Proverbs 27

Over August we're going to read through the book of Proverbs. There are 31 days in August and 31 chapters in Proverbs, so we'll be putting them up on Saturdays and Sundays too.

Instead of relying on other reflections on the passages, we want to make space for God to speak to us all in the expectation that we will be transformed into his likeness as we open ourselves to his Spirit and seek to live wise and godly lives.

Open yourself to the Spirit, ask him to highlight a particular verse, phrase or section for you to think about during the day.

Read the chapter slowly. If something jumps out at you or catches your attention stay with that for a while.

Ask yourself, does this make me feel uncomfortable/reassured/challenged?

Ask questions of the Proverb?
Why did the original writer think this was worth writing down?
How does did this apply to people's lives in the past?
How does it apply to my life now?

Ask the Spirit what he may be saying.
Is God calling me to change/repent/see things differently?
How would my life look different if I lived this out?
What steps can I take to make this happen?

Take this Proverb with you throughout the day and see how the wisdom of the ages can transform your life today.

27 Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
    an outsider, and not your own lips.
3 Stone is heavy and sand a burden,
    but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
    but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
    but an enemy multiplies kisses.
7 One who is full loathes honey from the comb,
    but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
8 Like a bird that flees its nest
    is anyone who flees from home.
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.
10 Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family,
    and do not go to your relative's house when disaster strikes you -
    better a neighbour nearby than a relative far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
    then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
13 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger;
    hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbour early in the morning,
    it will be taken as a curse.
15 A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping
    of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind
    or grasping oil with the hand.
17 As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.
18 The one who guards a fig-tree will eat its fruit,
    and whoever protects their master will be honoured.
19 As water reflects the face,
    so one's life reflects the heart.
20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
    and neither are human eyes.
21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but people are tested by their praise.
22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
    grinding them like grain with a pestle,
    you will not remove their folly from them.
23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
    give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure for ever,
    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.