The book has yet a further scope; these proverbs are to form a habit of mind. To gain through them the power of entering into the deeper meaning of other proverbs, is the end kept in view. Compare Matthew 13.

The rendering “interpretation” spoils the parallelism of the two clauses, and fails to express the Hebrew. In Habakkuk 2:6, it is rendered “taunting proverb.” Here “riddle” or “enigma” would better express the meaning.

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