Proverbs 27:1-16 ▼

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 a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.

4 Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?

5 Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.

6 The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7 The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

8 Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.

9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.

10 Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

12 The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

13 Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.

14 If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse.

15 A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—

16 restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.