# 43 2023 Dev. Prov. 27:9. Faithful Friends! Read all of chapter twenty seven first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story! Do you believe that this is also our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friendsprings from their heartfelt advice.”
Proverbs 27 continues with more proverbs of Solomon. This chapter seems to continue using couplets mostly complementing each other. These verses also seem to be random covering all of life except for verses 23-27 which concentrates on agriculture, on work.
Vs.1-6 gives personal advice: “do not boast about tomorrow… Let someone else praise you…Stone is heavy and sand a burden but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both…who can stand before jealousy?” “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Be prudent in your personal relationships. Don’t fake it! Be upfront. What you see is what you get!
Vs.7-14 gives general advice: gluttons and the hungry are compared. Cherish your home. “Perfume and incense brings joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice. Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family… Be wise, my son and bring joy to my heart…” The prudent and simple are compared. Consider strangers and outsiders. Blessings and curses are mutually exclusive. Be wise when dealing with a variety of situations, all knowledge is limited.
Vs.15-22 Solomon had many wives, he knows about quarrelsome women and that restraining them is not possible, yet he conveniently ignores the abusive husband. “As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.” Acknowledge the source of your wellbeing. “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Death and destruction are compared to the lust of the eye. Silver and gold are meaningless, “people are tested by their praise.” Punishment for fools – “you will not remove folly from them.” Practical wisdom brings about a peaceful life!
Vs.23-27 Advice for the farmer and herder, advice for all who work, whatever the job. Pay attention to the results of your work, “for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” Hard, consistent work will provide for all your needs. Prudent management of your means will sustain you and your family throughout a lifetime. This proverb is full of useful and practical advice. Praise God! Are we ready to listen?
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Heavenhigh 