Share the BRP
As we begin a new year, we’ll be studying the book of Proverbs for the first 31 days of the year. The new year is a great opportunity to invite your friends, families, and Life Groups to read along with you in 2023. If you missed the first day’s reading or are looking for an overview of the book, click here to catch up!
To sign up and receive the BRP daily in your inbox, go to www.biblereadingplan.org and scroll to the bottom of the page!
Read Proverbs 27
for you do not know what a day may bring.
an outsider, and not your own lips.
but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
but who can stand before jealousy?
than hidden love.
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
is anyone who flees from home.
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
it will be taken as a curse.
of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind
or grasping oil with the hand.
so one person sharpens another.
and whoever protects their master will be honored.
so one’s life reflects the heart.
and neither are human eyes.
but people are tested by their praise.
grinding them like grain with a pestle,
you will not remove their folly from them.
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.
Go Deeper
Proverbs 27 references the sin of pride, the value of Biblical friendships, and good stewardship.
This chapter begins with a famous warning about the uncertainties of life, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (v. 1). Solomon cautions us not to assume anything about tomorrow. Only God is sovereign and in complete control, and only He knows what will happen this day and the next. He knows the future because He’s already there. Each time we try and boast about the future as if we’re in control, it’s a sign that we want to play the role of God in our own lives.
In verse 6, Solomon talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with fellow believers and why it is crucial for our own spiritual growth. This world has many distractions and oftentimes there are people who distract us from God’s best. We value their opinions, their love, and their acceptance. We must remember to not live for the approval of others because their approval is fleeting. If we go throughout this world seeking the approval of everyone else, we’ll be forever imprisoned by needing to gain or maintain their affirmation. God has called us to something higher, which is why surrounding yourself with a community of believers is crucial. Verse 6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” When someone loves you and they deliver a measured and purposeful rebuke, their aim is to serve you well. An enemy will lie, manipulate, and distract you from God’s desires over your life. Therefore, it is important to be aware of who you have invited into your life to righteously counsel you. Wise counsel will help us seek God’s best over our lives by looking at all sides of issues from a Biblical perspective.
In verses 23-27 it’s important to remember that riches can come and riches can go. Wealth is fleeting. Those who have faithfully tended to the little things day after day will find that they have what they need in times of trouble. Always remember spiritual fruit is often the result of daily investments made rather than one big accomplishment or event.
To summarize, in this broken world there are many distractions that can take our eyes away from what truly matters. Proverbs 27 helps us distinguish between what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad, and what matters most and what does not matter at all. God’s approval of us in Christ is immovable. It’s constant, it doesn’t change and it’s the only thing that lasts forever.
Questions
- Is it hard for you to remember God has complete control over your life? If so, discuss with your Life Group why that is so hard to remember at times.
- Who have you invited into your life to righteously counsel you? Do you trust their counsel? Other than Jesus Christ, being surrounded by a community of true believers is the best gift God has given to all of us.
- What are you doing today to invest in your spiritual growth that you can lean on in times of trouble?
Pray This
Proverbs 27 calls us to surround ourselves with wise counsel. Verse 17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Pray and ask God to surround you with a group of believers who will sharpen you! If you’re already in a Life Group, set aside some time today to pray for them individually by name. Pray for your next meeting together. They will be the most influential people God has given you.
Leave a Comment Below
Join the Team
Interested in writing for the Bible Reading Plan? Email hello@biblereadingplan.org.
2 thoughts on “Proverbs 27”
Some of the most influential people in our lives are our Life Group members. They treasure God’s word, invest in training themselves and others in righteousness, serve others generously, are devoted to prayer, provide accountability and a deep level of friendship. They steady us in times of uncertainty and constantly stir our affections for Jesus. My heart wells up with the deepest gratitude for them. If this is missing in your life, please make it a priority to seek help in finding a group to invest in. “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend”(v17).
My person who is very wise for her young years happens to be my daughter. She is such an amazing woman of God that has wisdom beyond “her years”. I am so thankful for her many times over, for her prayers, her growing in God, and such an amazing mom to boot. She loves her husband mightily and he is also a wonderful man of God growing by leaps and bounds (I am so incredibly thankful for him as well). But when I need sharpened she is my iron. Our life group is wonderful too and I do turn to those women and lean on them. I am thankful grateful, and blessed beyond measure for my world of spiritual believers that surround me in this season.
God thank You for wonderful people that are in my life that speak to me about You and always bring me back to Your word. Thank You for blessing them abundantly above all they can ask or think. Thank You for wisdom that I do not speak hastily but stop, ask questions , listen, listen to You and listen some more. God I depend on You!!! I desire to abide in You!!! Thank You for a wonderful church family and community in Jesus name amen.
WOOHOO!!!!!