Studies in Life from Jewish Proverbs

STUDIES IN LIFE FROM JEWISH PROVERBS


BY W. A. L. ELMSLIE, M.A., Fellow of Christ’s College, Cambridge LONDON JAMES CLARKE & CO., 13 & 14 FLEET STREET, E.C.


To MY WIFE “Forsan et hæc olim meminisse juvabit”


A writer of many books once said to me that he regretted every preface he had written. Seeing that I have the highest respect for his talents, I am constrained to take to heart the moral, which (particularly in a book on proverbs) would seem to be “least said, soonest mended.” But whatever else he may choose to leave unsaid, an author is expected to give away his secret in the preface, making known his intentions as discreetly as he can but still explicitly. That duty accomplished, he is at liberty to give thanks, and so conclude.
In translating the proverbs the Revised Version has been used as a basis, but liberty has been exercised in making any alterations that seemed desirable on textual or literary grounds. Most of the changes thus introduced will readily explain themselves to those who are acquainted with the original texts or may care to consult modern commentaries, such as that of Professor Toy on Proverbs (International Critical Commentary) and of Dr. Oesterley on Ecclesiasticus (Cambridge Bible Series).