Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. Complete your outdoor workThis phrase emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks and setting a strong foundation before moving on to other endeavors. The Hebrew root for "complete" (כּוּן, kun) suggests establishing or preparing something firmly. In ancient agrarian societies, outdoor work, such as farming, was crucial for survival. This instruction reflects a principle of diligence and foresight, encouraging believers to ensure that their basic needs and responsibilities are met before pursuing additional projects. Spiritually, it can be seen as a call to establish one's life on the solid ground of faith and obedience to God. and prepare your field
The word "prepare" (עָרַךְ, arak) in Hebrew conveys the idea of arranging or setting in order. Preparing the field was a necessary step to ensure a successful harvest. This preparation involves hard work, planning, and patience. Historically, fields had to be plowed, sown, and maintained, which required significant effort and attention. In a spiritual sense, this can be likened to preparing one's heart and life for God's work, ensuring that we are ready to receive His blessings and fulfill His purposes. after that
This phrase indicates a sequence of actions, highlighting the importance of timing and order. It suggests that there is a proper time for everything, echoing the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:1. In the context of this proverb, it underscores the necessity of completing foundational tasks before moving on to more personal or luxurious pursuits. This principle can be applied to spiritual growth, where foundational truths and disciplines must be established before deeper understanding and experiences can be pursued. you can build your house
The act of building a house represents establishing a permanent and secure dwelling place. In ancient times, building a house was a significant undertaking that required resources, planning, and stability. The Hebrew word for "build" (בָּנָה, banah) also carries the connotation of establishing a family or legacy. This phrase suggests that once the essential work is done and the foundation is secure, one can focus on personal growth and development. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for building one's life on the teachings of Christ, ensuring that our spiritual "house" is built on the rock of His word and not on shifting sands. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart practical wisdom and guidance. 2. Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of this proverb is ancient Israel, where agriculture was a primary occupation, and the society was agrarian. 3. Agricultural PracticesThe proverb references the common practice of prioritizing fieldwork and ensuring a stable food supply before focusing on building a home. Teaching Points Prioritize WiselyThe proverb teaches the importance of setting priorities. In life, certain tasks must be completed before others to ensure stability and success. Plan for the FutureJust as a farmer prepares the field before building a house, we should plan and prepare for future needs, ensuring that foundational aspects of life are secure. Diligence in WorkThe verse encourages diligence and hard work. Completing outdoor work first ensures that basic needs are met, reflecting a disciplined approach to responsibilities. Spiritual PreparationBeyond physical preparation, this principle can be applied spiritually. We should cultivate our spiritual lives and relationship with God before focusing on external achievements. Balance in LifeThe proverb suggests a balance between work and personal life. By prioritizing essential tasks, we can create a stable environment for personal and family growth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of prioritizing work in Proverbs 24:27 apply to your current life situation? 2. In what ways can you ensure that your "field" (basic responsibilities) is prepared before pursuing other goals? 3. How does the concept of planning and preparation in Proverbs 24:27 relate to Jesus' teaching in Luke 14:28-30? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to balance diligence in work with spiritual growth, as suggested by this proverb? 5. How can the wisdom of Proverbs 24:27 guide you in making decisions about your personal and family life priorities? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 6:6-8This passage encourages diligence and planning, using the ant as an example of preparing for the future, similar to the prioritization seen in Proverbs 24:27. Luke 14:28-30Jesus speaks about counting the cost before building a tower, emphasizing the importance of planning and preparation, which aligns with the message of Proverbs 24:27. 1 Timothy 5:8This verse highlights the responsibility to provide for one's family, which can be connected to the idea of preparing one's field before building a house. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Afterwards, Build, Building, Built, Field, Fields, Fit, Hast, Order, Outdoor, Out-place, Outside, Prepare, Ready, ThyselfDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 24:27 5340 house
5922 prudence Library The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 24:27 NIVProverbs 24:27 NLTProverbs 24:27 ESVProverbs 24:27 NASBProverbs 24:27 KJV
Proverbs 24:27 Commentaries
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