Friendship and Diligence
Proverbs 27
Solomon warns against boasting of tomorrow and praising oneself, commending open reproof and the trustworthy wounds of a friend over the flattering kisses of an enemy. The chapter also praises steady friendship, compares a man's countenance sharpened by his friend to iron sharpening iron, and closes with instruction to diligently tend one's flocks and land.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
1
ThomsonBOAST not of things of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what the coming day will bring forth.
BrentonBoast not of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what the next day shall bring forth.
GreekΜὴ καυχῶ τὰ εἰς αὔριον, οὐ γὰρ γινώσκεις τί τέξεται ἡ ἐπιοῦσα.
KJVBoast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
JPSBoast not thyself of to- morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2
ThomsonLet a neighbour praise thee and not thine own mouth—a stranger and not thine own lips.
BrentonLet thy neighbour, and not thine own mouth, praise thee; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
GreekἘγκωμιαζέτω σε ὁ πέλας καὶ μὴ τὸ σὸν στόμα, ἀλλότριος καὶ μὴ τὰ σὰ χείλη.
KJVLet another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
JPSLet another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.
3
ThomsonA stone is heavy and sand is weighty; but a fool’s anger is heavier than both.
BrentonA stone is heavy, and sand cumbersome; but a fool's wrath is heavier than both.
GreekΒαρὺ λίθος καὶ δυσβάστακτον ἄμμος, ὀργὴ δὲ ἄφρονος βαρυτέρα ἀμφοτέρων.
KJVA stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
JPSA stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.
4
ThomsonWrath is cruel and anger outrageous: but nothing can withstand envy.
BrentonWrath is merciless, and anger sharp: but envy can bear nothing.
GreekἈνελεήμων θυμὸς καὶ ὀξεῖα ὀργὴ, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν ὑφίσταται ζῆλος.
KJVWrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
JPS—
5
ThomsonOpen rebukes are better than concealed love.
BrentonOpen reproofs are better than secret love.
GreekΚρείσσους ἔλεγχοι ἀποκεκαλυμμένοι κρυπτομένης φιλίας.
KJVOpen rebuke is better than secret love.
JPSBetter is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.
6
ThomsonMore faithful are the wounds of a friend; than the feigned kisses of an enemy.
BrentonThe wounds of a friend are more to be trusted than the spontaneous kisses of an enemy.
GreekἈξιοπιστότερά ἐστι τραύματα φίλου, ἢ ἑκούσια φιλήματα ἐχθροῦ.
KJVFaithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
JPSFaithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are importunate.
7
ThomsonA full soul loatheth a honeycomb: but to a hungry soul even bitter things are sweet.
BrentonA full soul scorns honeycombs; but to a hungry soul even bitter things appear sweet.
GreekΨυχὴ ἐν πλησμονῇ οὖσα κηρίοις ἐμπαίζει, ψυχῇ δὲ ἐνδεεῖ καὶ τὰ πικρὰ γλυκέα φαίνεται.
KJVThe full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
JPSThe full soul loatheth a honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
8
ThomsonAs a bird when taken hooded from its nest; so is a man reduced to slavery, when removed from his country.
BrentonAs when a bird flies down from its own nest, so a man is brought into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.
GreekὭσπερ ὅταν ὄρνεον καταπετασθῇ ἐκ τῆς ἰδίας νοσσιᾶς, οὕτως ἄνθρωπος δουλοῦται ὅταν ἀποξενωθῇ ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων τόπων.
KJVAs a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
JPSAs a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place.
9
ThomsonWith myrrh and wine and perfumes the heart is cheered: but with misfortunes the spirit is broken.
BrentonThe heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes: but the soul is broken by calamities.
GreekΜύροις καὶ οἴνοις καὶ θυμιάμασι τέρπεται καρδία, καταῤῥήγνυται δὲ ὑπὸ συμπτωμάτων ψυχή.
KJV—
JPS—
10
ThomsonThine own friend and thy father’s friend forsake not; but when unfortunate go not to the house of thy brother. Better is a friend near at hand, than a brother far off.
BrentonThine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; and when thou art in distress go not into thy brother's house: better is a friend that is near than a brother living far off.
GreekΦίλον σὸν ἢ φίλον πατρῷον μὴ ἐγκαταλίπῃς, εἰς δὲ τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου μὴ εἰσέλθῃς ἀτυχῶν· κρείσσων φίλος ἐγγὺς, ἢ ἀδελφὸς μακρὰν οἰκῶν.
KJVThine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
JPSThine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; Neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity; Better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
11
ThomsonBe wise, my son that thy heart may rejoice, and remove from thee reproachful speeches.
BrentonSon, be wise, that thy heart may rejoice; and remove thou from thyself reproachful words.
GreekΣοφὸς γίνου υἱὲ, ἵνα σου εὐφραίνηται ἡ καρδία, καὶ ἀπόστρεψον ἀπὸ σοῦ ἐπονειδίστους λόγους.
KJVMy son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
JPSMy son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that taunteth me.
12
ThomsonWhen ills approach, a prudent man is hidden: but the simple pass on to their sorrow.
BrentonA wise man, when evils are approaching, hides himself; but fools pass on, and will be punished.
GreekΠανοῦργος κακῶν ἐπερχομένων ἀπεκρύβη, ἄφρονες δὲ ἐπελθόντες ζημίαν τίσουσιν.
KJVA prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
JPSA prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the thoughtless pass on, and are punished.
13
ThomsonTake away his mantle, for a scorner passed by who wasteth the property of others.
BrentonTake away the man's garment, (for a scorner has passed by) whoever lays waste another's goods.
GreekἈφελοῦ τὸ ἱμάτιον αὐτοῦ, παρῆλθε γὰρ ὑβριστὴς, ὅστις τὰ ἀλλότρια λυμαίνεται.
KJV—
JPS—
14
ThomsonHe who blesseth a friend with a loud voice, rising early, will appear not unlike one who curseth him.
BrentonWhosoever shall bless a friend in the morning with a loud voice, shall seem to differ nothing from one who curses him.
GreekὋς ἂν εὐλογῇ θίλον τοπρωῒ μεγάλῃ τῇ φωνῇ, καταρωμένου οὐδὲν διαφέρειν δόξει.
KJVHe that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
JPSHe that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him.
15
ThomsonA continual dropping driveth a man out of his house in a rainy day: and so doth a contentious wife.
BrentonOn a stormy day drops of rain drive a man out of his house; so also does a railing woman drive a man out of his own house.
GreekΣταγόνες ἐκβάλλουσιν ἄνθρωπον ἐν ἡμέρᾳ χειμερινῇ ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου αὐτοῦ, ὡσαύτως καὶ γυνὴ λοίδορος ἐκ τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου.
KJV—
JPS—
16
ThomsonBoreas is a harsh wind, though it be called by an honourable name.
BrentonThe north wind is sharp, but it is called by name propitious.
GreekΒορέας σκληρὸς ἄνεμος, ὀνόματι δὲ ἐπιδέξιος καλεῖται.
KJV—
JPS—
17
ThomsonIron sharpeneth iron, but a man exasperateth the face of a companion.
BrentonIron sharpens iron; and a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
GreekΣίδηρος σίδηρον ὀξύνει, ἀνὴρ δὲ παροξύνει πρόσωπον ἑταίρου.
KJVIron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
JPSIron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
18
ThomsonHe who planteth a fig tree shall eat of its fruit; and he who guardeth his master shall be honoured.
BrentonHe that plants a fig-tree shall eat the fruits of it: so he that waits on his own master shall be honoured.
GreekὋς φυτεύει συκὴν φάγεται τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτῆς, ὃς δὲ φυλάσσει τὸν ἑαυτοῦ κύριον τιμηθήσεται.
KJVWhoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
JPSWhoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; And he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
19
ThomsonAs faces do not resemble faces: so neither do the thoughts of men.
BrentonAs faces are not like other faces, so neither are the thoughts of men.
GreekὭσπερ οὐχ ὅμοια πρόσωπα προσώποις, οὕτως οὐδὲ αἱ διάνοιαι τῶν ἀνθρώπων.
KJV—
JPS—
20
ThomsonThe grave and destruction are never satisfied: in like manner the eyes of men are insatiable. He who hath staring eyes, and fools who cannot govern their tongue; are an abomination to the Lord.
BrentonHell and destruction are not filled; so also are the eyes of men insatiable.
GreekἍδης καὶ ἀπώλεια οὐκ ἐμπίμπλανται, ὡσαύτως καὶ οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἄπληστοι·
KJVHell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
JPSThe nether-world and Destruction are never satiated; So the eyes of man are never satiated.
20a
Thomson—
Brenton[He that fixes his eye is an abomination to the Lord; and the uninstructed do not restrain their tongue.]
Greekβδέλυγμα Κυρίῳ στηρίζων ὀφθαλμὸν, καὶ οἱ ἀπαίδευτοι ἀκρατεῖς γλώσσῃ.
KJV—
JPS—
21
ThomsonFire is the trier of gold and silver: but a man is tried by the mouth of them who praise him. The heart of a transgressor seeketh evils: but a righteous heart seeketh knowledge.
BrentonFire is the trial for silver and gold; and a man is tried by the mouth of them that praise him.
GreekΔοκίμιον ἀργυρίῳ καὶ χρυσῷ πύρωσις, ἀνὴρ δὲ δοκιμάζεται διὰ στόματος ἐγκωμιαζόντων αὐτόν.
KJVAs the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
JPSThe refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, And a man is tried by his praise.
21a
Thomson—
BrentonThe heart of the transgressor seeks after mischiefs; but an upright heart seeks knowledge.
Greekκαρδία ἀνόμου ἐκζητεῖ κακὰ, καρδία δὲ εὐθὴς ζητεῖ γνῶσιν.
KJV—
JPS—
22
ThomsonThough thou shouldst whip a fool publicly and disgrace him, thou canst not take away his folly.
BrentonThough thou scourge a fool, disgracing him in the midst of the council, thou wilt still in no wise remove his folly from him.
GreekἘὰν μαστιγοῖς ἄφρονα ἐν μέσῳ συνεδρίου ἀτιμάζων, οὐ μὴ περιέλῃς τὴν ἀφροσύνην αὐτοῦ.
KJV—
JPS—
23
ThomsonBe careful to know the state of thy flock; and pay close attention to thy herd:
BrentonDo thou thoroughly know the number of thy flock, and pay attention to thine herds.
GreekΓνωστῶς ἐπιγνώσῃ ψυχὰς ποιμνίου σου, καὶ ἐπιστήσεις καρδίαν σου σαῖς ἀγέλαις.
KJV—
JPS—
24
Thomsonfor wealth and power do not continue with a man forever; nor can he transmit them from one generation to another.
BrentonFor a man has not strength and power for ever; neither does he transmit it from generation to generation.
GreekὍτι οὐκ εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα ἀνδρὶ κράτος καὶ ἰσχὺς, οὐδὲ παραδίδωσιν ἐκ γενεᾶς εἰς γενεάν.
KJV—
JPS—
25
ThomsonTake care of the herbage in thy field: mow grass and collect provender from the hills:
BrentonTake care of the herbage in the field, and thou shalt cut grass, and gather the mountain hay;
GreekἘπιμελοῦ τῶν ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ χλωρῶν, καὶ κερεῖς πόαν, καὶ σύναγε χόρτον ὀρεινὸν,
KJV—
JPS—
26
Thomsonthat thou mayst have sheep for clothing. Honour the field that thou mayst have lambs.
Brentonthat thou mayest have wool of sheep for clothing: pay attention to the land, that thou mayest have lambs.
Greekἵνα ἔχῃς πρόβατα εἰς ἱματισμόν· τίμα πεδίον, ἵνα ὠσί σοι ἄρνες.
KJVThe lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
JPSThe lambs will be for thy clothing, And the goats the price for a field. .
27
ThomsonMy son, thou hast sayings from me powerfully fortified for thy life, and the life of thy servants.
BrentonMy son, thou hast from me words very useful for thy life, and for the life of thy servants.
GreekΥἱὲ, παρʼ ἐμοῦ ἔχεις ῥήσεις ἰσχυρὰς εἰς τὴν ζωήν σου, καὶ εἰς τὴν ζωὴν σῶν θεραπόντων.
KJV—
JPS—