[17:2] 1 sn The setting is in the ancient world where a servant rarely advanced beyond his or her station in life. But there are notable exceptions (e.g., Gen 15:3 where the possibility is mentioned, 1 Chr 2:35 where it changed through marriage, and 2 Sam 16:1-4; 19:24-30, with the story of Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth). This proverb focuses on a servant who is wise, one who uses all his abilities effectively – a Joseph figure.
[17:2] 2 sn The parallelism indicates that “ruling over” and “sharing in the inheritance” means that the disgraceful son will be disinherited.
[17:2] 4 tn The form מֵבִישׁ (mevish) is a Hiphil participle, modifying בֵן (ben). This original heir would then be one who caused shame or disgrace to the family, probably by showing a complete lack of wisdom in the choices he made.
[17:2] 5 tn Heb “in the midst of the brothers”; NIV “as one of the brothers.”
[17:18] 6 tn Heb “heart”; KJV, ASV “a man void of understanding”; NIV “a man lacking in judgment.”
[17:18] 7 tn The phrase “in pledge” is supplied for the sake of clarification.
[17:18] 8 tn The line uses the participle עֹרֵב (’orev) with its cognate accusative עֲרֻבָּה (’arubah), “who pledges a pledge.”
[17:18] 9 sn It is foolish to pledge security for someone’s loans (e.g., Prov 6:1-5).
