Don’t act the way fools act, advises Chapter 26. It seems to be the case that humankind is often more foolish than bad. And, don’t be lazy. The lazy person turns on his bed like a creaky gate, too lazy even to feed himself. Gossip, slander, and hypocrisy are on the check list of topics along with the admonition to mind one’s own business. “He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” Chapter 27 reflects on the agricultural life that is no more and observes the social impact of living in community with neighbors, not family. “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming; but who can stand before jealousy?” Is it the case, then, that jealousy is more dangerous to our health than anger? Anger, like a storm, rages and subsides. But, jealousy is continuous, persistent, and often is an undiagnosed symptom that eats away at relationships, especially in the family. How many times are we jealous of the success of our siblings and secretly applaud their failure? Proverbs in Chapter 28 express the thought that religion, straightforwardness, and wise humility are the best resources for confident living. The pathos of the homeless in Chapter 27 brings to mind the responsibility of caring for the poor in Chapter 28. In this chapter is a doubly unique proverb. It is the only one that advises public confession and speaks of God’s mercy. “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” How much havoc occurs in a life of repressed feelings of guilt? Even if we confess them, how easy is it to forsake them? Jealousy and guilt definitely make the Top Ten List of most people in therapy. Letting go of either requires professional help.
Don’t act the way fools act, advises Chapter 26. It seems to be the case that humankind is often more foolish than bad. And, don’t be lazy. The lazy person turns on his bed like a creaky gate, too lazy even to feed himself. Gossip, slander, and hypocrisy are on the check list of topics along with the admonition to mind one’s own business. “He who meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” Chapter 27 reflects on the agricultural life that is no more and observes the social impact of living in community with neighbors, not family. “Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming; but who can stand before jealousy?” Is it the case, then, that jealousy is more dangerous to our health than anger? Anger, like a storm, rages and subsides. But, jealousy is continuous, persistent, and often is an undiagnosed symptom that eats away at relationships, especially in the family. How many times are we jealous of the success of our siblings and secretly applaud their failure? Proverbs in Chapter 28 express the thought that religion, straightforwardness, and wise humility are the best resources for confident living. The pathos of the homeless in Chapter 27 brings to mind the responsibility of caring for the poor in Chapter 28. In this chapter is a doubly unique proverb. It is the only one that advises public confession and speaks of God’s mercy. “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” How much havoc occurs in a life of repressed feelings of guilt? Even if we confess them, how easy is it to forsake them? Jealousy and guilt definitely make the Top Ten List of most people in therapy. Letting go of either requires professional help.
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