Check out the NET notes, it has some good stuff.
48 sn One difficulty here is that it is the west wind that brings rain to Israel (e.g., 1 Kgs 18:41–44). C. H. Toy
suggests that the expression is general, referring to a northwest wind – unless it is an error (Proverbs [ICC], 468).
J. P. M. van der Ploeg suggests that the saying originated outside the land, perhaps in Egypt ("Prov 25:23,
" VT 3 [1953]: 189-92). But this would imply it was current in a place where it made no sense. R. N. Whybray
suggests that the solution lies with the verb "brings forth" (lleAxT., t®kholel); he suggests redefining it
to mean "repels, holds back" (cf. KJV "driveth away"). Thus, the point would be that the north
wind holds back the rain just as an angry look holds back slander (Proverbs [CBC], 149). But the support for this
definition is not convincing. Seeing this as a general reference to northerly winds is the preferred solution.
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