Proverbs 27:23-24
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?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Hebrew word for "state" here doesn't just mean condition, but literally "the face" of your flocks, urging a personal, intimate knowledge so detailed you could recognize each one. This calls for more than just overseeing; it's about putting your heart into knowing your responsibilities, lest even great wealth slip through your fingers through neglect.
This proverb is part of a larger section praising the simple, diligent life of shepherds and farmers, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of riches and power. It emphasizes that even seemingly stable wealth requires personal attention and careful management to endure. The verses that follow will further illustrate this point by describing the enduring nature of a well-tended farm compared to the transience of royalty.
What does it mean to 'know the condition of your flocks' in today's world? It's more than just checking on animals.
Proverbs uses livestock as a metaphor for all our valuable possessions and responsibilities. The command to 'know well the condition' and 'give attention' isn't just about physical health or number. It’s about understanding the overall state of what God has entrusted to you.
What to Look For:
This deep dive is about mindful stewardship, not just passive ownership. It’s about being actively engaged with the 'flocks' and 'herds' God has given you.
Do you ever delegate tasks and assume they're being handled perfectly? This verse warns against that complacency.
The proverb urges you not to rely solely on others. While delegation is wise, trusting blindly can lead to ruin. The instruction to 'know well' and 'give attention' implies personal involvement. You are meant to use your own eyes and understanding.
Why Your Attention Matters:
Understand the original words
chosen · Hebrew Noun
Possessions, wealth, or material abundance. Scripture consistently warns that these are temporary, subject to decay, and not to be trusted for ultimate security compared to the kingdom of God.
nezer · Hebrew Noun
A symbol of royal authority, sovereignty, and supreme power. Its inability to endure across generations signifies the fleeting nature of earthly political power and human empires.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep intimately, highlighting the deep personal knowledge and care required in leadership and responsibility.
1 Peter 5:2This passage directly applies the shepherd's duty to spiritual leaders, urging them to 'shepherd the flock of God that is among you,' underscoring the vigilance required for those in spiritual care.
Luke 12:48Jesus' teaching on accountability for those given much responsibility parallels the Proverbs' call for diligence, emphasizing that neglecting one's 'flocks' or duties has serious consequences.
Ecclesiastes 11:6This verse speaks to the need for consistent effort and careful planning in all endeavors, mirroring the Proverbs' emphasis on knowing and tending to one's possessions diligently so they may thrive.
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 doesn't just mean condition, but literally "the face" of your flocks, urging a personal, intimate knowledge so detailed you could recognize each one. This calls for more than just overseeing; it's about putting your heart into knowing your responsibilities, lest even great wealth slip through your fingers through neglect.
This proverb is part of a larger section praising the simple, diligent life of shepherds and farmers, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of riches and power. It emphasizes that even seemingly stable wealth requires personal attention and careful management to endure. The verses that follow will further illustrate this point by describing the enduring nature of a well-tended farm compared to the transience of royalty.
This proverb is part of a larger section praising the simple, diligent life of shepherds and farmers, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of riches and power. It emphasizes that even seemingly stable wealth requires personal attention and careful management to endure. The verses that follow will further illustrate this point by describing the enduring nature of a well-tended farm compared to the transience of royalty.
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This isn't about micromanaging, but about maintaining a vital connection to your responsibilities. Your heart and mind need to be invested.
What's the connection between diligently caring for your resources and true, lasting prosperity?
The reason behind this diligent oversight is simple: possessions, no matter how grand, are not guaranteed to last forever. The pastoral life, depicted here, was the ancient world's equivalent of solid, enduring wealth. However, even the most valuable assets require consistent care to be preserved and to continue providing.
The Principle:
This isn't just about financial gain; it's about honoring God by being a faithful steward of everything He has provided, ensuring it serves its intended purpose.
"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?" — The Hebrew word for "state" here doesn't just mean condition, but literally "the face" of your flocks, urging a personal, intimate knowledge so detailed you could recognize each one. This calls for m…
