Proverbs 27:2

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהַלֶּלְךָ֣

H1984

man praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

זָ֣ר

H2114

Let another

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

פִ֑יךָ

H6310

thee and not thine own mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

נָ֝כְרִ֗י

H5237

a stranger

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

שְׂפָתֶֽיךָ׃

H8193

and not thine own lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Proverbs Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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Topics

Wisdom