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 counsel of a friend is sweetness 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.