Proverbs 27:1–17

All about Life

¹Do not brag about tomorrow, 

because you do not know what another day may bring. 

²Praise should come from another person and not from your own mouth, 

from a stranger and not from your own lips. 

³A stone is heavy, and sand weighs a lot, 

but annoyance caused by a stubborn fool is heavier than both. 

⁴Anger is cruel, and fury is overwhelming, 

but who can survive jealousy? 

⁵Open criticism is better than unexpressed love. 

⁶Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, 

but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear. 

⁷One who is full despises honey, 

but to one who is hungry, 

even bitter food tastes sweet. 

⁸Like a bird wandering from its nest, 

so is a husband wandering from his home. 

⁹Perfume and incense make the heart glad, 

but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest.^b

¹⁰Do not abandon your friend or your father’s friend. 

Do not go to a relative’s home when you are in trouble. 

A neighbor living nearby is better than a relative far away. 

¹¹Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad 

so that I can answer anyone who criticizes me. 

¹²Sensible people foresee trouble and hide. 

Gullible people go ahead ⸤and⸥ suffer. 

¹³Hold on to the garment of one who guarantees a stranger’s loan, 

and hold responsible the person 

who makes a loan in behalf of a foreigner. 

¹⁴Whoever blesses his friend early in the morning with a loud voice— 

his blessing is considered a curse. 

¹⁵Constantly dripping water on a rainy day is like a quarreling woman. 

¹⁶Whoever can control her can control the wind. 

He can even pick up olive oil with his right hand. 

¹⁷⸤As⸥ iron sharpens iron, 

so one person sharpens the wits of another.