The proverbs are designed to identify and name the underlying patterns and principles which abide more or less constant in the flux of human living. Again, for example, we say “Many hands make light work.” There is much truth in this proverbial statement, but it is also true that “Too many cooks spoil the broth.” Even in the book of Proverbs we see what appears to be contradictory counsel. On the one hand we read, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him” (26:4). But