Proverbs chapter 25

vs 11

Watch out! This could well mean apricots rather than apples. The difference is astounding...

Justice is so sweet, you have to take fruit and wrap it in gold and silver to come close.

vs 12

So too is a well judged rebuke valuable - but you have to listen for it and accept it. Otherwise, it probably tastes a bit more like bitter ash.

vs 13

We just don't have the same reliance on messengers, in the same way we don't rely on snow to cool drinks. But I imagine knowing that you have someone who is trustworthy, who can be trusted to pass on faithfully what you are about, is a real refreshment.

vs 14

In other words, disappointing.

vs 15

If you lick it enough, I think. I wonder if they had some specific picture in mind when they said this. In any case, the verse is about persistance, but persistance takes patience. I always thought of myself as patient, but I'm not. I get antsy about things quite easily.

vs 16

Moderation. It's actually a disturbingly common theme in the Bible. So much of what the Bible says can be seen as a call to moderation, especially in the NT. Just not all of it. In any case, moderation is wisdom, mostly.

vs 17

Remember that back then, hospitality was a big deal, and so you would become quite a burden if you were turning up on their doorstep. These days, some people can still be mighty hospitable, and it's important to try not to milk them, or even just rely on their kindness too much.

vs 18

In other words, painful and dangerous.

vs 19

Annoying, painful, and in the end not reliable and you end up doing a job badly because of it.