What does Proverbs 27:27 mean?

This concludes a short passage which teaches the importance of good stewardship (Proverbs 27:23–26). The person who diligently cares for their resources—depicted here using livestock—has a much better chance of success than the one who is lazy or irresponsible. Solomon emphasizes this further using the imagery of all the benefits livestock provide.

In this verse, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) also alludes to the need to care for one's family. This is the responsibility of the head of a household. Generally speaking, when he tends to his work and resources well, he is able to provide for the needs of the members of his household. Paul indicated that a man who does not take care of his loved ones "has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8). Paul practiced what he preached. When Paul and his coworkers ministered in Thessalonica, they were not idle. He testifies: "with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you" (2 Thessalonians 3:8).