This chapter seems largely focused upon relationships, wealth, poverty and the acquisition of wisdom and knowledge.
There are four passages which stand out from the rest and for different reasons.
Verse 7 is perhaps the most complex proverb in the entire book, at least in terms of structure. Out of 375 proverbs, all but this one are two line proverbs – this one consists of three lines. At least in the original Hebrew. When it was translated into the Greek Septuagint they somehow managed to convert the same thought into a 3 two line proverb. In the end, we sided with a translation which largely agrees with the NIV.
Verse 11 says good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. It would be hard indeed to receive more solid life advice!
Verse 19 which talks about men who cannot control their wrath and that punishment is not far off. The second line however, offers piece of advice which is almost satirical in delivery in that it says, “if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again! – sage advice!
Finally is verse 22 which almost seems as if Solomon is pulling back the cover on a truth that once it is read seems so obvious, but which I think rarely occurs to us – “What is desire in man is steadfast love (or faithfulness)…”
In all, this chapter seems almost lack luster if read through without real attention, but there are gems which are buried in plain sight.
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