Explanation: Proverbs 27 contains comparisons and contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. Many of these are concerned with interpersonal relationships, particularly friendship. Verse 9 compares friendship to the rich aroma of anointing oil. Symbolizing this, today's painting depicts two anointings (plus a distribution to the poor). The title link above gives details.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 25. Proverbs 26. Proverbs 27. Proverbs 28. Proverbs 29. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Proverbs 27. Book of Proverbs. ]

     The subjects of chapter 27 are these: You should not boast about tomorrow, because you do not know what a day may bring forth (1). Let another man, even a stranger, praise you; but do not praise yourself (2). A stone is heavy, and the sand is weighty, but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both (3). Wrath is cruel; anger is outrageous; but who can stand before envy? (4). Open rebuke is better than secret love (5). The wounds of a friend are faithful; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful (6). The full soul loathes the honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet (7). As a bird that wanders form its nest, so is a man who wanders from his place (8). Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; likewise, the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel (9). In the day of calamity do not forsake your friend or your father's friend; and do not go to your brother, for better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far off (10). Be wise, and you will make glad the heart of your father, and he will have an answer for the one who reproaches him (11). A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished (12). Take the garment of a man who has put up security for a stranger, and hold it as a pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress (13). Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, early in the morning, will be like one who makes a curse (14). A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. To try to restrain her is to try to restrain the wind or to restrain the self-disclosing odor of the anointing oil with your right hand (15-16). Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (17). The one who keeps a fig tree shall eat of its fruit; likewise the one who waits on his master shall be honored (18). As in water, face answers to face, so the heart of man answers to man (19). Hell and destruction are never full; and the eyes of man are never satisfied (20). As a crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, so is a man to his praise -- that is, he tests his own praiseworthiness -- burning away his dross, disclosing his worth. But it is not so with a fool: though you should pound a fool in a mortar among the wheat with a pestle, yet his foolishness will not depart from him (23-22). Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and herds, because riches are not forever, nor does the crown (the hereditary kingship) endure to every generation. If you tend to these things, then, when the greenness appears and new grass shows itself, and the harvest of the mountains is gathered, then the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats will provide the price for your field. There will be enough goat's milk for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your young women (23-27).