Proverbs 27:23 kjv

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.

Proverbs 27:23 nkjv

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds;

Proverbs 27:23 niv

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

Proverbs 27:23 esv

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,

Proverbs 27:23 nlt

Know the state of your flocks,
and put your heart into caring for your herds,

Proverbs 27 verses

Proverbs 27 23 Meaning

Proverbs 27:23 is a foundational wisdom teaching that calls for diligent and active engagement in the oversight and care of one's resources and responsibilities. It emphasizes the necessity of personal, intimate knowledge and consistent attention to one's possessions or domain, particularly one's livelihood. It highlights that true prosperity and stability stem not from passive ownership, but from devoted labor, understanding, and faithful stewardship.

Proverbs 27 23 Context

Proverbs 27 falls within the third major section of the book of Proverbs (Chapters 25-29), identified as "further proverbs of Solomon that the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied." This chapter presents various observations and exhortations regarding true friendship, self-control, avoiding pride, and wise handling of one's affairs. Verses 23-27 form a coherent unit focused specifically on economic wisdom related to agriculture. This passage contrasts the transient nature of fame, riches, and crowns with the lasting provision that comes from diligent stewardship of one's resources (flocks and herds). It teaches that sustained prosperity is not inherited or obtained effortlessly, but through consistent, personal effort and an intimate understanding of one's livelihood. The verses explain that by attending to one's flocks and fields, a sustainable cycle of provision—milk for food, wool for clothing, and food for animals—is secured for the household and servants, thereby ensuring stability against the unpredictable future.

Proverbs 27 23 Word analysis

• Be diligent to know / דַּע֙ (daʿ): This is an imperative verb from the root yada', meaning "to know," "to understand," "to perceive," or "to become acquainted with." It implies more than passive awareness; it commands active and personal investigation, comprehension, and intimate knowledge. It's a call to proactive engagement and oversight, not superficial familiarity.
• the state / פְּנֵי (pə·nê): This literally translates to "face" or "surface," but in this context, it idiomatically refers to the condition, appearance, or inner quality of something. It signifies having an accurate understanding of the real situation, the specific details, the health, or the overall well-being of the flocks. It's about looking closely and understanding what you see.
• your flocks / צֹאנֶ֑ךָ (ṣō·ne·ḵā): Refers to sheep, a primary source of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society (meat, milk, wool).
• and attend / שֵׁ֥ת לִבְּךָ֖ (šêṯ libbə·ḵā): This is a powerful idiomatic phrase meaning "set your heart," "apply your mind," or "give your attention wholeheartedly." Šêṯ (set/place) and lev (heart/mind/inner being) together signify a deep commitment, serious consideration, and focused mental and emotional energy towards a task or object. It's about intense concentration and diligent care.
• to your herds / בְּקָרֶֽךָ (bə·qā·re·ḵā): Refers to cattle, another crucial form of wealth (meat, milk, labor for plowing) and a significant asset for any household.

Words-group analysis

• "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks": This phrase emphasizes the necessity of acquiring deep, practical knowledge about one's primary resources. It implies understanding their health, breeding patterns, feeding needs, and overall management. It speaks to wise governance and meticulous supervision of tangible assets.
• "and attend to your herds": This second parallel phrase reinforces the principle with another key resource, signifying that this active, heartfelt attention should extend to all aspects of one's livelihood. "Attend" highlights consistent and committed personal care, moving beyond mere intellectual knowledge to dedicated practical engagement. Both phrases together underscore comprehensive, active stewardship as the foundation of enduring provision.

Proverbs 27 23 Bonus section

This proverb, though rooted in an agrarian setting, possesses profound transferable wisdom. The "flocks" and "herds" symbolize any realm of responsibility or resources God has given us—be it finances, family, relationships, spiritual gifts, talents, time, or ministry. The call to "know their state" means understanding their condition, strengths, weaknesses, and needs. It's an injunction against neglecting the details or delegating oversight entirely. The emphasis on the "heart" signifies that true stewardship requires personal investment and affection, not just mechanical effort. The lasting nature of "wool and lambs" (v. 26) versus fleeting riches (v. 24) subtly contrasts passive ownership with the sustainable provision generated through active, diligent labor. This diligence is a mark of a wise individual who trusts God's provision in concert with their obedient efforts, rather than depending on chance or the perceived stability of earthly treasures.

Proverbs 27 23 Commentary

Proverbs 27:23 distills a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: genuine and lasting prosperity is a direct result of diligent, personal stewardship. It is not about acquiring wealth for its own sake, but understanding that true security comes from wisely managing what God has entrusted to you. This verse speaks against idleness, complacency, and detached management. Instead, it champions an intimate knowledge of one's resources – whether literal flocks and herds, or metaphorical "possessions" like one's family, gifts, ministry, or finances. To "know the state" is to be fully informed, attentive to details, and aware of challenges and opportunities. To "attend with your heart" implies a deep, personal commitment and the application of one's best effort, wisdom, and care. This diligent attention creates a sustainable future, as the following verses (24-27) demonstrate how such consistent effort yields the very provisions (milk, wool, food) necessary for survival and well-being. It is a timeless lesson that applying oneself fully and faithfully to one's responsibilities is the pathway to stability and blessing, not a reliance on fleeting fortune or the efforts of others.

• Examples:
  • A student diligently understanding their study material rather than merely memorizing facts.
  • A parent actively engaged in knowing their child's daily life, struggles, and joys, beyond superficial greetings.
  • A business owner deeply understanding the market, their customers, and their product's condition, not just tracking sales.
  • A believer diligently cultivating their spiritual gifts and understanding their walk with Christ, not merely attending services.