Tag Archives: wisdom literature

Proverbs 20 (Part 2)

Posted on November 25, 2015 by ehurst

(Recall that the context here is contrasting human justice against God’s divine moral character.) 16. Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger; and take a pledge from him for strangers. Making loans on these terms are … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 20 (Part 1)

Posted on November 20, 2015 by ehurst

This chapter contrasts the difference between judging on the basis of human perception versus relying on the heart to grasp divine moral justice. 1. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever goes astray by it is not … Continue reading →

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Psalm 72

Posted on October 17, 2015 by ehurst

Had you never read Solomon’s writing in the context of the broader Hebrew Wisdom Literature, you might mistake this for a smug self-congratulation. Rather, this is typical of the way Solomon writes, not in some description of real events, but … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 19

Posted on September 26, 2015 by ehurst

The world is a hard place. This chapter collects sayings that address what we can honestly expect from fallen humanity, even when we presume a covenant community. Please note that there are two words for “poor” here; one denotes being … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 18

Posted on September 20, 2015 by ehurst

The primary topic here is dealing with the wider society that is not close kin. A critical background element is the recognition that some things should stay in your heart and other things belong in the privacy of the home, … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 17

Posted on August 19, 2015 by ehurst

The emphasis here is filial piety and personal loyalty. Shalom starts at home. 1. Better is a dry piece of bread, and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with fighting. A literal rendering of the Hebrew would … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 16 (Part 2)

Posted on August 12, 2015 by ehurst

(Divided into two posts because it’s long.) 17. The way of the upright is to turn away from evil; he who keeps his way guards his way. This is simply a flawed translation, rendering three different words as “way.” It … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 16 (Part 1)

Posted on August 12, 2015 by ehurst

(Divided into two posts because it’s long.) This chapter addresses divine sovereignty from the unique worldview of a mystical Hebrew mind, fully aware of the complexity of human nature. 1. The ordering of the heart in man, and the answer … Continue reading →

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Psalm 60

Posted on July 25, 2015 by ehurst

The header references a tune David called “Lily of Testimony” and events narrated in 2 Samuel 8. We catch only some vague hint that David’s source of trouble is likely something to do with Edom. We might reasonably guess that … Continue reading →

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Proverbs 15 (Part 2)

Posted on July 19, 2015 by ehurst

18. A wrathful man stirs up fighting, but one slow to anger calms fighting. Don’t give someone else control over your feelings, unless you are capable of killing all your new enemies and living with the consequences. Obviously this defies … Continue reading →

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