[13:12] 1 sn The word “hope” (תּוֹחֶלֶת [tokhelet] from יָחַל [yakhal]) also has the implication of a tense if not anxious wait.
[13:12] 2 tn The verb is the Pual participle from מָשַׁךְ (mashakh,“to draw; to drag”).
[13:12] 3 sn Failure in realizing one’s hopes can be depressing or discouraging. People can bear frustration only so long (W. G. Plaut, Proverbs, 153).
[13:12] 4 tn Heb “a desire that comes”; cf. CEV “a wish that comes true.”
[13:12] 5 tn The comparative “like” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is implied by the metaphor; it is supplied for the sake of clarity.
[27:18] 6 sn Tending fig trees requires closer attention than other plants; so the point here would be the diligent care that is required.
[27:18] 7 sn The principle is established in the first line with the emblem: Those who faithfully serve will be rewarded in kind. The second half of the proverb makes the point from this illustration.
[27:18] 8 sn The Hebrew participle translated “takes care of” (שֹׁמֵר, shomer) describes a careful watching over or looking after, a meticulous service, anticipating the needs and safeguarding the charge. Such a servant need not worry about his efforts going unrecognized and unrewarded (e.g., Prov 22:29; 2 Tim 2:6, 15).
