Many of the analogies in this pericope deal with virtues and vices that are characteristic of the wise and the foolish.
27:7 The point of this proverb seems to be that the quantity of a person's material possessions affects his attitude toward them.
"Hunger is the best sauce."190
Those who have much do not appreciate some things, even some things that are valuable. On the other hand a person with little tends to appreciate even the comparatively insignificant items he receives or owns. For example, a person who receives much praise may find it nauseating, but someone who gets very little praise may savor what little he gets.191
27:10 The first statement makes the point of the proverb: friends are important allies that we should retain if possible (v. 10a). The second needs some additional clarification. The thought seems to be, "Do not go all the way to your blood brother's house in a crisis if he lives far from you."The third statement gives the reason for the second. A friend at hand who is not a blood relative can be of more help than a close relation who lives farther away. A friend at hand should be more desirable than a brother who lives miles away.
27:13 See 20:16. The point of these parables is the same. We should hold people to their obligations.
27:19 If you want to see what your face looks like, look in a placid pool of water. If you want to see what a man is really like, look in his heart. That is, find out what he loves and values and you will know what kind of person he is. One's thoughts reflect his or her true character. Jesus taught that what a person says reveals what is in his or her heart (Matt. 12:34).
27:23 As the family manager, a man needs to know what he has and what condition his possessions are in to lead wisely. Moreover he needs to care for what he has to preserve his livelihood. Verses 24-27 go on to advocate preserving one's income poetically.
