Proverbs 27:2

Let another ¹  praise you, and not your own mouth; ²  someone else, ³  and not your own lips.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Don’t praise yourself; let others do it!

Don't call attention to yourself; let others do that for you.

Let another man give you praise, and not your mouth; one who is strange to you, and not your lips.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Let another ¹  praise you, and not your own mouth; ²  someone else, ³  and not your own lips.

¹ tn Heb “a stranger.” This does not necessarily refer to a non-Israelite, as has been demonstrated before in the book of Proverbs, but these are people outside the familiar and accepted circles. The point is that such a person would be objective in speaking about your abilities and accomplishments.

² sn “Mouth” and “lips” are metonymies of cause; they mean “what is said.” People should try to avoid praising themselves. Self praise can easily become a form of pride, even if it begins with trivial things. It does not establish a reputation; reputation comes from what others think about you.

³ tn “a foreigner”; KJV, ASV, NASB, NRSV “a stranger.”