27:1: Something else we should not boast about!  “Bring forth” is a figure of speech often applied to  childbirth.  What events will this day give birth to in your life?

27:2: Don’t boast about yourself, either!  Leave it to someone else; such as an unbiased stranger.

27:3: This would be a good and easy object lesson to teach (and to learn) very early in life.

27:4: As serious as wrath and anger are, they can usually be seen, and they quickly abate.  Jealousy stays  hidden and gets worse.

27:5: Secret love does nothing—e.g., “I love the lost, but no one knows it.”  However, a sounded rebuke can help.

27:6: Because the one is from a good heart and the other is from a hypocrite.

27:7 Sometimes those who are blessed “trample” their blessings, while others are ready to accept even  the crumbs.

27:8: But how many men admit that they need directions to get back on track??  

27:9: A two-sided, totally positive verse!  How refreshing!  Are you such a friend?  Do you have such a  friend? Cherish such a friend!

27:10: Think of Joseph, David, Jonathan.

27:11: “The teacher’s one defense—the success of his students” (Modern Language Bible footnote).

27:12:  STOP!  LOOK!  LISTEN!  Read 22:3; Psalm 1:1-6.

27:13: See 20:16: If you are lending, make sure that the security for the transaction is known (especially  if you are not acquainted with the borrower).

27:14: The idea is that you are over-doing it and it is obvious.  Flattery SHOULD get you nowhere!

27:15,16:  See 19:13.  Can you hold back the wind, or conceal the odor of the ointment on your hand?  If  she is going to be restrained, it will be when she humbles herself.

27:17: The power of friends getting together “according to the rules” (Read the directions before you  sharpen your knife!).  See Ecclesiastes 10:10.

27:18: Watchfulness with integrity is always good (1 Peter 5:8,9).

27:19: If you can show your face to the water (as a mirror), why not show your heart to your friend?

27:20: A great lesson on contentment is here (see 15:11).  How well are you learning it (Philippians  4:10-13)?

27:21: The refining pot and the furnace bring out the silver and the gold—your preferences are seen in  what you praise.

27:22: A note on one of the hardest things anyone ever can try to do—help a fool.  See Jeremiah 13:23.

27:23-27:  Here we are, as so often in Proverbs:  SOWING and REAPING.
 

1.    “Do not boast about ____________________, For you do not know
       what a day may bring forth” (v. 1).
2.    What is not a good source for praise (v. 2)?
3.    A fool’s wrath is heavier than what two things (v. 3)?
4.    Open rebuke is better than what (v. 5)?
5.    How does verse 6 describe the following?
           a.  The wounds of a friend:
           b.  The kisses of an enemy:
6.    What is a wandering man like (v. 8)?
7.    How can a man’s friend be sweet (v. 9)?
8.    A near neighbor is better than whom (v. 10)?
9.    How can a son make you glad (v. 11)?
10.  What is a contentious woman like (v. 15)?
11.  What is restraining such a woman compare to (v. 16)?
12.  What can a man do for his friend (v. 17)?
13.  Why is it good to wait on your master (v. 18)?
14.  What reveals a man (v. 19)?
15.  What are never full (v. 20)?
16.  What does verse 22 say about a fool’s foolishness?
17.  Why is diligence important (vv. 23,24)?
18.  What results of diligence are given in verse 25-27?