The language of 3:17–18 employs the technique of irony common in ancient texts: thus, for example, a blind seer tells a sighted king that he sees but will be blind, and is rich but will become poor;22 but the metaphor is especially common in the biblical prophets (Isa. 6:10; 29:9; 42:19; 43:8; 56:10; Jer. 5:21; Ezek. 12:2; cf. John 9:39–41). The Laodicean Christians, reflecting the values of their prosperous society, boast, “I am rich and wealthy,” as had Israel of old (Hos. 12:8).23 Jesus advises