Wormwood is a metaphor for that which is galling and bitter. What Proverbs is getting at is, by any name, this plant offers a bitter tasting poisonous liquid, serving to symbolize Israel's behavior at times:
Proverbs 5:3-4
3 For the lips of a loose woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil
4but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Hemlock was offered to Socrates to end his life in 394 BC. This plant is not to be confused with the non-poisonous Canadian Hemlock tree, our poisonous hemlock plant, or the poisonous European hemlock tree.
Why would God create such a potent and dangerous plant? Likely problems were experienced by those who first encountered it therefore God’s wisdom could be questioned. Sometimes practicing moderation and the realization of nature’s imperfection can help understand. Wouldn't hurt to check with God first.
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