| 17. Linguistic Exegesis The proverb opens with the idiom ketzar-appayim {קְֽצַר־אַ֭פַּיִם | qə-ṣar-appa-yim} ‘short of anger,’ indicating a lack of patience. The imperfect verb yaaseh {יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה | yaʿă-seh} conveys a habitual action ‘acts.’ The noun ivvelet {אִוֶּ֑לֶת | ʾiv-ve-let} functions as the direct object ‘folly.’ The conjunction vav connects to the second clause, where ish mezimot {אִ֥ישׁ מְ֝זִמּ֗וֹת | ʾîš me-zi-mmôt} ‘a man of schemes’ denotes a plotter. The passive imperfect yisane {יִשָּׂנֵֽא | yiś-ṣānê} ‘is hated’ concludes the proverb. The paratactic structure underscores the link between flawed character and social rejection. |