Proverbs 27:11–13

Warning against Self-Praise and Presumption.

WISDOM AND HUMILITY GO HAND IN HAND. — V. 11. My son, be wise and make my heart glad, the inspired author again addressing all his readers in the tone of fatherly admonition, that I may answer him that reproacheth me, since the wise behavior of a pupil will enable the teacher to stop the reviling of an enemy who would mock at his teaching.

V. 12. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, he is able to judge the signs of the times, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on and are punished, they come to harm because they take no steps to avoid it. Compare chap. 22, 3.

V. 13. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, foolishly pledging himself, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman, rather, “on account of strange things.” Compare chap. 20, 16.