King James Version

What Does Proverbs 27:23 Mean?

Proverbs 27:23 in the King James Version says “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. look: Heb. set thy heart” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. look: Heb. set thy heart”

Proverbs 27:23 · KJV

Context

21

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.

22

Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.

23

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. look: Heb. set thy heart

24

For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? riches: Heb. strength to: Heb. to generation and generation?

25

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

Read Proverbs 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks (יָדֹעַ תֵּדַע פְּנֵי צֹאנֶךָ, yado'a teda penei tzonekha)—the emphatic doubling of יָדַע (yada, 'to know') creates an intensive imperative: 'knowing, know!' This is intimate, experiential knowledge, not mere information. The פָּנִים (panim, 'face') of the flock suggests personal attention to each animal's condition.

And look well to thy herds (שִׁית לִבְּךָ לַעֲדָרִים, shit libekha la'adarim)—literally 'set your heart to the herds.' The לֵב (lev, 'heart') again emphasizes not casual observation but devoted attention. This begins a five-verse unit (23-27) on stewardship and providence, teaching that faithful management of God's gifts secures lasting provision. Jesus's parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) extends this principle to all divine entrustments.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel's pastoral economy, wealth consisted primarily in livestock. Unlike modern absentee ownership, biblical shepherding required personal, daily involvement. David's faithfulness as a shepherd prepared him for kingship (1 Samuel 17:34-37). The imagery would resonate deeply in an agrarian society where negligent stewardship meant ruin.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'flocks' has God entrusted to your stewardship—family, ministry, work, resources?
  2. Are you giving personal, attentive care to what God has given you, or merely managing from a distance?
  3. How does faithful stewardship of earthly resources prepare you for eternal responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
תֵּ֭דַע1 of 7

“Be thou diligent”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

תֵּ֭דַע2 of 7

“Be thou diligent”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

פְּנֵ֣י3 of 7

“the state”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

צֹאנֶ֑ךָ4 of 7

“of thy flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

שִׁ֥ית5 of 7

“and look”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לִ֝בְּךָ֗6 of 7

“well”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לַעֲדָרִֽים׃7 of 7

“to thy herds”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 27:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 27:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:2John 21:15-17Genesis 33:132 Chronicles 26:10Proverbs 24:32Ezekiel 34:31

Test Your Knowledge

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