Chapter 23
1, 2, and 3 are a single proverb.
4, 5 are one.
6-8 are one.
9 is a single.
10, 11 are one.
12 seems to be a further injunction to listen, not a proverb at all.
13, 14 are one.
15, 16 speaks directly to "my son" about the hoped for results of either wisdom in general, or of verses 13, 14. Maybe they are even a part of those.
17, 18 are a single one.
19 starts a new division - at least TCR/ESV chose to put a break here.
19 starts with "hear my son...". 19-21 seem to go together and enjoin the son against drunkenness and gluttony. Excess.
22-25 is another injunction to listen to these words, and make your father and mother proud.
26-28, A proverb against prostitutes and foreign women/adulteresses.
2021 - The word "zoor", discussed at length in the notes on 22:14, is not in this proverb. The word translated "prostitute", is "zah- nah'". In the last part of the verse the word translated "adulteress" is "noh-chree". Perhaps these are more specifically, uniquely translated as only these words. It would be interesting, but is it important enough to take me away from other things? Yes, it would be good to know what women exactly ought to be avoided, but I am 63 and not really tempted along these lines anymore. A young man though, might do well to really dig into this!
One further thing, here. This verse:
28 She lies in wait like a robber and increases the traitors among mankind. [Pro 23:28 ESV] In this three verse proverb, the last verse, 28, clarifies the kind of woman we are talking about. This woman is about enriching herself by hurting others. She wants to take, and is indifferent to the consequences her action will have for the one from whom she takes. She wants to "use". This to me is qualitatively different from "zoor" back in 22:14, who was at least "faithful" to the morals she'd been taught, without having some premeditated intention to harm others. This woman in these verses in 23 though, she aims to hurt.
29-35 are a long section about alcohol, it's effects, and the long term result of excess drinking. This section is about alcoholism.
So,
So I wold say there are 10 add'l proverbs of the 30 in this section.
5/23/21 - 9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. [Pro 23:9 ESV] An interesting verse in these days that seem so full of fools. Why argue with someone who says there are countless genders when there are only two? That person is a fool. And there are lots of other foolish things being said right now. Many say Christians should be speaking out, and in the right circumstances we certainly should. But there are also times to keep silent.