Proverbs — Chapter 27

Ne glorieris in crastinum, ignorans quid paritura sit dies

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Lapide: A fundamental principle of Christian prudence — the uncertainty of the future as a motive for humility, sobriety, and present diligence. \"Ne glorieris in crastinum\" = do not presume on tomorrow — do not plan sin for tomorrow, do not delay repentance to tomorrow, do not trust in future opportunities to do good that you are neglecting today. Lapide: James 4:13-15 develops this theme: \"You do not know what tomorrow will bring.\" Death may come, circumstances may change — seize the present moment for virtue and repentance.

Meliora sunt vulnera diligentis, quam fraudulenta oscula odientis

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Lapide: The paradox of true friendship: a friend who corrects and wounds (by honest reproof) is more beneficial than an enemy who flatters with false kisses. \"Vulnera diligentis\" = the painful corrections of a loving friend — these are called \"wounds\" because reproof hurts, but they heal. \"Oscula odientis\" = the deceitful kisses of an enemy who flatters to disarm and deceive — like Joab's kiss before murdering Amasa (2 Sam. 20:9), and supremely Judas's kiss in the garden. Lapide: We should welcome honest friends who correct us and beware of flatterers.

Ferrum ferro acuitur, et homo exacuitur a facie amici sui

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Lapide: The mutual benefit of virtuous friendship and intellectual collaboration. \"Ferrum ferro acuitur\" = as iron is sharpened by iron (friction produces the edge), so men are sharpened — made keener in mind and virtue — by interaction with other men. Lapide: This is the theology of fraternal correction and intellectual debate. Genuine friendship and genuine scholarly or theological dialogue produces mutual growth in wisdom and virtue. Isolation produces dullness and stagnation; community produces excellence.