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| PROVERBS |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 3 |
| deep truth when chewed on. For instance, verse 17 seems to merely repeat the obvious, but its underlying meaning is that a person's character determines his or her actions. You can reflect at length on what this implies about why you do what you do. 15:25 Who Cares About the Poor? In Old Testament society the most helpless person was the widow. With no one to protect her, she could only watch as her late husband's land was grabbed by bullying neighbors. But a widow was never completely helpless. The Lord was on her side. In the final analysis her condition was more secure than that of her proud, rich neighbor. 17:8 Bribery Works Wonders! Proverbs is utterly realistic about the hard facts of life. One is that bribery works. A complete education ought to include that fact! But does that make bribery right? No - just a few verses later (verse 23), Proverbs condemns bribery. 18:24 How to Be a Good Friend The Old Testament puts great emphasis on close family relationships. Surprisingly, however, Proverbs rates a good friend even higher, for he or she "sticks closer than a brother." Fair-weather friends are common (14:20), and the wrong kind of companions will bring you trouble. But a true friend loves you at all times, even when things are bad. Some key proverbs on being a good friend and neighbor can be found in the following passages: 3:27-28; 11:12; 12:26; 17:9, 17; 18:24; 22:24-25; 25:20; 26:18-19; 27:6, 9-10, 14, 17; 28:23; 29:5. 19:25 Can the Simple Learn? "The simple" - those who live without thinking - are |