Proverbs 26:1ExegesisTAB

Proverbs 26 : 1 Incongruity | Foolishness | Honor
1. Linguistic Exegesis
The verse begins with a double simile introduced by ka- {כַּ | ka} ‘like’, pairing sheleg {שֶּׁלֶג | šelêg} ‘snow’ in qayits {קַיִץ | qayîṣ} ‘summer’ and matar {מַטָּר | māṭṭār} ‘rain’ in katsir {קָצִיר | qāṣîr} ‘harvest’. This juxtaposition of elements contrary to seasonal norms establishes a pattern of incongruity. The adverb ken {כֵּן | kên} ‘so’ then shifts from image to principle. The negated Qal perfect lo naweh {לֹא נָאוֶה | lōʾ nāʾēh} ‘not seems fitting’ underscores the impropriety of the action. Finally, the preposition li- {לִ | li} ‘for’ links kavod {כָּבוֹד | kāvôḏ} ‘honor’ to kesil {כְסִיל | kəsîl} ‘fool’, reinforcing the folly of attributing esteem to an unworthy recipient.

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