Bible Commentaries

Section IV., Proverbs 25-29.—The title of this section adds to the tradition of a Solomonic collection of proverbs the further tradition of literary activity in the time of Hezekiah. The same general considerations hold good of this section as of Proverbs 10-24. (See Introduction.) It also shows signs of compilation, and falls into two divisions: (a) Proverbs 25:2 to Proverbs 27:22, and (b) Proverbs 28 f., separated by a discourse in Proverbs 27:23-27.

Second Division, Proverbs 28 f.—In general character this division resembles Section II., consisting chiefly of antithetic couplets.

Proverbs 28:2 b. The text is uncertain, and various renderings are possible. The translation "state" is very doubtful. If MT be retained, connect the word for "state" with the preceding, and translate "by men of understanding who know what is right it is prolonged." LXX reads "Through the sin of the ungodly disputes arise, but a prudent man quenches them," possibly the original text.

Proverbs 28:3. A needy man: so MT, but the thought is not in keeping with the conception of the poor in Pr. or in the OT. We should probably read "a wicked man who," etc. (LXX), or possibly "a rich man who," etc. The simile seems to be that of a heavy unseasonable rain which floods and destroys the crops.

Proverbs 28:12. cf. Proverbs 28:10 f.—hide themselves: lit. (cf. mg.) "are sought out" (cf. Proverbs 28:28).

Proverbs 28:13. The ethical conditions of forgiveness are noteworthy, and reflect the standpoint of the prophetic teaching (cf. Hosea 14:2-4, Isaiah 1:16-18, Psalms 32:5, Matthew 21:31 f.).

Proverbs 28:16. The prince: perhaps a gloss due to a mistaken connexion with Proverbs 28:15.

Proverbs 28:17. Corrupt. Lit. "A man oppressed by the blood of any person will flee to pit, do not lay hold of him," which yields no sense. LXX has "he that is surety for a man charged with murder shall be a fugitive without safety." There is possibly some reference to the ancient law of the blood feud.

Proverbs 28:18. at once: impossible. The change of one letter gives "into the pit."

Proverbs 28:19. cf. Proverbs 12:11.