February 5, 2024

What does it look like for iron to sharpen iron?

Proverbs 27

Mateo Vesce
Monday's Devo

February 5, 2024

Monday's Devo

February 5, 2024

Monday's Devo

February 5, 2024

Monday's Devo

February 5, 2024

Big Book Idea

Living wisely—God's way.

Key Verse | Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27

1  Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.
2  Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
    a stranger, and not your own lips.
3  A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
    but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
4  Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
    but who can stand before jealousy?
5  Better is open rebuke
    than hidden love.
6  Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
    profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
7  One who is full loathes honey,
    but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
8  Like a bird that strays from its nest
    is a man who strays from his home.
9  Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. 1 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel
10  Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
    and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
    than a brother who is far away.
11  Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
    that I may answer him who reproaches me.
12  The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
    but the simple go on and suffer for it.
13  Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress. 2 27:13 Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners
14  Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
    rising early in the morning,
    will be counted as cursing.
15  A continual dripping on a rainy day
    and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16  to restrain her is to restrain the wind
    or to grasp 3 27:16 Hebrew to meet with oil in one's right hand.
17  Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another. 4 27:17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another
18  Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
    and he who guards his master will be honored.
19  As in water face reflects face,
    so the heart of man reflects the man.
20  Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
    and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
21  The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
    and a man is tested by his praise.
22  Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
    along with crushed grain,
    yet his folly will not depart from him.

23  Know well the condition of your flocks,
    and give attention to your herds,
24  for riches do not last forever;
    and does a crown endure to all generations?
25  When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
    and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
26  the lambs will provide your clothing,
    and the goats the price of a field.
27  There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
    for the food of your household
    and maintenance for your girls.

Footnotes

[1] 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel
[2] 27:13 Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners
[3] 27:16 Hebrew to meet with
[4] 27:17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another
Table of Contents
Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Timeline

Author and Date

Proverbs itself mentions Solomon (reigned c. 971–931 B.C.) as author or collector of its contents (1:1; 10:1), including the proverbs copied by Hezekiah’s men (25:1). There are also two batches of sayings from a group called “the wise” (22:17–24:22; 24:23–34), and “oracles” from Agur (30:1–33) and Lemuel (31:1–9). No author is named for the song in praise of the excellent wife that ends the book (31:10–31). Although Proverbs was begun in the time of Solomon, it probably was not in its present form until the time of Hezekiah (reigned c. 715–686 B.C.).

Theme

The goal of the book is stated right at the beginning (1:1–7): to describe what wisdom is and to help God’s people become wise. Wisdom is founded in the “fear of the Lord,” and it enables believers to express their faith in the practical details of everyday life.

Audience

The book is addressed to a young man. The situations he will face while he is young receive much attention. These situations supply concrete examples from which all readers can apply lessons to their own lives. Anyone who is wise and who pays attention will benefit (1:5) from this instruction.

Reading Proverbs

The reader of Proverbs must seek to understand the various types of people the book describes. The most obvious characters in the book are the wise, the fool, and the simple. Proverbs urges its readers to be wise, which means embracing God’s covenant and living out the covenant in everyday situations (compare 2:2; 10:1). The fool is the person who constantly opposes God’s covenant (1:7b). The simple is the person who is not firmly committed, either to wisdom or to folly; he is easily misled (14:15).

The first nine chapters of Proverbs are “wisdom poems” that urge the reader to pursue wisdom. The main section of Proverbs—the concise, memorable statements of two or three lines—begins in 10:1. Proverbs often seem to be mere observations about life, but their deeper meanings will reveal themselves if the following questions are kept in mind: (1) What virtue does this proverb commend? (2) What vice does it disapprove of? (3) What value does it affirm?

Key Themes

Proverbs offers wisdom on a wide array of topics from daily life: diligence and laziness (6:6–11); friendship (3:27–28; 18:24); speech (10:19–21); marriage (18:22; 19:14); child rearing (22:6); domestic peace (15:17; 17:1); work (11:1); getting along and good manners (23:1–2; 25:16–17; 26:17–19; 27:14); eternity (14:32; 23:17–18); and much more. It shows that “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).

  1. God’s will is intensely practical, applying to every aspect of life. A proper relation to God involves trying hard to understand his truth, and then embracing and obeying that truth.
  2. A life lived by God’s will is a happy life (3:21–26).
  3. A life lived by God’s will is a useful life (3:27–28; 12:18, 25).
  4. A life lived by God’s will does not just happen. One must seek after it (9:1–6).

Outline

  1. Title, Goal, and Motto (1:1–7)
  2. A Father’s Invitation to Wisdom (1:8–9:18)
  3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
  4. The Thirty Sayings of “the Wise” (22:17–24:22)
  5. Further Sayings of “the Wise” (24:23–34)
  6. Hezekiah’s Collection of Solomonic Proverbs (25:1–29:27)
  7. The Sayings of Agur (30:1–33)
  8. The Sayings of King Lemuel (31:1–9)
  9. An Alphabet of Womanly Excellence (31:10–31)
The Global Message of Proverbs

The Global Message of Proverbs

Proverbs: Wisdom for the World

The book of Proverbs is not simply a collection of “wise sayings” for life. It is heaven-sent help for stumbling sinners all over the world from every walk of life who are willing to listen to something other than their own fallen instincts. The “fool” in Proverbs is not someone who lacks intellectual capacity but one who stubbornly lives out of his own fallen intuitions, resisting instruction and correction. Likewise, the wise person in Proverbs is not someone who is intellectually superior but someone who humbly places himself beneath the authority of God. Such wisdom is for all God’s people everywhere.

In his great mercy God has clearly shown wisdom to the world—both through the instruction of his Word and in the person of his Son. The book of Proverbs summarizes true wisdom as rooted in the “fear of the LORD” (Prov. 1:7). In Jesus such wisdom takes on new clarity and glory as the one who is the “wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24) and who “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). God’s global people are to receive such wise instruction, to base their wise living in the fear and worship of God, and to testify to a lost world about God’s saving wisdom.

God’s Wisdom Is Theological and Practical

In one sense wisdom is very much universal. It is difficult to find a culture or tradition without its own legacy of wise sayings. Some of these are culture-specific; others reflect the shared human experience.

Scripture’s admonition and exhortation about wisdom, however, is clear. Our faith is not to rest on man’s wisdom but is to be rooted in God’s power (1 Cor. 2:5). The wisdom of this world is “folly with God” (1 Cor. 3:19). Ultimate wisdom is from God (1 Cor. 1:30) and is revealed by God (1 Cor. 2:7). True wisdom is theological and God-given. Those who lack wisdom are to “ask God” for it (James 1:5). It is the Lord who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6). In Proverbs 9:10 God’s people are reminded again that, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (compare 1:7). True wisdom is not the handy tips for life that get handed down from generation to generation among those who do not know God. True wisdom is divine. It is rooted in God’s own saving revelation to his people.

God’s wisdom is not only theological; it is also practical. Indeed, wisdom is practical because it is theological. Theology impacts daily life, and this is clearly seen in the instruction of Proverbs. Everyday life issues are addressed, including parental relations (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 19:26; 23:25), marriage (5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:13–14; 31:10), money (3:9; 10:4; 11:1; 15:16; 16:11), and the power and danger of words (4:5; 7:5; 10:19; 16:24; 17:27). These are life issues that affect people of every age and place. Proverbs provides a picture of both the blessed life grounded in the fear of the Lord and the danger-filled and foolish life of those who despise the Lord’s wisdom and instruction (1:7).

God’s Wisdom Is Individual and Global

Individual wisdom. For every person, in every place, in every time, the message of Proverbs rings true: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Wisdom from above is not mere advice or pithy sayings. Rather, the worthiest and most blessed advice flows from God, when he has his proper central place in the heart and worship of each individual created by his hand and in his image.

Global wisdom. The message of Proverbs is also global. This is true, first, because only God’s wisdom comprehensively instructs and skillfully dissects with perfect insight the hearts of mankind from every place and for every time. God’s wisdom is global, second, in that God’s global people are called to global engagement and a global mission. The Lord is not a tribal god. The teaching of Proverbs is not tribal lore. God’s wisdom is eternal and global. And God’s people are called to be instruments, through word and deed, of teaching his wisdom to the world. Those who are wise in God represent God to the world. For example, the wise exhibit generosity to the poor and the needy (Prov. 14:21, 31). The wise in God speak enduring and reliable wisdom to a world desperately looking for life-giving counsel. The wise in God feed even their own enemies (25:21).

Taking God’s Saving Wisdom to the World

In the book of Proverbs the Lord has equipped his people to fulfill his global and eternal purposes. God’s purpose is to reveal himself to and then through a people who will bring eternal blessing to the world, and that purpose is still unfolding around the world today (Matt. 28:18–20). In his kindness God has made known both the path of the wicked (Prov. 4:14) and the path of righteousness (12:28). The one leads to destruction and the other to life (11:19).

When love and grace is observed by the world in the lives of God’s people and supremely in the cross of Christ, it is indeed “folly” to them (1 Cor. 1:18, 21). But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). The wise in God share the good news of the wisdom of God in the gospel of Christ with nations both near and far. Such sharing, when it lands on receptive ears, is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov. 25:25).In grace God is opening blind eyes through the gospel to his glorious wisdom. In grace he has shown us and empowered us toward a life of God-honoring, upright living. In grace he will use us as his global ambassadors till the day we join in the angelic choir proclaiming, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Rev. 7:12).

Job Fact #9: Proverbs in Job

Fact: Proverbs in Job

Proverbs in Job. In 17:5, Job may have been quoting a proverb to warn his friends not to make false accusations against him. Proverbs are an effective and memorable way of stating a truth. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource of such wisdom.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs Fact #4: Garlands

Fact: Garlands

Garlands were wreaths woven from leaves and flowers. They were worn around the head or neck during various celebrations such as weddings. They were also symbols of honor for military success. In Proverbs, they symbolize the honor that comes from following the way of wisdom (4:9).

Proverbs Fact #7: The simple person

Fact: The simple person

The simple person (7:7) is one of the primary character types described in the book of Proverbs. The term describes someone who is immature and easily misled (14:15).

Proverbs Fact #10: A different kind of security

Fact: A different kind of security

A different kind of security. In biblical times, if a person was unable to pay his debt, the consequences could be serious. The whole family could be sold into slavery. If someone put up “security” for another person, he promised to pay that person’s debt if he was unable to do so himself. Proverbs teaches that putting up security for another person is generally unwise, since those who do so risk losing everything if the other person cannot pay his debt (11:15).

Proverbs Fact #27: Gluttony

Fact: Gluttony

Gluttony refers to excessive eating. The Bible condemns gluttony as well as drunkenness. Proverbs teaches that eating and drinking in excess can lead to poverty (23:19–21).

Proverbs Fact #28: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Fact: Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs

Hezekiah’s contribution to Proverbs. Although most of the Proverbs were collected or written by King Solomon, who reigned from 971–931 B.C., the book of Proverbs did not exist in its present form until the time of King Hezekiah, some 200 years later. Hezekiah and “his men,” probably his scribes, recorded chs. 25–29.

Proverbs Fact #29: Rock badgers

Fact: Rock badgers

Rock badgers are small cliff-dwelling animals closely resembling guinea pigs. They live and forage for food in large groups and are good at hiding. They are best known for posting sentries that alert the group when danger is near. Perhaps it was this mark of wisdom that earned them a mention in Proverbs (30:26).

Proverbs Fact #26: What is a crucible?

Fact: What is a crucible?

What is a crucible? In the ancient world, a crucible (27:21) was a bowl-shaped instrument used to hold metals such as gold and silver for the refining process. The crucible had to withstand the high temperatures needed to melt out the impurities within the metals. Materials such as clay or stone were used as crucibles.

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Prov. 27:1–2 These proverbs both concern boasting; boast and praise are different forms of the same Hebrew word. In v. 1, a person should not boast of his likely successes. In v. 2, he should not boast of himself.

Study Notes

Prov. 27:3–4 Both proverbs have the same pattern (two items mentioned for comparison’s sake, followed by a single item that is worse than both of them). Together, the proverbs suggest that a fool is more unbearable than any kind of physical (stone and sand) or psychological (wrath and anger) difficulty. Jealousy, unlike ordinary anger, will not listen to the voice of reason.

Study Notes

Prov. 27:5–6 Open rebuke gives a person the chance to reflect on the course he or she is taking. Hidden love sees problems but does not try to help the person.

Study Notes

Prov. 27:7–10 Each of these four proverbs teaches an element of wisdom that stands on its own, but they have additional use when taken together. Verses 7 and 9 suggest that it is good to have friends for the occasional party, but it is better to have a friend who gives good advice. Together, vv. 8 and 10 teach that there are benefits in remaining close to family, but a person in need should not hesitate to turn to a true friend.

Study Notes

Prov. 27:15–16 In light of v. 12, these proverbs encourage a man to be careful, for a quarrelsome character would likely be evident before marriage. The fact that the husband tries but fails to restrain his wife pictures the consequences of spouses working against each other, rather than each working with and for the other (compare the contrasting description of 31:11–12, 23, 28, 31).

Study Notes
Proverbs Fact #26: What is a crucible?

Fact: What is a crucible?

What is a crucible? In the ancient world, a crucible (27:21) was a bowl-shaped instrument used to hold metals such as gold and silver for the refining process. The crucible had to withstand the high temperatures needed to melt out the impurities within the metals. Materials such as clay or stone were used as crucibles.

Study Notes

Prov. 27:19–22 Just as water reflects a person’s actual appearance, so the heart reflects a person’s true nature (v. 19). While a person may conceal or reveal his heart through speech and actions, only God can see its true state (see 21:2).

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Dive Deeper | Proverbs 27

When I read this chapter, I found it easy to get lost in the wisdom of a single verse. However, when I look at the bigger picture, I am encouraged by the repeated idea of living the way God designed in relationships and humility.

In Proverbs 27:1-2, we read that humans are naturally selfish as we want to boast about tomorrow and let our mouths praise ourselves. Immediately, there is a picture of our need for constant humility. This is important to realize as the following verses require our humility.

What qualities do you think a true friend must have? Well, we see in Proverbs 27:5-6 that "[b]etter is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." The love described here concerns correction. We must be willing to gently correct friends and to have humility when being corrected or even rebuked by friends. But why? Psalm 141:5a explains, "Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness."

Finally, I am reminded that "[i]ron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) What does this mean? It is known that scraping two pieces of iron against each other removes rough spots and renews its desired shape. Similarly, this implies that we should challenge one another and receive challenge with humility as believers. If we are never challenged, we are at risk of retaining our "rough spots." This is also clearly seen in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

God desires for His people to build each other up in humility and to be unified (2 Corinthians 13:11). It may not be easy to live God's way, but it is something I try to do every day. Our gracious Father knows we cannot do it on our own, so He provides His Spirit and Christ-centered relationships to help us live more like Him every day. Oh, how He loves us!

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. God desires for us to always live with humility. What does humility look like in your life?

2. Proverbs 27:5-6 tells us that it is faithful and loving of a friend to tell you the hard truth. Has there been a time when a friend told you the hard truth? How did you respond? What was the outcome?

3. It is clear in Proverbs 27:17 that we should sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron. What was one time you were sharpened by another believer? How did that work out? When have you sharpened another believer's faith?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

If there was a dream representing Proverbs 27, it might be like this: Zaphrath-Paneah the ruler of all Egypt recounts a dream aka Joseph I, Zaphrath-Paneah the ruler of all Egypt, found myself a vast field where heavy stones and weighty sand symbolized the challenges I faced, representing betrayal, slavery, and temptations. Navigating through, the weight mirrored the heaviness of fools' provocations. The dream shifted to storms representing wrath, anger, and jealousy, threatening to overwhelm Joseph. Despite these challenges, he stood firm, showcasing resilience and faith to weather life's tempests. Continuing, scenes of open rebuke and hidden love unfolded. Past figures critiqued and supported him, offering honest reflections and unseen acts of kindness that shaped his character. The dream culminated in a figurative crucible, refining gold and silver, symbolizing the testing of Joseph's character through praise and adversity. This conveyed the divine message of God's intricate workings in his life, emphasizing humility, resilience, and reliance on God. Upon waking, Joseph saw the dream as a guide for his role as a ruler, applying principles of humility and recognizing the divine hand in life's crucible. In reflection, I say: you, who hear my tale, may not experience exactly what I endured, but bear in mind these lessons as you tread your own paths. Recognize that, even in the face of malevolence, there may be a hidden countentance of God smiling on you intending a force for good.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

There is a saying I recently came across: “You don’t make your father’s mistakes. You make your grandfathers’ mistakes.” When I look back at what I know of my two grandfathers I see this is 100% true of me. ——————————————— Amazing chapter- Lots and lots about pride, boasting, speech, selfishness, unteachability, overconfidence, ingratitude, etc. In a word- entitlement. In a sentence - When I think I’ve “earned” what is really God’s provision via His unmerited favor towards me. Also- When I don’t know or believe in the truth of Romans 3:23 or Romans 8:28. Verse 1 in focus-   “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” From the ESV SB 27:1 “Boasting "about tomorrow" involves relying confidently on what one will do and experience in the future, even the near future (cf. Luke 12:20; James 4:13).” ——————————————— A recent investment research piece I read said that any question about predictions of the stock market has only two possible answers- “I don’t know…” “It depends…” But there sure are lots of people who will charge you a lot of money to give you a really confident answer. ——————————————— From the notes- If anything is certain, it is human ignorance of what will happen—this is a sphere that belongs to God."[751] Jesus' parable of the rich fool, who planned to live many more years but died the next night, should be a warning to all self-confident people (Luke 12:16-21). Felix procrastinated, and, as far as we know, never trusted in Christ (Acts 24:25). The implication of this proverb is that we should use each day profitably, rather than procrastinating (cf. Exodus 8:10; Acts 24:25).
HS

Hugh Stephenson

The key issue for me comes down to trusting God - which comes down to knowing His nature, character, and goodness - which comes down to…the spiritual disciplines as a “means of grace”.    No surprise.     27:1 is such a great verse for me.  Anxiety is one of my key sin patterns - so I am always focused on “what a day may bring”.  In the discipleship ministries I have learned a great truth -     - A focus the past brings guilt.  A focus on the future brings anxiety.  A focus on today enables peace.     This verse also blesses me  -    “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  MT 6:34    My application today is to review my list of God’s promises that I most treasure. There are 7,487 from which to choose. Here are my top three- John 15:10-11, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28-30
HS

Hugh Stephenson

What if King Solomon was from San Diego? Would he have written Proverbs? Seriously! It’s amazing. Always temperate and not much rain. Highs are in upper 70s during summer. Lows are about 50 in winter, Right by the ocean. Not that far from the mountains. About the only serious “worry” is earthquakes which aren’t that common. Do you think the people in San Diego appreciate this? Would Solomon be so satisfied and grateful he wouldn’t see the need to write Proverbs or Ecclesiastes? I’d say…doubtful. What me tells me is that what I most want is what I don’t have until I have it then I want something else that’s bigger, faster, and fancier. God’s provision may lead to gratitude but more often it moves pretty quickly right through gratitude into entitlement which often leads to resentment. Just ask anyone with prodigal children. ——————————— Jesus teaches me from the wilderness in Matthew 4. His life mission for me is in Luke 9:23. When was I the most teachable? When I had the least. When did I most want: -material comforts? When I lived off of part time work and student loans in a ratty apartment that was, literally, on the other side of the tracks. -a nice car? When I drove a beat up old Toyota with no A/C and manual transmission. -a good marriage? When one relationship after another melted down into a dumpster fire. -a good income? When I was making $1,200 per month. -a big savings account? When I had no surplus cash and a negative net worth due to student loans -healthy children? After an abortion and three miscarriages -freedom from addictions? When I would do anything to numb my pain -close friends? When I was isolated and alone. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It took me a long time to take in Romans 3:23 and Romans 8:28. Once I got there my most impactful prayers became gratitude prayers.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Pr 27:6 Proverbs 27:6 (NASB) Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But >>>deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.<<< See Mt 26:49, Mk 14:45, and Lk 22:48. Re: Pr 27:7 Proverbs 27:7 (NASB) A sated *[Lit soul]man *[Lit tramples on]loathes >>>honey<<<, but to a famished *[Lit soul]man any >>>bitter thing<<< is sweet. Or amplified typologically... Proverbs 27:7 (NASB) A sated *[Lit soul]man *[Lit tramples on]loathes >>>G-d's Word [See Ps 119:103, Jn 1:1]<<<, but to a famished *[Lit soul]man >>>Mary's Firstborn<<< is sweet. Re: Pr 27:19 Proverbs 27:19 (NIV) As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. See also Dt 6:6, Dt 11:18, Dt 30:14, Pr 7:3, Ps 40:8, Jer 31:33, Jn 7:38, Jas 1:23-24 Re: Pr 27:26 Yeshua (Jesus) is BOTH the Lamb in Revelation 5 and the L-rd’s Goat in Lev 16. Without giving a lengthy list of typological proof texts (e.g. Ex 12:5 and 1Cor 5:7) in this brief commentary, for the sake of argument accept a sheep (or lamb) can be a type of the Messiah and a goat (or kid) can be a type of that same Messiah >>>rejected and despised<<<. This is reflected in Scripture speaking of those who accept Messiah as the “sheep of His flock” and those who reject Him as “goats.” With this in view, consider the following in Pr 27:26… Regarding "...the lambs will be for your clothing," cf. Lk 24:49, John 21:18; 2Cor 5:2-3, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:24, and Col 3:10. Regarding "..And the goats will bring the price of a field," cf. Jer 32:6-15, Mt 13:44, and… Acts 1:18 (NASB) "Now this man >>>acquired a field with the price of his wickedness,"<<< And Mt 27:7 (NASB) And they conferred together and >>>with the money bought the Potter's Field<<< as a burial place for strangers. Re: Pr 27:27 Proverbs 27:27 (NASB1995) And there will be >>>goats’ milk<<< enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens. cf. Jn 21:15-17 (ESV), Heb 5:12-14; 1Pet 2:1-3
GJ

greg jones

Excellent deeper dive this morning. This resonated with me. “when I look at the bigger picture, I am encouraged by the repeated idea of living the way God designed in relationships and humility.” And this. “God desires for His people to build each other up in humility and to be unified (2 Corinthians 13:11).” Holding that thought I read some more of the mail Paul wrote and listen for his tone Ephesians 4:1-7.  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I hear Paul modeling humility in his words there. After modeling humility I hear his words as having the best chance at landing on his intended audience and having the effect he desires in the following verses. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 “Rather speaking the truth in love” if I read for context there I can see where he’s pretty much just saying be honest with each other in your relationships. It’s not let’s make sure we all get these doctrinal points worked out exactly and agreed upon by everybody. The “rather” that begins verse 16 is in reference to, rather than being “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” 63 years old. I’ve seen some great examples of what Paul and the deeper dive is talking about. I’ve also seen plenty examples of the “rather” that Paul talks about. This probably resonated the most. “It may not be easy to live God's way” Nothing wrong with speaking truth in love to ourselves first to get results that we desire in ourselves, and others. “but it is something I try to do every day.” Thank you for humbly sharing these truths this morning. They are humbly received.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Mateo. I've known about iron sharpening iron for decades, but this morning I did a search of all the times "sharpen" is used in the Bible, and discovered that it is never used of God sharpening us. Only other people. Which is yet another argument for the necessity of connection and community with others.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Humility for is me includes working with a variety of retail locations for one company. It’s a great learning experience in which I work with a variety of people. Being humble and willing to work helps me get good experience I will use for a lifetime. 2. I bought new clothes. I wore the clothes, and I forgot to take off the tag of one item. A friend noticed the tag and politely pointed it out to me. I was happy they did, and I removed the tag. 3. Frontlines offers opportunities for greeters to share religious faith and to share life with each other in addition to greeting guests. The overall opportunity includes iron sharpening iron. Mateo - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for saying, “I found it easy to get lost in the wisdom of a single verse. However, when I look at the bigger picture, I am encouraged by the repeated idea of living the way God designed in relationships and humility.” Your ideas are very true. God’s ways can help each of us find our way when we are lost or not getting what we prefer.