Keep in mind that just because someone is a “stranger” (2114a) doesn’t mean that they are treated like trash. In some cases non-Jews were to be held accountable just like Jews. In other situations they were to be given a bit of leeway. There was an overriding principle:
(Lev 19:34 KJV) But the stranger (1616) that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.Here we run into some difficulty with translations. Some strangers are stranger than others. Notice that though the English is the same the Hebrew number from Strong’s system is different. The one used here in Proverbs is also used as adulteress. It means strange in an corrupt way. The one in Leviticus is more like someone with a tourist visa or a green card.
So? Nuance requires thinking. Be careful about one-verse proof texts. We can never afford to turn off our minds. God wants a package deal of body, soul, mind and spirit. Robots need not apply.
2 comments:
Just curious - Which translation do you feel is the most accurate overall?
Several on my software do it well. The International Standard Version makes it clear.
(Pro 11:15 ISV) Securing a loan for a stranger will bring suffering, but by refusing to do so, one remains safe.
If people have the equivalent of a high school education in 1918 then most would work buy big words like "surety" confuse the snowflakes.
Grace and peace
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