How to Thrive in 2025: The Hands of Men and the Hand of God (Proverbs 27:23–27)
The wisdom of God’s Word encourages us to prosper on earth but not as an end unto itself. This world and its goods are passing away, but we are to be faithful with what we have until we win our heavenly rest. Our eyes will see Christ, and our true treasure in heaven will finally be ours. Until then, we do what we can for our welfare and for others as God provides.
Thoughts like these are found in Proverbs 27:23–27, a passage that instructs us how to think and plan for a new year. Its main idea is something like, “Take care of your business, and it will take care of you.” But take note—in addition to the clarifications above, this passage is proverbial and not a promise, as God’s providence sometimes brings surprises to our lives. Nonetheless, its wisdom should still be heeded.
Our passage’s author, Solomon, knew a great deal about earthly success. Granted, when God asked what he wanted, he was given wisdom by God and then riches and honor as a bonus (1 Kings 3). At the same time, he did ask for wisdom and thus managed Israel well and knew wealth like no other king. Scripture summarizes: “King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom” (1 Kings 10:23). As for his people, “Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy” (1 Kings 4:20).
Though this passage is largely agrarian and pastoral (in the classic sense of the word—minding livestock), its principles apparently applied to the crown (Proverbs 27:24). From one king to the next (cf. Proverbs 1:1; 25:1), this passage instructed the officers of the land (cf. Proverbs 1:8; 25:1). It is also Scripture for us today (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16–17), whatever size our household may be.
For all of this introduction, the passage is relatively simple to understand. Giving headings to each section of verses, we could say first of all…
The Lord requires us to be faithful in the things of life (27:23–24).
Our passage begins with parallel commands to “know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds” (Prov 27:23). Solomon’s wealth extended to cattle (cf. 1 Kings 4:22–23, 26; 8:5; 9:62; 10:22, 25–26), much like Jacob, whose herding heeded these commands (cf. Gen 31:38–42). In principle, whatever the Lord has put in our care, “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Cor 4:2).
A word of caution follows our two commands, explaining why we should be attentive to one’s affairs. In the first line, “riches do not last forever,” and a rhetorical no answers the parallel question, “Does a crown endure to all generations?” (Prov 27:24). Though God had promised David a descendant on his throne forever, the kings were still to maintain what God had put in their charge. Or perhaps Solomon knew that his own, singular crown would be given to another at his death, so his instruction could be understood as maintaining the kingdom’s resources from one generation to the next. Either way, in a less-than-perfect world, nothing lasts forever. We must work to maintain what we have and, as God is gracious, increase it all the more.
This brings us to our next section of verses, giving us positive motivation to be good stewards of what we have…
The Lord desires us to be fruitful in the things of life (27:25–27).
Elaborating on the scene in Proverbs 27:23–24, we go from “when the grass is gone” to when “the new growth appears” to the time when “the vegetation of the mountains is gathered” (Prov 27:25). Implied is that workers harvest grass and hay to feed the livestock, or even that the livestock are brought to the fields. This hard, consistent work pays off. For daily needs, “the lambs will provide your clothing,” and, planning for the future, “the goats [will provide] the price of a field” (Prov 27:26). Moreover, “There will be enough goat’s milk for your food… your household and maintenance for your girls” (Prov 27:27). This formidable, industrious household provides for its own and even its workers. Its rulers are generous to those in their care, and they hoard no stores for their sole enjoyment (cf. Luke 12:13–21).
Assumed in the context of the OT as a whole is the regular sacrifices and offerings by the king to God, benefitting the temple and its priests. Considering this final note, God apparently desires to bless the faithful steward with fruitfulness for His own worship, for the care of the steward, and for those in the steward’s care. The Lord uses His people similarly to provide for His church today. Generally speaking (again, these are proverbs for us today), God desires to bless our faithfulness with fruitfulness to care for ourselves, for others, and His church. Fruit may not always be in dollars and things, but a faithful life is generally a happy one as one does all things “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him” (Col 3:17).
Final Thoughts
We could apply this passage in a myriad of ways. What has the Lord given you? Property? Possessions? People in your care? What are your short and long-term objectives for your welfare and for others? And, as good as these things may be, and whatever you have in life, do you hold these things with a loose hand, ready to share, knowing that we might just forget them all when we see our Savior’s face? Not only that, but He will have greater work for us to do. We will one day be “servants” in the New Creation who somehow work together to “bring… glory and honor” to the Throne in the New Jerusalem as we worship our King forever (Rev 21:26; 22:3).
So, take what God has given you, and make the most of what you have—for Him, for yourself, and for others. May He bless your faithfulness with fruitfulness as you live for Him in 2025. As John prayed for Gaius, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you” (3 John 2), both now and in time to come.
Happy New Year!
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David Huffstutler is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. He blogs here, where this article first appeared. It is republished here by permission.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay