Old Testament
Proverbs 27:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsible in managing one's resources, particularly in agricultural contexts.
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Be diligent in knowing the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds.
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of being attentive and responsible in managing one's resources, particularly in agricultural contexts. Knowing the condition of your flocks and herds means being aware of their health, productivity, and needs. It suggests that diligence and care are essential for success and prosperity. In a broader sense, this principle applies to all areas of life, including personal relationships, finances, and work. By being proactive and observant, one can prevent problems and ensure that everything is functioning well. This verse encourages individuals to take an active role in understanding and nurturing what they are responsible for, rather than being passive or neglectful. It highlights the value of hard work and vigilance in achieving good outcomes. Explore related perseverance.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Proverbs 27:23 to your life
To apply this verse, regularly assess the areas of your life that require attention, such as your finances, relationships, or work projects. Make a habit of checking in on these aspects to ensure they are healthy and thriving. This proactive approach can lead to better outcomes and prevent future issues.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 27:23 teach about responsibility?
Proverbs 27:23 emphasizes the importance of being responsible and attentive in managing your resources. It encourages individuals to be diligent in understanding the condition of their flocks and herds, which symbolizes any area of life that requires care and oversight. This principle highlights that success and prosperity come from being proactive and engaged in the management of one's responsibilities.
How can I apply Proverbs 27:23 in my daily life?
To apply Proverbs 27:23, regularly evaluate the key areas of your life, such as your finances, relationships, and work projects. Set aside time to check in on these aspects, ensuring they are healthy and functioning well. This proactive approach helps you identify potential issues early and fosters a sense of responsibility and care, leading to better outcomes.
Why is awareness important according to Proverbs 27:23?
Awareness is crucial according to Proverbs 27:23 because it allows you to stay informed about the condition of your responsibilities. By being aware, you can make informed decisions, take timely actions, and prevent potential problems. This verse teaches that neglecting to pay attention can lead to deterioration in various areas of life, while vigilance and care can lead to prosperity.
What are the broader themes of Proverbs 27:23?
The broader themes of Proverbs 27:23 include diligence, responsibility, awareness, management, care, and prosperity. These themes highlight the importance of being proactive and engaged in all areas of life, encouraging individuals to take an active role in nurturing their responsibilities to achieve positive outcomes.

The Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 1: The Beginning of Knowledge
These are the proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. They are given to know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, and to receive instruction in wise behavior, justice, judgment, and fairness. They are written to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. A wise person hears and increases learning, and a person of understanding gains wise counsel. The fear of the LORD is stated as the beginning of knowledge, while fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Unlock the full Proverbs summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Proverbs — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Proverbs summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.