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

PROVERBS 27:23KJV
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Proverbs 27:23 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 27:23 mean?

Proverbs 27:23 urges the reader to pay careful and ongoing attention to the condition of their flocks and herds, highlighting the importance of responsible oversight and awareness in managing what has been entrusted to them. The verse uses the image of shepherding to encourage diligence and thoughtful care in practical affairs.

In the book of Proverbs, these words are presented as wise instruction, likely from a teacher or parent to a younger person learning about life and responsibility. The setting is agricultural, where wealth and survival often depended on the health of one’s animals. The verse emphasizes not just a one-time check, but a steady, intentional effort to know and look after what one is responsible for.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 27:23

  • "diligent" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word, often translated "to know," carries the sense of gaining knowledge through careful observation or experience. Here, it stresses an active, ongoing attentiveness, not just casual awareness.
  • "state" (פָּנִים, panim): Literally meaning "face" or "presence," this word is used here to refer to the condition or situation of the flocks. It suggests looking beneath the surface to truly understand what is going on.
  • "look" (שִׁית, shith): This verb means "to set" or "to place," but in this context, it is often understood as "paying attention" or "directing your mind toward." It highlights the idea of intentional focus.
  • "well" (לֵב, lev): This word means "heart" and is used here to emphasize not just outward attention, but genuine concern and care from within.

Why Proverbs 27:23 matters

  • Proverbs 27:23 corrects the idea that things will take care of themselves; it highlights the need for active, personal involvement in what we are responsible for.
  • The verse shows that wisdom in Proverbs is practical and grounded in everyday life, not just abstract ideas.
  • By focusing on the heart (lev) and true understanding (yada‘), the verse connects outward diligence with inward care, showing that responsible management is both a practical and a personal matter.

Where else these words appear

“herds” Hebrew H5739 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 29:2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
  • Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

“look” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 88:6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.