Proverbs 27 in the early church

87 passages quote, allude to, or echo Proverbs 27, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21 · 22 · 23 · 25 · 26 · 27

Proverbs 27:1

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:1Commentary on John 32.258 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Prov 27:1Homilies on Ezekiel 6.10 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Prov 27:1Homilies on Leviticus 7.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 27:1Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 80 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Prov 27:1Commentary on Matthew 16.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 246–248
Prov 27:1Oration 16.3 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 27:1Homilies 6.2 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 27:1Homilies 13.1 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 27:1Apostolic Constitutions 6.15.6 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 27:1On the Lord's Prayer 1175 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 380–394
Prov 27:1Sermon 352.9 · Augustine of Hippoecho, low confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 27:1Tractates 13 · Gaudentius of Bresciaallusion, medium confidenceca. 397-410
Prov 27:1Against the Letter of Parmenian 3.2 · Augustine of Hippoecho, low confidenceca. 400
Prov 27:1Tractates on the Gospel of John 33.7 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 406–420
Prov 27:1Sermon 10 · Peter Chrysologusquotation, high confidenceca. 425-450
Prov 27:1On Rebuke and Grace 15 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 427

Proverbs 27:2

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:2Sentences of Sextus 286 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidence2nd-early 3rd cent.
Prov 27:2Commentary on Romans 10.6 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Prov 27:2Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:1 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 366–384
Prov 27:2On the Duties of the Clergy 2.24 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386–390
Prov 27:2Exposition of Psalm 118 16.10.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 27:2Letter 200.1 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 27:2Tractates on the Gospel of John 36.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 406–420
Prov 27:2Tractates on the Gospel of John 58.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 406–420
Prov 27:2On Marriage and Concupiscence 0.1 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 419–421

Proverbs 27:3

A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:3–4Apology against Rufinus 3.43 · Jeromequotation, medium confidenceca. 401–402

Proverbs 27:4

Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:4Fragments on Proverbs, column 173 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 27:4The Conferences 18.16 · John Cassianquotation, medium confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 27:6

The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:6Letter 116.31 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 27:6Second Apology of David 44 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
Prov 27:6On the Duties of the Clergy 1.34 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Prov 27:6On the Duties of the Clergy 2.10 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Prov 27:6On the Duties of the Clergy 3.22 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390
Prov 27:6Exposition of Psalm 118 5.16.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 27:6Exposition of Psalm 118 15.39.4 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 27:6Exposition of Psalm 118 22.20.4 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 27:6Letter 82.31 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 27:6Letter 93.4 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Prov 27:6Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.17.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 27:6Homily 13 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 27:6Sermon 266.8 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 27:6Sermon 391.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 27:6Letters 18.8 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 27:6Letters 24.16 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 27:6Against the Letter of Parmenian 2.22 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 400
Prov 27:6Homilies on the First Epistle of John 10.7 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidenceca. 407

Proverbs 27:7

The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:7Fragments on Proverbs, column 237 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 27:7The Conferences 12.5 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Prov 27:7The Conferences 14.13 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 27:8

Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:8Fragments on Proverbs, column 237 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 27:9

Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:9Fragments on Proverbs, column 239 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 27:10

Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:10Miscellanies 1.19.95 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 27:10Fragments on Proverbs, column 239 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 27:10Homily on the Song of Songs 2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–250
Prov 27:10On the Duties of the Clergy 1.34 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386–390

Proverbs 27:11

Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:11On Tobit 77 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Prov 27:11Liber Orsiesii 54 · Orsiesiusquotation, high confidenceca. 380-390

Proverbs 27:12

The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:12On Tobit 77 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390

Proverbs 27:13

Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:13On Tobit 76 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Prov 27:13On Tobit 77 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 380-390
Prov 27:13On the Complaints of Job and David 2.5 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 383-390

Proverbs 27:14

If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:14The Instructor 3.11.82 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200

Proverbs 27:15

A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:15Exposition of Psalm 118 4.16.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 27:15Homily 4 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 27:15Against Jovinianus 1.28 · Jeromequotation, high confidence393
Prov 27:15The Conferences 6.17 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Proverbs 27:16

restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:16On Proverbs, fragment 9 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 27:16Homily 10 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 27:16Commentary on Jeremiah 1.8 · Jeromequotation, medium confidenceca. 414-419
Prov 27:16Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 2 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, medium confidenceca. 420-430
Prov 27:16Sermon 20 · Peter Chrysologusquotation, medium confidenceca. 425-450

Proverbs 27:18

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:18Fragments on Proverbs, column 239 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 27:18On Paradise 64 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 375-378

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:19Homilies on Numbers 2.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 27:19Against Celsus 6.45 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 248

Proverbs 27:20

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:20On the Singleness of Clerics 28 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 27:20Homilies 7.4 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 27:20Letter 100.15 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 27:20Letter 211.10 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidenceca. 386–430

Proverbs 27:21

A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:21Confessions 10.60 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 397–401

Proverbs 27:22

Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:22On Proverbs, fragment 27 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 27:22Fragments on Proverbs, column 239 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 27:23

Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:23Miscellanies 1.19.95 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 27:23Oration 2.33 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383

Proverbs 27:25

When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:25Miscellanies 1.19.95 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203

Proverbs 27:26

the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:26Miscellanies 1.19.95 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203

Proverbs 27:27

You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you—food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 27:27Fragments on Proverbs, column 239 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254