| 11. Linguistic Exegesis The proverb features two parallel protases introduced by banash-lets {בַּעְנָשׁ־לֵץ | baʿ-nāš-lēṣ} ‘when the scoffer is punished’ and uvahaskil {וּבְהַשְׂכִּ֥יל | ū-ve-haš-kîl} ‘when instruction is granted’ with lehakam {לְ֝חָכָ֗ם | le-ḥā-ḵām} ‘to a wise one’. The verbs yechkam {יֶחְכַּם | yeḥ-kām} ‘becomes wise’ and yikkakh {יִקַּח | yi-qqāḥ} ‘receives knowledge’ are Qal imperfect third person masculine singular, indicating resultant states or progressive acquisition. The Hifil infinitive construct in uvahaskil functions temporally under the vav conjunction, aligning with Hebrew clause-sequencing. This symmetry underscores two complementary paths to wisdom: corrective discipline leading to growth and dedicated instruction fostering understanding. |