| 3. Linguistic Exegesis This proverb employs antithetical parallelism typical of Hebrew wisdom literature, contrasting dignified restraint with impulsive folly. The construct chain kavod {כָּבוֹד | kā-vōḏ} 'honor' + laʾīsh {לָאִישׁ | lā-ʾīš} 'for a man' links social standing to behavior. She-veṯ {שֶׁבֶת | še-veṯ} begins the nominal phrase with a prepositional source mê-rîḇ {מֵרִיב | mê-rîḇ} 'from strife,' indicating separation from conflict. The vav-prefixed subject wə-kōl-ʾê-vîl {וְכָל־אֱוִיל | wə-kōl-ʾê-vîl} 'and every fool' introduces the contrast. The Hitpael imperfect yit-gal-lāʿ {יִתְגַּלָּֽע | yit-gal-lāʿ} conveys a sudden, self-inflicted outburst. The English rendition preserves parallel structure and Hebraic rhythm while adjusting word order for clarity. |