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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, <i>and</i> look well to thy herds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, <i>And</i> attend to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flocks, <i>And</i> pay attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flocks, <i>And</i> pay attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flocks, <i>And</i> pay attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Be diligent to know the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to your herds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flock, and pay attention to your herds, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You should take good care of your sheep and goats, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Be fully aware of the condition of your flock, and pay close attention to your herds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Look after your sheep and cattle as carefully as you can, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep well informed of the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Pay careful attention to the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Know the face of your flock well, "" Set your heart to the droves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Know well the face of thy flock, Set thy heart to the droves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Knowing, thou shalt know the face of thy flock; set thy heart to thy herds.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be diligent to know the countenance of thy cattle, and consider thy own flocks : <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Be diligent to know the countenance of your cattle, and consider your own flocks,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Take good care of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When you are feeding the sheep, know their faces and set your mind on the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Whenever you shepherd, know the faces of your sheep, and set your heart upon your flock.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Do thou thoroughly know the number of thy flock, and pay attention to thine herds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/27-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5652" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/27.htm">Do not Boast about Tomorrow</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏō·a‘ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">Be sure to know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: tê·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the state</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·ne·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">of your flocks,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: šîṯ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">and pay close attention</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bə·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5739.htm" title="5739: la·‘ă·ḏā·rîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- A flock, herd. From adar; an arrangement, i.e. Muster.">to your herds;</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-4</a></span><br />“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-3</a></span><br />Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-1.htm">Psalm 23:1-4</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. / He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a></span><br />Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-4</a></span><br />“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. / Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">1 Timothy 3:5</a></span><br />For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-11.htm">Isaiah 40:11</a></span><br />He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-36</a></span><br />David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42-44</a></span><br />And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-38.htm">Genesis 31:38-40</a></span><br />I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. / I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. / As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">1 Corinthians 9:7</a></span><br />Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">2 Samuel 12:1-4</a></span><br />Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.</p><p class="hdg">diligent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-38.htm">Genesis 31:38-40</a></b></br> This twenty years <i>have</i> I <i>been</i> with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-13.htm">Genesis 33:13</a></b></br> And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children <i>are</i> tender, and the flocks and herds with young <i>are</i> with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-28.htm">1 Samuel 17:28</a></b></br> And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.</p><p class="hdg">look well or set thy heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-32.htm">Proverbs 24:32</a></b></br> Then I saw, <i>and</i> considered <i>it</i> well: I looked upon <i>it, and</i> received instruction.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/7-23.htm">Exodus 7:23</a></b></br> And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Deuteronomy 32:46</a></b></br> And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Care</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/job/6-21.htm">Condition</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Diligent</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-15.htm">Droves</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Face</a> <a href="/psalms/114-6.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/psalms/144-13.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/107-38.htm">Herds</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">State</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-29.htm">Sure</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Acquainted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-1.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-27.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-7.htm">Care</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-6.htm">Condition</a> <a href="/romans/3-11.htm">Diligent</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm">Droves</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm">Face</a> <a href="/songs/1-7.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Flocks</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-14.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-7.htm">Herds</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">State</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-2.htm">Sure</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">observations of self love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">of true love</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-11.htm">of care to avoid offenses</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">and of the household care</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be sure to know the state of your flocks</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of diligence and responsibility in managing one's resources. In ancient Israel, flocks were a primary source of wealth and sustenance, providing wool, milk, and meat. The shepherd's role was crucial, requiring constant vigilance and care. This reflects a broader biblical principle of stewardship, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a>, where humanity is given dominion over the earth. The shepherd metaphor is also significant in Scripture, with God often depicted as a shepherd (<a href="/psalms/23.htm">Psalm 23:1</a>) and Jesus referring to Himself as the Good Shepherd (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11</a>). This phrase encourages believers to be attentive and proactive in their responsibilities, mirroring God's care for His people.<p><b>and pay close attention to your herds;</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the need for careful oversight and management. In the historical context, herds included cattle and other livestock, which were vital for agricultural societies. The phrase suggests a proactive approach to leadership and management, ensuring that resources are not only maintained but also thrive. This aligns with the wisdom literature's broader theme of prudence and foresight, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Proverbs 6:6-8</a>, which advises learning from the ant's diligence. The call to "pay close attention" can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance, as believers are urged to watch over their spiritual lives and communities (<a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>). This reflects the biblical call to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His teachings often focus on practical wisdom and the fear of the Lord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The agrarian society in which this proverb was written. Livestock was a primary source of wealth and sustenance, making the management of flocks and herds crucial.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shepherds_and_farmers.htm">Shepherds and Farmers</a></b><br>- The primary audience for this proverb, who would have understood the importance of diligent oversight of their animals.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/diligence_in_stewardship.htm">Diligence in Stewardship</a></b><br>Just as shepherds must know the state of their flocks, Christians are called to be diligent stewards of all that God has entrusted to them, whether it be family, work, or ministry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_and_responsibility.htm">Awareness and Responsibility</a></b><br>Being aware of the condition of our responsibilities allows us to respond appropriately and make wise decisions. This requires regular assessment and attention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_leadership.htm">Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>Church leaders can draw from this proverb the importance of knowing and caring for their congregation, ensuring their spiritual well-being.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/financial_management.htm">Financial Management</a></b><br>In a modern context, this proverb can be applied to financial stewardship, encouraging believers to be aware of their financial state and manage resources wisely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/personal_growth.htm">Personal Growth</a></b><br>Just as a shepherd must know his flock, individuals should be aware of their own spiritual and personal growth, regularly assessing their walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'word_won't_return_void'_mean.htm">How can wise budgeting reflect biblical stewardship principles?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_advice_on_managing_money.htm">What does the Bible say about managing finances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_skeptical_theism_say_on_divine_hiddenness.htm">What does the Bible say about mental health?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_an_executive_pastor_do.htm">What does an executive pastor do?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Be</span> <span class= "bld">thou diligent </span>to <span class= "bld">know the state of thy herds. . . .</span>--In the last five verses of this chapter the peace and security of the pastoral life are described as being far superior to the uncertainty attending other sources of wealth and the regal power. For the spiritual sense of this passage comp. <a href="/context/1_peter/5-2.htm" title="Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;">1Peter 5:2-4</a><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23-27.</span> - A mashal ode in praise of a pastoral and agricultural life. The moralist evidently desires to recall his countrymen from the luxury of cities and the temptations of money making to the simple ways of the patriarchs and the pleasures of country pursuits - which are the best foundation of enduring prosperity. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks.</span> "State;" <span class="hebrew">פָנִים</span> (<span class="accented">panim</span>); <span class="foreign">vultum</span>, Vulgate; the face, look, appearance. The LXX. has <span class="greek">ψυχάς</span>, which may perhaps mean "the number" - a necessary precaution when the sheep wandered on the downs and mountains, and had to be collected in the evening and folded. These precepts are naturally applied to all rulers, and especially to Christian pastors who have the oversight of the flock of Christ (<a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a>). Ecclus. 7:22, "Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them; and if they he for thy profit, keep them with thee." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/27-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Be sure to know</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדֹ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the state</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your flocks,</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹאנֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and pay close attention</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(šîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to your herds;</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲדָרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·ḏā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5739.htm">Strong's 5739: </a> </span><span class="str2">An arrangement, muster</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/27-23.htm">Proverbs 27:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/27-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:23 Know well the state of your flocks (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/27-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 27:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 27:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 27:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>