Do we profess wisdom or strive for humility? Let’s look at Proverbs 27.
Should we allow ourselves the arrogant attitude of bragging, praising ourselves?
Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips. (Pr 27:1-2 NASB)
How heavy is the trouble caused by an ignorant fool?
Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. (Pr 27:3 NIV)
Why would envy be seen as far worse than cruel anger?
Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy? (Pr 27:4 NKJV)
We often do not enjoy open rebuke, so why is it better than a concealed love?
An open rebuke is better than hidden love! (Pr 27:5 NLT)
Are the wounds of a faithful friend much better than the fake kisses of an enemy?
The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse. (Pr 27:6 WEB)
If we’re full will we often refuse anything sweet, but if we’re hungry will anything taste good?
Someone who is full refuses honey, but anything bitter tastes sweet to a hungry person. (Pr 27:7 CEB)
Is a man who wanders from his place like a bird that wanders from its nest?
When you are far from home, you feel like a bird without a nest. (Pr 27:8 CEV)
Though we may be tempted to be offended, is honest advice from a friend actually sweet?
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (Pr 27:9 ESV)
Does a nearby neighbor often offer better advice in a crisis than a distant relative?
Don’t abandon your friend or your father’s friend, and don’t go to your brother’s house in your time of calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. (Pr 27:10 HCSB)
Should we be wise and make our parents' hearts glad, so they can rebut anyone who insults the family name?
Be wise, my son, and make me happy, so I can reply to anyone who insults me. (Pr 27:11 ISV)
How important is it to have foresight about potential dangers?
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Pr 27:12 KJV)
Should we get security from those who guarantee a stranger’s debt, and more if he does it for foreigners who are unlikely to pay back?
Take his garment when he becomes a guarantor for a stranger; And for a foreign woman seize it as a pledge. (Pr 27:13 LSB)
How unwise is it to greet someone too loudly in the morning?
One who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be considered a curse to him. (P4 27:14 NASB)
What is a spouse like that tears their marriage down with constant criticism rather than builds it up with encouragement?
A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. (Pr 27:15-16 NIV)
Do true friends sharpen each other’s wits for the better?
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Pr 27:17 NKJV)
Are workers usually rewarded by their employers for their loyalty?
As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded. (Pr 27:18 NLT)
Does a man’s heart reflect who he really is on the inside?
Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. (Pr 27:19 NLT)
Are most people covetous rather than satisfied with what they have?
Sheol [the grave] and Abaddon [destruction] are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied. (Pr 27:20 WEB)
How are we tempted to act when people praise us, humble or proud?
A crucible is for silver and a furnace for gold; so are people in the presence of someone who praises them. (Pr 27:21 CEB)
No matter what kind of punishment you give a fool, can you really change him?
No matter how hard you beat a fool, you can't pound out the foolishness. (Pr 27:22 CEV)
How important is it to take inventory of all our responsibilities?
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls. (Pr 27:23-27 ESV)
Is the term “professor” very honest about our human arrogance, Latin for someone who declares themselves an expert?
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (Rom 1:22 KJV)
Do we profess wisdom or strive for humility? You decide!
