Proverbs 27:2 kjv

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Proverbs 27:2 nkjv

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2 niv

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2 esv

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2 nlt

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth ?
a stranger, not your own lips.

Proverbs 27 verses

Proverbs 27 2 Meaning

Proverbs 27:2 conveys a profound wisdom about self-praise and true honor. It teaches that genuine commendation and respect come from external sources rather than self-proclamation. Valuably, a person's worth, deeds, or character are best validated by others, particularly impartial individuals, because self-flattery is often viewed with suspicion, diminishes one's credibility, and frequently stems from arrogance or insecurity rather than true merit. This verse encourages humility and allows actions and reputation to speak for themselves, earning respect naturally through external recognition.

Proverbs 27 2 Context

Proverbs 27:2 is situated within a collection of "Sayings of Solomon" copied by the men of King Hezekiah (chapters 25-29). This chapter, Proverbs 27, contains a series of miscellaneous proverbs offering practical wisdom for daily life and interpersonal relationships. Many verses in this chapter address themes of friendship, hospitality, industriousness, and various aspects of conduct, particularly emphasizing sincerity and discernment. Verse 2 specifically deals with the conduct of speech regarding oneself, linking closely with the preceding verse's warning against boasting about tomorrow (Pr 27:1) by extending the principle to self-boasting about one's achievements or character in the present. The historical and cultural context for ancient Israel valued communal honor; status and respect were typically bestowed by the community based on demonstrated character and actions, not on self-promotion. Self-praise was often seen as a sign of arrogance and lacked credibility, contrasting sharply with the societal value placed on humility and modesty.

Proverbs 27 2 Word analysis

• Let (יְהַלֶּלְךָ, yehal'leḵā): While this form implies a "letting" or allowing, the construction with "not your own mouth" effectively renders it a strong negative injunction, instructing against self-praise. It's a wise counsel, guiding proper conduct.
• another (אַחֵר, 'aḥēr): Refers to someone else, an external party. The emphasis is on objectivity and an unbiased assessment. True validation comes from outside the individual.
• praise (יְהַלְלֶךָּ, yehal'leḵā): From the root הָלַל (halal), meaning to praise, boast, or commend. Here, it denotes affirming value, recognizing achievement, or expressing admiration. The passive sense implies receiving commendation rather than initiating it.
• you: A direct, personal address, making the wisdom applicable to the individual reader.
• and not: This strong negation makes the contrast absolute. It's not about being humble only, but about a definitive prohibition of self-praise as the source.
• your own mouth (פִּיךָ, pîḵā): Metonymy for one's own speech or utterance. The mouth is the instrument through which self-praise is vocalized. Its "ownness" highlights the subjective and often biased nature of such commendation.
• a stranger (זָר, zār): This Hebrew term specifically means someone who is "external," "unrelated," or "a foreigner." Its inclusion further reinforces the impartiality of the praiser. Even an impartial or unfamiliar observer's praise is preferred to self-praise. This adds weight to "another."
• and not: Repeated for rhetorical emphasis, cementing the prohibition.
• your own lips (שְׂפָתֶיךָ, śəfāṯeḵā): A synonymous parallelism with "your own mouth," strengthening the previous injunction. Both organs represent the act of speaking, and together they comprehensively exclude self-proclamation as a source of legitimate praise.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth": This forms the primary teaching: genuine commendation comes externally, not from oneself. It sets up the core principle against self-laudation. The source of praise determines its credibility.
• "a stranger, and not your own lips": This second phrase is a synonymous parallel, reiterating and amplifying the first. "A stranger" specifically defines "another" as someone unbiased and detached, highlighting the need for objective assessment. "Lips" reinforces "mouth," stressing the explicit nature of self-boasting. This reinforces that authentic validation, even from someone entirely unknown or unassociated, holds more weight than self-flattery.

Proverbs 27 2 Bonus section

The underlying principle of Proverbs 27:2 reflects the divine economy of honor: true exaltation is not seized by human effort or declaration, but is bestowed by God and reflected through the community. This aligns with many New Testament teachings where Jesus consistently teaches humility, often reversing worldly ideas of status (e.g., "the last shall be first"). The act of self-praise not only signifies pride, which is an abomination to the Lord (Pr 16:5), but it also pre-empts God's prerogative to uplift those He chooses. Ultimately, it is God who assesses and assigns true value, and human commendation serves as an echo or reflection of this divine truth.

Proverbs 27 2 Commentary

Proverbs 27:2 provides a crucial ethical and practical principle centered on humility and integrity. It discourages self-congratulation and promotion, which often betray arrogance and a need for validation that self-praise cannot genuinely fulfill. When individuals commend themselves, their words lack the weight and authenticity that only objective external validation can provide. Such behavior can diminish one's standing in the eyes of others, eroding trust and respect. In contrast, allowing others, particularly those with no vested interest, to speak well of one's character or achievements demonstrates true humility and self-assurance. This wisdom teaches that virtue and diligence are their own silent advocates; their natural fruit is external recognition and honor, which is far more credible and lasting than any self-proclaimed glory.

• Practical Usage:
  • When completing a successful project, let the team members or clients share their positive feedback, rather than you exclusively highlighting your own contributions.
  • In a leadership position, instead of constantly talking about your accomplishments, consistently serve others and perform well, allowing your subordinates and peers to recognize your impact.
  • Avoid inflating your skills or achievements; rather, cultivate genuine abilities and let your work speak for itself through the experiences of those who interact with it.