Text: Proverbs 27:23-27 (ESV)

23 Know well the condition of your flocks,

and give attention to your herds,

24 for riches do not last forever;

and does a crown endure to all generations?

25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears

and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,

26 the lambs will provide your clothing,

and the goats the price of a field.

27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,

for the food of your household

and maintenance for your girls.

GIVING OUR FULL ATTENTION

Diligence is of primary importance to a rancher. It is extremely important for a rancher to know well the condition of his livestock, is it not? He should care for them diligently. A lazy and careless rancher will hurt not only the livestock but his economy as well. What applies to the rancher’s care towards his livestock applies to anyone who is responsible for a business or an institution as well. Idleness will surely cause a business and institution to fail.

This sentiment can also be applied to stewardship of one's personal finances. Inattention or ignorance of the condition of one's finances can lead to negative outcomes. This is equally true when related to management over or responsibility of the money and properties of others. Knowing the condition of one's flocks, or the flocks of others, shows proactive steps to monitor their well-being.

An example is a church pastor or elder. He needs to know the condition of his flock and care for the sheep, which are God's people. Paul was emphatic to say to the elders at Ephesus, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”[Acts 20:28 ]

Let us recall how Jesus had commissioned the apostle Peter to feed Jesus' lambs, tend His sheep, and feed His sheep (John 21:15 –17). Later, Peter charged the elders among the scattered Jewish believers to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2–3).

The following verses (v.24–27) reinforce the idea of knowing the condition of one's flocks and giving attention to one's herds.

“for riches do not last forever;

and does a crown endure to all generations?

25 When the grass is gone and the new growth appears

and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,

26 the lambs will provide your clothing,

and the goats the price of a field.

27 There will be enough goats' milk for your food,

for the food of your household

and maintenance for your girls.”

Diligent planning and effort today is more likely to result in good outcomes tomorrow. This is a reminder also to parents. If we don’t diligently guide our children, their life’s destiny is at stake. Let’s be faithful in rearing our children in the fear of God.[Prov 22:6, Eph 6:2-4]

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