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Genesis 31:38-40
This twenty yearshave Ibeen with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten…

Genesis 33:13
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the childrenare tender, and the flocks and herds with youngare with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

1 Samuel 17:28
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.

look well or set thy heart

Proverbs 24:32
Then I saw,and consideredit well: I looked uponit, and received instruction.

Exodus 7:23
And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.

Deuteronomy 32:46
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

and pay close attention to your herds;
This part of the verse underscores the need for careful oversight and management. In the historical context, herds included cattle and other livestock, which were vital for agricultural societies. The phrase suggests a proactive approach to leadership and management, ensuring that resources are not only maintained but also thrive. This aligns with the wisdom literature's broader theme of prudence and foresight, as seen inProverbs 6:6-8, which advises learning from the ant's diligence. The call to "pay close attention" can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance, as believers are urged to watch over their spiritual lives and communities (1 Peter 5:8). This reflects the biblical call to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.

Solomon opens with a clear, practical command. He is speaking to people who literally lived by the health of their animals, yet the principle reaches far beyond sheep and goats.

• Know means more than a passing glance. It is intentional, regular assessment. When David shepherded for his father, he “went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem” (1 Samuel 17:15); he never assumed the flock was fine—he checked.

• God models this careful oversight. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know My own and My own know Me” (John 10:14). His intimate knowledge of every believer sets the standard for our stewardship of any trust He gives.

• In family life, parents are told to “manage their own household well” (1 Timothy 3:5). That requires real-time awareness, not distant guesswork.

• In ministry, elders are charged to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them” (1 Peter 5:2). The verb “watching” mirrors Solomon’s call to know the flock’s condition.

• Even our vocations carry this demand: “Prepare your work outside; get your fields ready” (Proverbs 24:27). Planning assumes we have first gathered accurate information.

Takeaway: Whatever God has placed under your care—children, finances, employees, a ministry team—learn its true condition. Truthful assessment is the first act of faithfulness.

Knowing is step one; the verse pushes further to sustained, hands-on diligence.

• “Pay close attention” speaks of ongoing vigilance. Jacob described decades of guarding Laban’s herds, facing heat, frost, and sleepless nights (Genesis 31:38-40). Faithful stewardship is rarely glamorous; it is persistent.

• Proverbs immediately explains why: “for riches are not forever” (27:24). Assets—whether livestock in ancient Israel or a modern portfolio—can vanish. Careful oversight guards against loss and positions us to bless others when lean times come (Proverbs 27:25-27).

• Jesus commends such diligence inLuke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” Attention to today’s “herds” proves readiness for greater responsibilities tomorrow.

• Paul echoes this inActs 20:28, urging overseers, “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock.” Leadership—spiritual or otherwise—requires eyes open to dangers, needs, and opportunities.

• Our work ethic reflects our witness: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Close attention is an act of worship, acknowledging that every resource ultimately belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1).

Practical steps:

– Schedule regular reviews—of budgets, family goals, ministry health.

– Keep simple records; clarity prevents drift.

– Respond quickly to warning signs: relational tension, spiritual dryness, financial red flags.

– Celebrate progress; joy fuels perseverance.

Proverbs 27:23 calls believers to informed, watchful stewardship. First, know the true condition of what God has entrusted to you; second, maintain steady, caring oversight. This pattern mirrors the Lord’s own shepherd-heart and equips us to honor Him in every sphere of life, from household to workplace to church.