Proverbs 27 is Solomon’s field guide to honest friendship - containing “as iron sharpens iron,” the Bible’s most-quoted image of accountability and genuine community. Don’t boast about tomorrow. Let another praise you.
Full sung version coming soon.
Lyrics
Don’t boast about tomorrow For you don’t know what a day may bring
Let another man praise you and not your own mouth A stranger and not your own lips A stone is heavy and sand is a burden But a fool’s provocation is heavier than both
Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming But who is able to stand before jealousy Better is open rebuke than hidden love The wounds of a friend are faithful
Although the kisses of an enemy are profuse Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart So does earnest counsel from a man’s friend
Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster A neighbour who is near is better than a distant brother Be wise, my son and bring joy to my heart
Then I can answer my tormentor A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge But the simple pass on and suffer for it
Iron sharpens iron So a man sharpens his friend’s countenance Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit He who looks after his master shall be honoured
Like water reflects a face So a man’s heart reflects the man The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold But man is refined by his praise
The words of the wise are like goads
Listen
Proverbs 27 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.