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27 Do not boast[a] about tomorrow;[b]
for you do not know[c] what a day may bring forth.
Let another[d] praise you, and not your own mouth;[e]
someone else,[f] and not your own lips.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 27:1 tn The form אַל־תִּתְהַלֵּל (ʾal tithallel) is the Hitpael jussive negated; it is from the common verb “to praise,” and so in this setting means “to praise oneself” or “to boast.” sn The verse rules out one’s overconfident sense of ability to control the future. No one can presume on the future.
  2. Proverbs 27:1 sn The word “tomorrow” is a metonymy of subject, meaning what will be done tomorrow, or in the future in general.
  3. Proverbs 27:1 sn The expression “you do not know” balances the presumption of the first line, reminding the disciple of his ignorance and therefore his need for humility (e.g., Matt 6:34; Luke 12:20; Jas 4:13-16).
  4. Proverbs 27:2 tn Heb “a stranger.” This does not necessarily refer to a non-Israelite, as has been demonstrated before in the book of Proverbs, but these are people outside the familiar and accepted circles. The point is that such a person would be objective in speaking about your abilities and accomplishments.
  5. Proverbs 27:2 sn “Mouth” and “lips” are metonymies of cause; they mean “what is said.” People should try to avoid praising themselves. Self praise can easily become a form of pride, even if it begins with trivial things. It does not establish a reputation; reputation comes from what others think about you.
  6. Proverbs 27:2 tn “a foreigner”; KJV, ASV, NASB, NRSV “a stranger.”

27 Don’t boast about tomorrow,
for you don’t know what a day might bring.(A)

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

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