- What is the connection between the comment about the poor and the rest of Proverbs 19:1?
- What is the connection between the two parts of Proverbs 19:2?
- Why is the person described in Proverbs 19:3 angry at God?
- The phrase ohev nafsho in Proverbs 19:8 is translated, “is his own best friend.” It literally means “loves his own soul.” Which rendering is more appropriate?
- Why does Proverbs 19:9 repeat a sentiment already stated in Proverbs 19:5 (with a minor variation)?
- What is the underlying message in Proverbs 19:10?
- What kind of family structure and environment does Proverbs 19:13 allude to?
- Do Proverbs 19:17 and Proverbs 19:14 suggest the writer’s ambivalence towards women?
- The translation of Proverbs 19:16 inverts the order of the Hebrew which reads, literally: “He who keeps the commandments keeps his life.” Does it make a difference?
- In Proverbs 19:13, who is the antecedent of “He will repay him his due”?
- The text of Proverbs 19:18 and the footnote offer two different admonitions. Interpret each of them.
- Some commentaries suggest that Proverbs 19:19 is a continuation of Proverbs 19:18. How so?
- Does Proverbs 19:21 raise the age-old question of freedom of will vs. predestination?
- Proverbs 19:22 has been described as “a riddle to the interpreter.” This is confirmed by the JPS footnote. An alternate translation is, “A man’s attraction is his kindness.” Is a coherent rendering of this verse possible?
- How would you characterize the message of Proverbs 19:24?
- Does Proverbs 19:25 endorse the efficacy of corporal punishment? If so, is it valid for our time?
- Some commentators understand Proverbs 19:26 to imply actual robbery of one’s parents. Is this the intent of the message?
