Question 1

What does “Boast not thyself of to morrow” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line warns against proud confidence about the future. You do not know what even one day may bring, so it is foolish to speak as if you control tomorrow. Instead of delaying repentance, obedience, or doing good, you should use today well. It also hints that life is uncertain and in God’s hands. Wise living plans carefully but holds those plans loosely, with humility, knowing that God may allow things you did not expect, both in trouble and in blessing.

Question 2

Why is open rebuke better than secret love in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“Open rebuke is better than secret love” means that honest correction, given plainly and in love, is more helpful than silent affection that never speaks up. A real friend will risk hurting your feelings to keep you from greater harm. Quiet love that never warns you when you are wrong may feel kinder in the moment, but it leaves you in danger. The passage links this with “faithful are the wounds of a friend,” showing that painful truth can be a gift, while flattering words can hide real danger.

Question 3

What are the “faithful wounds of a friend” and “kisses of an enemy”?

Accepted Answer

The “faithful wounds of a friend” are hard words or correction that come from someone who truly cares about you. They may hurt at first, like a cut, but they are meant to heal and protect your soul. The “kisses of an enemy” are smooth, flattering words or fake kindness that hide harmful intent. They feel pleasant, but they are a trap. This verse teaches you to value honest friends who tell you the truth, and to be wary of people who only flatter and never challenge you.

Question 4

Why does the passage say no one can stand before envy?

Accepted Answer

The sayings compare heavy stone and sand with the burden of a fool’s anger, then go further and say no one can stand before envy. Anger and wrath are fierce, but they may pass. Envy is deeper and more stubborn. It grudges another person’s good and can stay in the heart for a long time. Envy pushes people toward harm and division, as seen in many stories of hatred and betrayal. This warning calls you to guard your heart, confess envy, and not feed jealous thoughts.

Question 5

What does “iron sharpeneth iron” teach about friendship?

Accepted Answer

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” uses a simple picture from tools. Just as one iron tool can sharpen another, good friends can shape each other’s character. Through honest talk, wise advice, and even loving challenge, friends can make each other clearer in thinking and stronger in faith and conduct. This can also work the other way if tempers are high, so you should choose your close friends carefully and aim to be someone who helps others grow, not stumble.

Question 6

How is a bird wandering from her nest like a man leaving his place?

Accepted Answer

A bird that wanders from her nest leaves safety and what belongs to her. In the same way, a person who carelessly leaves their place, calling, or proper duties puts themselves in needless danger. This can point to leaving the care of God’s people, leaving good work unfinished, or seeking an easier path instead of staying where you are meant to serve. The saying warns against restless wandering when you should stay steady, and reminds you that security often lies in faithful, ordinary obedience.

Question 7

Why is a nearby neighbour said to be better than a brother far off?

Accepted Answer

The passage urges you not to forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, and then adds that a neighbour nearby is better than a brother far away. In trouble, the one who can reach you quickly and willingly help is of greater use than a relative who is distant, whether by space or by lack of care. This teaches you to value and keep faithful friendships, to be a good neighbour yourself, and not to rely only on family ties when you ignore the people God has placed close to you.

Question 8

What does it mean that the eyes of man are never satisfied?

Accepted Answer

When it says the grave is never full and the eyes of man are never satisfied, it is showing how human desire tends to keep wanting more. Just as the grave keeps receiving the dead, the eyes keep looking for new things to enjoy or possess. This warns against a restless, greedy heart that is never content with what God has given. It nudges you toward contentment, gratitude, and seeking deeper, spiritual satisfaction instead of always chasing the next thing your eyes see and your heart craves.

Question 9

Why does the chapter compare a contentious woman to constant dripping?

Accepted Answer

The saying about a continual dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman uses a vivid picture. Dripping that never stops wears on the nerves over time. In the same way, constant arguing, nagging, or strife in a home becomes a great misery. The verse also says trying to hide such a person is like trying to hold back the wind or hide perfume on your hand. It will show itself. The point is to show how damaging ongoing quarrels can be, and to urge peace and self-control.

Question 10

What do the verses about flocks and goats teach about work and money?

Accepted Answer

The closing verses tell you to know the state of your flocks and pay attention to your herds, because riches and crowns do not last forever. Using farm life as the picture, it teaches steady care for what God has given you. Grass grows, hay is gathered, lambs provide clothing, goats pay for land and give milk for the household and workers. Instead of trusting in stored wealth or status, you are called to watch your work, provide for those you are responsible for, and remember that God supplies through daily, faithful labour.

Proverbs 27:1

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Do Not Boast about Tomorrow

Do Not Boast about Tomorrow

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Proverbs 27:1

Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

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Do Not Boast about Tomorrow

Do Not Boast about Tomorrow

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