Proverbs 27:23-27 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 27:23-27

Here is, I. A command given us to be diligent in our callings. It is directed to husbandmen and shepherds, and those that deal in cattle, but it is to be extended to all other lawful callings; whatever our business is, within doors or without, we must apply our minds to it. This command intimates, 1. That we ought to have some business to do in this world and not to live in idleness. 2. We ought rightly and fully to understand our busine 1522 ss, and know what we have to do, and not meddle... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:23

Be thou diligent to know the state of flocks ,.... In what condition they are; what health they enjoy; how fat and fruitful they be; what pasturage they have; and that they want nothing fitting for them that can be had and is necessary; and also the number of them. The calling of the shepherd is here particularly mentioned, because valiant, honourable, innocent, and useful; but the same diligence is to be used in all other callings and business men are employed in, that they may provide for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:24

For riches are not for ever ,.... A man cannot be assured of the continuance of them; they are uncertain things, here today and gone tomorrow: wherefore, though a man has a considerable share of them, yet should follow one calling or another; particularly husbandry is recommended, or keeping sheep and cattle, which are increasing; by which means his substance will be continued and augmented, which otherwise is not to be depended on, but in a diligent attendance to business; and doth the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:25

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself ,.... Some think this is mentioned to illustrate the uncertainty of riches, which soon vanish away; as the tender grass shows itself, and is presently cut down and quickly appears hay, and that soon consumed; but rather this contains an argument to take to the pastoral life and calling, since it may be performed with so much ease; for the earth, the valleys and hills, are covered with grass for the cattle; so that there is no further... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:26

The lambs are for thy clothing ,.... This is another argument, exciting to diligence in the pastoral calling, taken from the profit arising from it: the wool of the lambs, or rather "sheep", as many versions render it; of it cloth is made, and of that garments to be worn, to keep decent, warm, and comfortable; see Job 31:20 ; and the goats are the price of thy field : these, being brought up and sold, furnish the husbandman with money to purchase more fields to feed his cattle on.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:27

And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food ,.... The word for "goats", in Proverbs 27:26 , signifies he goats, which were sold to buy fields, pay servants or rent, or purchase the necessaries of life; and this here signifies she goats, which were kept for their milk; and which was daily used for food in some countries, and is still in use for the same purpose in some parts of our kingdoms; and in medicine it has been preferred by some physicians above others, next to the milk of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:23

The state of thy flocks - The directions to the end of the chapter refer chiefly to pastoral and agricultural affairs. Do not trust thy flocks to the shepherd merely; number them thyself; look into their condition; see how they are tended; and when, and with what, and in what proportion, they are fed. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:24

For riches are not for ever - All other kinds of property are very transitory. Money and the highest civil honors are but for a short season. Flocks and herds, properly attended to, may be multiplied and continued from generation to generation. The crown itself is not naturally so permanent. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:25

The hay appeareth - Take care that this be timeously mown, carefully dried and safely ricked or housed. And when the tender grass and the proper herbs appear in the mountains in the spring, then send forth the lambs, the young of the flock, that they may get suitable pasturage, without too much impoverishing the home fields; for by the sale of the lambs and goats, the price of the field is paid - all the landlord's demands are discharged. Either a certain number of lambs, goats, and other... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:26

The lambs are for thy clothing - So many fleeces are given in some places as rent to the landlord. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 27:23-27

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:25

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:26

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:27

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:23

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:25

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:26

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