Proverbs 10:26-28

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 10:26 sn Two similes are used to portray the aggravation in sending a lazy person to accomplish a task. Vinegar to the teeth is an unpleasant, irritating experience; and smoke to the eyes is an unpleasant experience that hinders progress.
2. Proverbs 10:26 tn The participle is plural, and so probably should be taken in a distributive sense: “to each one who sends him.”
3. Proverbs 10:27 tn Heb “the fear of the Lord.” The term יְהוָה (y^ehvah, “the Lord”) functions as an objective genitive.
4. Proverbs 10:27 tn Heb “days” (so KJV, ASV).
5. Proverbs 10:27 tn Heb “years.” The term “years” functions as a synecdoche of part (= years) for the whole (= lifespan).
6. Proverbs 10:27 sn This general saying has to be qualified with the problem of the righteous suffering and dying young, a problem that perplexed the sages of the entire ancient world. But this is the general principle: The righteous live longer because their life is the natural one and because God blesses them.
7. Proverbs 10:28 sn This proverb contrasts the hopes of the righteous and the wicked. The righteous will see their hopes fulfilled. The saying is concerned with God’s justice. The words תּוֹחֶלֶת (tokhelet, from יָחַל, yakhal) and תִּקְוַת (tiqvat, from קָוָה, qavah) are synonyms, both emphasizing eager expectations, longings, waiting in hope.