| 26. Linguistic Exegesis The proverb opens with a comparative simile using spring {מַעְיָן | ma‛yān} and fountain {מָקוֹר | maqôr}, both described by Niphal participles (nirp̄āš and māšḥāt) to show their degraded state. The conjunction vav {וּ | ū} links the two parallel participles, intensifying the imagery of what should refresh becoming harmful. The second clause presents a moral parallel with the perfect verb māṭ {מָט | māṭ} functioning as a nominal clause, followed by the prepositional phrase lip̄nē {לִפְנֵי־ | lip̄nē} rasha {רָשָׁע | rāšāʿ}, indicating the righteous one’s subjection to the wicked. This structure underscores the reversal of expected roles and highlights the destructive effect of moral failure. |