Please read the passage before reading the commentary
Ancient philosophers taught that virtue stands in the middle between two opposites. We consider the well-balanced person someone to imitate. The genius may have much talent in a limited sphere and little talent in other aspects of life.
Proverbs would prefer the bare necessities to an overabundance of riches or a complete lack of riches. Wealthy people may think that they can get along without God whereas extreme poverty may test a person’s faith in God. Some find it hard to believe in God when their stomachs are empty day after day.
Proverbs would have us avoid extremes but would also have us deeply respect God and God’s word. The author is more than a philosopher, the author is a theological philosopher or, in other words, a theologian. What the author has to say to us flows from the author’s deep appreciation or God and god’s workings in the world.