1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 sn One cannot avoid conflict altogether; but the proverb is instructing that at the first sign of conflict the honorable thing to do is to find a way to end it. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 sn Behind this proverb is the image of the dishonest merchant who has different sets of weights and measures which are used to cheat customers. The Lord hates dishonesty in business transactions. 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 sn The one for whom the pledge is taken is called “a stranger” and “foreign.” These two words do not necessarily mean that the individual or individuals are non-Israelite – just outside the community and not well known. 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 sn For the lamp to be extinguished would mean death (e.g., 13:9) and possibly also the removal of posterity (R. N. Whybray, Proverbs [CBC], 115). 63 64 sn If the inheritance is obtained quickly, it could mean prematurely (e.g., Luke 15:12) or cruelly (Prov 19:26). The inheritance is gained without labor or without preparation. 65 sn The Hebrew verb means “enriched, made fruitful, prospered.” Whatever the inheritance was, it will not reach its full potential or even remain permanent. 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 sn To say that one’s steps are ordained by the 75 76 77 78 79 sn This refers to speaking rashly in dedicating something to the sanctuary by calling it “Holy.” 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95