Proverbs 27:23-29:27

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:23

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks. "State;" פנִים ( panim ) ; vultum , Vulgate; the face, look, appearance. The LXX . has ψυχάς , which may perhaps mean "the number"—a necessary precaution when the sheep wandered on the downs and mountains, and had to be collected in the evening and folded. These precepts are naturally applied to all rulers, and especially to Christian pastors who have the oversight of the flock of Christ ( 1 Peter 5:2-4 ). Ecclesiastes 7:22 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:23-27

A mashal ode in praise of a pastoral and agricultural life. The moralist evidently desires to recall his countrymen from the luxury of cities and the temptations of money making to the simple ways of the patriarchs and the pleasures of country pursuits—which are the best foundation of enduring prosperity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:23-27

The man diligent in his business I. ECONOMY AND FORESIGHT . ( Proverbs 27:23-25 .) He looks after the outgoings of his farm, well aware that there is in all things constant waste, that even the royal crown is a perishable thing. All knowledge is useful, and prudence applies through the whole scale of our being. Let the man, "if he have hands, handle; if eyes, measure and discriminate; let him accept and hive every fact of chemistry, natural history, and economy; the more he has,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:23-27

(and Proverbs 27:8 ) A commendation of diligence It is likely enough that Solomon, oppressed with the burdens and vexations, with the difficulties and dangers, of the throne, looked longingly toward those pastoral scenes which he here describes. But, keen and shrewd man that he was, he must have known that contentment does not always find a home in the homestead, and that there may be as much disquietude of heart in the fields of the beautiful country as there is in the streets of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 27:23-24

Proverbs 27:23-24. Be diligent to know the state of thy flock That thou mayest preserve and improve what thou hast, and take care that thy expenses do not exceed thy income. Flocks and herds are here put for all riches and possessions, because anciently they were the chief part of a man’s riches. And look well, &c. Hebrew, שׁית לבךְ , set thy heart, &c. Trust not to thy servants, as many do, but make use of thine own eyes and reason for the conduct of thy affairs, lest thou come... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:1-27

The valuable things of life (27:1-27)Over-confidence, self-praise, stupidity and jealousy must all be avoided (27:1-4). True friends will show the inner love they have for each other by being open and honest with each other. Over-pleasantness may be a sign of a deceitful heart (5-6). Those with many possessions do not find contentment; the poor are more than satisfied if they can get what the rich throw away (7). Among the most priceless of possessions are a happy home and faithful friends... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 27:23

SHORT TREATISE ON ANIMAL HUSBANDRY"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds:For riches are not forever; And doth the crown endure unto all generations?The hay is carried, and the tender grass showeth itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in.The lambs are for thy clothing, And the goats are the price of the field;And there will be goats' milk enough for thy food, the food of thy household, And maintenance for thy maidens."The purpose of this... read more

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