Proverbs 27:23
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word for "state" here can mean "face" or "countenance," suggesting a call to know your livestock so intimately you recognize each one, much like a shepherd knows his own sheep by sight. This isn't just about numbers, but about deep, personal awareness and care for what God has entrusted to you.
This proverb is part of a section that contrasts the enduring peace of a pastoral life with the fleeting nature of wealth and power. It begins by describing the simple, yet secure, life of those who tend to their flocks and fields, highlighting the importance of diligence and personal oversight in managing one's possessions. This focus on hands-on care is presented as the foundation for lasting prosperity, directly preceding the declaration that riches are not eternal and even royalty doesn't last forever.
God calls us to be attentive stewards, not just of physical possessions, but of every area of our lives. What does it really mean to 'know' what you own?
This verse uses flocks and herds as a picture for all of a person's wealth and possessions. In ancient times, livestock was the primary measure of riches.
The Call to Deep Knowledge
It's easy to hand off responsibilities, but what happens when we trust too much and check too little?
The commentary highlights a common pitfall: entrusting your affairs entirely to others without personal involvement.
The Temptation of Ease
Jesus speaks of the shepherd who calls his own sheep by name, highlighting the intimate and personal knowledge required of a true shepherd for his flock, much like Proverbs advises for one's own possessions.
1 Peter 5:2This passage directly applies the shepherd analogy to spiritual leaders, urging them to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' echoing the diligence required to 'know the condition' of one's flock.
Luke 16:10Jesus teaches that faithfulness in small, earthly matters (like managing possessions) demonstrates trustworthiness for greater, spiritual responsibilities, underscoring the importance of diligent oversight.
Genesis 30:30Jacob’s personal involvement and detailed attention to his own flocks led to great prosperity, illustrating the principle that diligent, hands-on management brings increase and blessing.
pooleProverbs 27:23: "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
To know the state of thy flocks; that thou mayst preserve and improve what thou hast, and take care that thine expenses may not exceed thine incomes. Flocks and herds are here put for all riches and possessions, because anciently they were the chief part of a man’s riches. Look well, Heb. set thine heart . Trust not wholly to thy servants, as many do, that they may give up themselves wholly to case a…
gillProverbs 27:23: "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Be thou diligent to know the state of flocks,.... In what condition they are; what health they enjoy; how fat and fruitful they be; what pasturage they have; and that they want nothing fitting for them that can be had and is necessary; and also the number of them. The calling of the shepherd is here particularly mentioned, because valiant, honourable, innocent, and useful; but the same diligence is t…
The Hebrew word for "state" here can mean "face" or "countenance," suggesting a call to know your livestock so intimately you recognize each one, much like a shepherd knows his own sheep by sight. This isn't just about numbers, but about deep, personal awareness and care for what God has entrusted to you.
This proverb is part of a section that contrasts the enduring peace of a pastoral life with the fleeting nature of wealth and power. It begins by describing the simple, yet secure, life of those who tend to their flocks and fields, highlighting the importance of diligence and personal oversight in managing one's possessions. This focus on hands-on care is presented as the foundation for lasting prosperity, directly preceding the declaration that riches are not eternal and even royalty doesn't last forever.
This proverb is part of a section that contrasts the enduring peace of a pastoral life with the fleeting nature of wealth and power. It begins by describing the simple, yet secure, life of those who tend to their flocks and fields, highlighting the importance of diligence and personal oversight in managing one's possessions. This focus on hands-on care is presented as the foundation for lasting prosperity, directly preceding the declaration that riches are not eternal and even royalty doesn't last forever.
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What kind of wealth truly lasts? This verse connects careful stewardship to lasting prosperity, challenging the idea of quick riches.
The Proverbs consistently link diligence and wise management to true, lasting prosperity, contrasting it with fleeting wealth.
The Foundation of Stability
"Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds," — The Hebrew word for "state" here can mean "face" or "countenance," suggesting a call to know your livestock so intimately you recognize each one, much like a shepherd knows his own sheep by sight. Th…
