Proverbs distills practical wisdom for daily life—speech, work, friendship, family, money—under one master principle: 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' (Prov 9:10). Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Proverbs around Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Who Wrote It

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'

When It Was Written

Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC

Catholic Commentary

This chapter offers practical instruction on how to live wisely before God in daily life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth." The passage repeatedly touches on wisdom for daily living.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of wisdom for daily living. Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 436).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Proverbs 27 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.

Reflection for Today

The late section of Proverbs—Chapter 27 of 31—opens a particular moment in the story of wisdom for daily living.

According to Catholic teaching, Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). This chapter especially highlights care for the poor and vulnerable, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1604).

May your reading of Proverbs Chapter 27 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proverbs Chapter 27 about?

Proverbs 27 contains 27 verses. It opens with "Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth." and closes with "Let the milk of the goats be enough for thy food, and for the necessities of thy house, and for maintenance for thy…". The book as a whole is wisdom sayings and instructions.

What is a key verse in Proverbs 27?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Boast not for to morrow, for thou knowest not what the day to come may bring forth." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Proverbs and when?

Principally Solomon; also Agur, Lemuel, and 'the wise'. Core collections from Solomon's era (10th century BC); final form by the 5th century BC.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles