Questions tagged [proverbs]
The book of Proverbs, one of the wisdom books of the Tanakh (Hebrew bible). Many of the short sayings are attributed to Solomon.
89
questions
1
vote
2answers
29 views
What does Proverbs 23:10 mean regarding the prohibited entry in “Fields of Orphans”?
In the Ivri (עִבְרִי) / Hebrew (ἑβραιου) text of Proverbs 23:10, we find a strange warning.
Proverbs 23:10 [MT
"Do not remove an ancient boundary, and do not enter the fields of the orphans" ...
2
votes
2answers
359 views
Regarding Proverbs 15:3 - How many Eyes (עֵינֵ֣י) does God have?
The Hebrew Bible claims "the Eyes of YHVH" (עֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה) are everywhere, in the scroll of "Mishlei" (Proverbs) - chapter 15 verse 3.
Proverbs 15:3 [MT]
"The eyes of YHVH are ...
3
votes
1answer
45 views
What is the proper understanding of the phrase מִפְעָלָיו מֵאָֽז, “works of old” in Proverbs?
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
(Proverbs 8:22 KJV)
יְֽהוָה קָנָנִי רֵאשִׁית דַּרְכֹּו קֶדֶם מִפְעָלָיו מֵאָֽז
It is common to understand "works of ...
2
votes
1answer
37 views
Does Proverbs 8:12-31 reveal female Understanding (בִ֜ינָ֗ה) to be the source of God's constructive power?
In Proverbs 8:12-14, we find out that Wisdom (Chokmah, חכמה) is heard in a female voice called Understanding (Vinah, בִ֜ינָ֗ה).
Proverbs 8:22 [MT] "YHVH acquired me at the beginning of His way, ...
0
votes
0answers
35 views
Why are the translations of Proverbs 13:8 by NIV and Aramaic Bible in Plain English so different?
Proverbs 13:8 New International Version
A person's riches may ransom their life, but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English
The salvation of a man's soul is ...
2
votes
2answers
112 views
In light of Proverbs 24:17 , how would we go about justifying or reasoning Psalm 54:5-7 claim of being satisfied with enemies' destruction?
Proverbs 24:17 (NASB) Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not
let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Proverbs 24:17 (KJV) Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not
thine heart be ...
2
votes
0answers
54 views
The relationship between wisdom and light
I am trying to understand the relationship between wisdom and light better (as well as logos and "the way"). I am mostly focused around exegesis of the Gospel of John. Jesus is the logos, ...
0
votes
1answer
73 views
What is the literal translation of Proverbs 14:20?
φίλοι μισήσουσιν φίλους πτωχούς φίλοι δὲ πλουσίων πολλοί
phíloi misḗsousin phílous ptōkhoús phíloi dè plousíōn polloí.
people hate people poor people not rich many
"The poor is disliked ...
2
votes
1answer
34 views
Does the LXX translate חוללתי as γεννάω to create an allusion to Genesis 4?
In various places Proverbs personifies Wisdom as a woman. In one she deviates from teaching to speak about herself. She starts by announcing her "קָנָה" at the beginning:
22 “The Lord possessed me ...
0
votes
3answers
237 views
Is the beginning of creation at Revelation 3:14 the same as at Proverbs 8:22?
Is the beginning of creation at Revelation 3:14 the same as at Proverbs 8:22?
What is the 'beginning of creation?'
Is it when :
God first spoke and created the heavens and the earth
God breathed life ...
-4
votes
1answer
99 views
Since the LXX says Wisdom was created at Proverbs 8:22 but begotten at 8:25, does this disprove “begotten not made?”
At Proverbs 8:22 in the LXX the speaker is created with the Greek κτίζω but in verse 25 he is begotten with γεννά με. This speaks of the same event. According to advanced Hebrew lexicons like BDB ...
0
votes
1answer
138 views
He who troubles his own house will inherit wind,Proverbs 11:29
Proverbs 11:29 (NASB)
29 He who troubles his own house will inherit wind, And the foolish
will be servant to the wisehearted.
What do the two expressions mean?
0
votes
1answer
155 views
In Proverbs 17:19, what does “makes his door high” mean?
Proverbs 17:19
Whoever loves transgression loves strife;
he who makes his door high seeks destruction.
What does it mean to make your door high? Keep people out?
15
votes
4answers
2k views
Answer not a fool, or answer a fool?
Proverbs 26:4 (KJV) says,
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
The very next verse, verse 5, says,
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise ...
2
votes
0answers
40 views
Why does the LXX occcassionally have “fear God” instead of “fear the Lord” in Proverbs?
The fear of the LORD (YHVH) is found throughout Proverbs. In the KJV, the exact phrase occurs 14 times; twice it is feareth the LORD; once fear the LORD and once fear thou the LORD.
What I find ...
2
votes
2answers
90 views
Where does the second part of the proverb 2 Peter 2:22 come from?
"But it happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." 2 Peter 2:22 (KJV)
The part about the ...
2
votes
1answer
238 views
In Proverbs 14:34, is sin a disgrace to a people, or is mercy a sin-offering?
The standard translation of Proverbs 14:34 is along the lines of (ESV, for example) the following:
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
But Young's Literal ...
1
vote
1answer
78 views
Is John 17:22 an allusion to Genesis 2:24?
[John 17:21-23 KJV]
(21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (22) And the glory ...
2
votes
2answers
54 views
“Get out of the trap like a bird or a deer escaping from a hunter.”
Proverbs 6:1-5 speaks to a son that has become responsible for the debt of another person. It tells him (in verse 3) to hurry up to the debtor and beg him for release. But then in verse 5 it says (GNT)...
0
votes
1answer
140 views
Proverbs 1:9 What is a 'torque'?
In Proverbs 1:8-9, it is stated:
[8] Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and reject not your mother's teaching; [9] A graceful diadem will they be for your head; a torque for your neck.
But ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
What are the 7 abominations in Proverbs 26:25?
Proverbs 26:25
do not trust such a person's pretty speeches, since in the heart lurk
seven abominations.
What are these 7 abominations?
Are these same as,
Proverbs 6:16
There are six things ...
3
votes
6answers
1k views
Who is he and what is the name of his son? Proverbs 30:4
“Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what ...
0
votes
1answer
392 views
How to understand Proverbs 6:16-19 in light of Psalm 51:5 and 58:3
In Proverbs 6, the writer lists 7 things that God hates.
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent ...
3
votes
1answer
63 views
What are the 30 chapters in Proverbs 22:20?
Proverbs 22:20
Have I not written for you thirty chapters of advice and knowledge...
What are these 30 chapters?
Who wrote these to whom?
Have these chapters ever found?
2
votes
2answers
992 views
What is the difference between 'way' and 'path' in Proverbs 3:6?
Proverbs 3:6 (NASB)
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
What is the difference between a "way" and a "path"?
More specifically, what is the ...
2
votes
5answers
449 views
Is John 1:1-3 an allusion to Proverbs 8:22-31 LXX?
The idea of the LOGOS being with God and active in creation always seemed to me to be alluding to Genesis 1 where God creates the world by speaking, "Let there be..." and I think that's ...
0
votes
1answer
241 views
How does sin trap someone and hold them captive (Proverbs 5:22-23)?
How does sin entrap someone and hold them captive? See Proverbs 5:21-23:
[Pro 5:22-23 CSB] 22 A wicked man's iniquities will trap him; he will become tangled in the ropes of his own sin. 23 He ...
7
votes
4answers
626 views
Is it good to “turn a slave into a son” in Proverbs 29:21?
"He who pampers his slave from childhood will in the end find him to be a son." Proverbs 29:21, NASB
I want to contrast this with a prior verse:
"A slave will not be instructed by words alone; for ...
2
votes
3answers
445 views
Is Proverbs 25:20 about singing songs to an “evil” heart or to a “sad” one?
Proverbs 25: 20 (NASB, literal translation in bold)
"Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron,
Is he who sings songs to an evil heart."
I didn't understand this when ...
0
votes
1answer
2k views
Who is King Lemuel in Proverbs 31?
Who is King Lemuel in Proverbs 31? I did a search for King Lemuel in my entire library of encyclopedias, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, etc. and there is very limited information on him. Some see ...
1
vote
2answers
266 views
In Proverbs 31:1 what is meant by “oracle” (מַשָּׂא, χρηματισμός)?
NET Bible Proverbs 31:1 The words of King Lemuel,
an oracle (מַשָּׂא) that his mother taught him:
LXX οἱ ἐμοὶ λόγοι εἴρηνται ὑπὸ θεοῦ βασιλέως χρηματισμός ὃν ἐπαίδευσεν ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ
BHS ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Pupil/eye, or light/ lamp, or “time of darkness” in Proverbs 20 verse 20?
Pr 20:20b, NASB says "His lamp will go out in time of darkness." I am given a variant for 'time of darkness' as 'pupil,' and
THAT makes no sense to me.
I know in other places (cf Matthew 6:22-23; ...
1
vote
2answers
515 views
In Proverbs 18:21 what is the control that the tongue has over life and death?
NET Bible Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the
tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit.
LXX Proverbs 18:21 θάνατος καὶ ζωὴ ἐν χειρὶ γλώσσης οἱ δὲ κρατοῦντες
...
-1
votes
1answer
109 views
Is the point of Proverbs 27:23-27 to maintain your farm in case your business fails? Or to choose farming over commerce?
KJV Pro 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and
look well to thy herds. Pro 27:24 For riches are not for ever: and
doth the crown endure to every generation? Pro 27:25 The ...
2
votes
1answer
640 views
Proverbs 12:10, is it really talking about animal welfare?
Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,
but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
Prov. 12:10, ESV
The standard interpretation seems to relate to animal welfare, but this website ...
0
votes
1answer
2k views
In Proverbs 30:20 what is so evil about a woman wiping her mouth after she eats?
KJV Pro 30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and
wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
http://biblehub.com/proverbs/30-20.htm
If so, is this intended to ...
3
votes
3answers
491 views
What is the meaning of “excellent things” in Proverbs 22:20?
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth...
-- Proverbs 22:20 (KJV)
In the KJV, the Hebrew word ...
6
votes
1answer
97 views
Possible English understandings of “ba’al nefesh” in Proverbs 23:2?
I'm wondering about how "ba’al nefesh" could resonably be understood in modern English (USA)? I note the renderings from various translations (https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Proverbs%2023:2) ...
1
vote
2answers
58 views
Translation of Proverbs 14:14
My Hebrew is a bit rusty, got stuck on Proverbs 14:14, and particularly the second part of the verse, וּ֝מֵעָלָ֗יו אִ֣ישׁ טֹֽוב׃
How do I translate, וּ֝מֵעָלָ֗יו correctly in the context of this ...
2
votes
1answer
334 views
Is Proverbs 24:11-12 about protecting people from genocide?
Would the following verses be considered as protecting people who face genocide?
Proverbs 24:11-12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
[11] Deliver those who are being taken away to death,
And ...
1
vote
2answers
82 views
Proverbs 17:7 - Why still less is false speech to a prince?
Proverbs 17:7
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a prince.
I understand the first verse as a fool can't say fine speech. But the second verse: "still less is ...
1
vote
1answer
324 views
Proverbs 16:33, why the but? and outcome vs justice
Most translations say something like,
People cast lots, BUT God determines all outcomes.
What is the justification of the Contrajunction BUT?
And why is 'outcomes' related to the lots, as ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
Proverbs 16:1 - meaning of the answer of the tongue
Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
The phrase The plans of the heart belong to man I can understand as: the man plans things on ...
0
votes
1answer
5k views
Proverbs 16:31 - Why is gray hair is a crown of glory?
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
Why is gray hair is a crown of glory? I think when people get old, their hair is just automatically turned into ...
0
votes
2answers
2k views
Proverbs 15:23 - what does “a word in season” mean?
Proverbs 15:23
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
So "a word in season" like a word that is remembered in seasons, like season in a year?
1
vote
1answer
100 views
Proverbs 15:11 - who are the children of man
PROVERBS 15:11
Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD;
how much more the hearts of the children of man!
So look like this Proverb said "children of man" tend to be worse than Sheol and ...
2
votes
3answers
2k views
Proverbs 11:15 - “put up security for a stranger” and “striking hands in pledge”
Proverbs 11:15
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.
I don't really understand 2 phrases:
"put up security for a ...
-1
votes
1answer
76 views
Is Mark 6:3 an allusion to Proverbs 8:30?
New American Standard Bible Mark 6:3 "Is not this the carpenter, the son
of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not
His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at ...
1
vote
1answer
68 views
Is Job 15:7 referring to wisdom from Proverbs 8:25 or to Adam?
NET Bible
Job 15:7 Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth
before the hills?
Proverbs 8:25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the
hills, I was given birth,
...
2
votes
1answer
534 views
In Proverbs 8:28, what are “the fountains of the deep”?
Proverbs 8-22-28 (NIV)
22 “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works,[a][b]
before his deeds of old;
23 I was formed long ages ago,
at the very beginning, when the world ...
