Reading for February 21st

Read Proverbs 27.14-27. In verse 14: Blesses can mean simply "greets" (1 Sam 13.10; 2 Kings 4.29) but the word cursing in line C keeps the sense "bless" to the fore. The saying has been interpreted seriously and humorously. It is taken humorously, a loud voice and early in the morning describe boorish behavior that provokes hostile reaction. If it is taken seriously, a loud voice refers to an insincere greeting as in v. 6 and 26.23-25, 28, and early in the morning means "insistently" as in Jer 7.13. In verse 23-27: A traditional poem prizing flocks and fields over the form of flocks and fields ever renews itself. Vegetation comes up annually from the earth; sheep and goats are transformed into food and clothing. Comments or Questions..