28:7 The one who keeps the law 1 is a discerning child, 2
but a companion of gluttons brings shame 3 to his parents. 4
28:19 The one who works his land will be satisfied with food, 5
but whoever chases daydreams 6 will have his fill 7 of poverty.
1 tn The Hebrew word could refer (1) to “instruction” by the father (cf. NCV) or (2) the Mosaic law (so most English versions). The chapter seems to be stressing religious obedience, so the referent is probably the law. Besides, the father’s teaching will be what the law demands, and the one who associates with gluttons is not abiding by the law.
2 tn Heb “son,” but the immediate context does not suggest limiting this only to male children.
3 sn The companion of gluttons shames his father and his family because such a life style as he now embraces is both unruly and antisocial.
4 tn Heb “father,” but the immediate context does not suggest limiting this only to the male parent.
5 tn Or “will have plenty of food” (Heb “bread”); so NAB, NASB, NCV.
6 tn Heb “empty things” or “vain things”; NRSV “follows worthless pursuits.”
sn Prosperity depends on diligent work and not on chasing empty dreams. The proverb is essentially the same as Prov 12:11 except for the last expression.
7 tn The repetition of the verb strengthens the contrast. Both halves of the verse use the verb יִשְׂבַּע (yisba’, “will be satisfied; will be filled with; will have enough”). It is positive in the first colon, but negative in the second – with an ironic twist to say one is “satisfied” with poverty.