1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel.
2 These proverbs are to teach wisdom and instruction,
to teach words of insight,
3 that you may receive instruction in prudent behavior,
righteousness, justice, and uprightness.
4 These proverbs are also to give wisdom to the naive,
and to give knowledge and discretion to the youth.
5 Let wise people listen and increase their learning,
and let discerning people get wise counsel,
6 to understand proverbs, parables,
and words of wise people and their riddles.
7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge—
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father
and do not abandon the rules of your mother;
9 they will be a graceful wreath for your head
and pendants hanging from your neck.
10 My son, if sinners try to entice you into their sin,
do not go with them.
11 If they say, "Come with us,
let us lie in wait for blood,
let us hide and attack innocent people for no reason;
12 let us swallow them up alive, like Sheol takes away those who are healthy,
and make them like those who go down into the pit;
13 we will find all kinds of valuable things;
we will fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us,
and we will all have one purse together"—
15 my son, do not walk down that path with them;
do not let your foot touch where they walk;
16 their feet run to evil
and they hurry to shed blood.
17 For it is useless to spread the net
in the sight of any bird.
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood—
they set an ambush for their own lives.
19 So are the ways of everyone who gains profit by violence;
unjust gain takes away the lives of those who hold on to it.
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
she raises her voice in the open places;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out,
at the entrance of the city gates she speaks her sayings,
22 "How long, you naive people, will you love being naive?
How long, you mockers, will you delight in mockery,
and how long, you fools, will you hate knowledge?
23 Turn at my correction;
I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
24 I have called, and you have refused to listen;
I reached out with my hand, but there was no one who paid attention.
25 But you have ignored all my instruction
and paid no attention to my correction.
26 I will laugh at your calamity,
I will mock you when the terror comes—
27 when your fearful dread comes like a storm
and disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call upon me, and I will not answer;
they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hate knowledge
and did not choose the fear of Yahweh,
30 they would not follow my instruction,
and they despised all my correction.
31 They will eat the fruit of their ways,
and with the fruit of their schemes they will be filled.
32 For the naive are killed when they turn away,
and the indifference of fools will destroy them.
33 But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety
and will rest secure with no fear of disaster."
The first chapter of proverbs begins with a type of introduction in verses 1-7. It mentions Solomon, son of David. Verse 7 contains a foundational verse for the whole book. It defines wisdom.
Proverbs are often written without any surrounding context and in two lines of text. Each line will have a certain relationship to the other line.
Verses 2-33 are poetry.
This can be reworded so that the abstract nouns "wisdom" and "instruction" can be stated as adjectives or verbs. Alternate translation: "to teach you how to be wise and to instruct you about how to live moral lives"
"to help you understand wise teachings"
Here "you" refers to the readers. If it is more natural in your language you can state it as an inclusive "we." Alternate translation: "that we may receive"
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "behavior" is stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "may receive instruction in how to live prudently"
This can be reworded so that the abstract noun "wisdom" can be stated as the adjective "wise." This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "also teach to those who are naive how to be wise"
inexperienced or immature
The abstract nouns "knowledge" and "discretion" can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: "and to teach to the youth what he needs to know and how to discern the right thing to do"
"every young person" or "young people"
knowing what should be done in a particular situation
"Let those who are wise pay attention and learn even more"
"let people who have understanding learn from these proverbs how to make good decisions"
sayings that one can understand only after thinking about them
A father teaches his child.
This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
"those who do not value what is wise and instructive are fools"
"do not ignore" or "do not reject"
The rules and instructions that parents teach their children are so valuable and important that they are spoken of as if they were a beautiful wreath or pendant that a person wears. Alternate translation: "they will make you wise just as wearing a wreath on your head or a pendant around your neck makes you beautiful"
an woven circle made of leaves or flowers
jewelry that is worn around the neck
"try to persuade you to sin as they do"
"refuse to go them" or "do not listen to them"
Here the speaker gives an example of what sinners may try to entice someone to do.
"hide and wait for the right time"
Verses 12-14 end the imagined statement of the sinners who are trying to entice others to sin.
The sinners speak of murdering innocent people as if they were Sheol and they would take a living and healthy person down to the place where dead people go.
This speaks of the grave as if it were a person that swallows humans and takes them down to the place of the dead.
The wicked expect to destroy their victims in the same way Sheol, the place of the dead, takes away even healthy people.
These words could be 1) a literal reference to travelers who fall into a deep hole where no one will ever find them or 2) a euphemism for people who die and enter Sheol, the place of the dead.
The word "find" is a euphemism or metonym for "get" or "seize" by violence.
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "join us"
Here "purse" represents everything that they steal. Alternate translation: "we will equally share everything that we steal"
a bag for carrying money
This is the continuation of the sentence that started in 1:11 with "If they say."
To avoid behaving the same way as the sinners do is spoken of as if the son were to avoid walking on or even touching the paths that sinners walk on. Alternate translation: "do not go with the sinners, and do not do what they do"
The sinners having an eager interest in doing evil things is spoken of as if they were running to evil. Alternate translation: "they are eager to do wicked things"
Here "feet" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "they run"
Here "blood" represents a person's life. To "shed blood" means to murder someone.
This metaphor compares the wisdom of birds who avoid traps that they see to the foolishness of sinners who get caught in traps they make for themselves.
This finishes the comparison started in [Proverbs 1:17]
To lie in wait is to hide, ready to do something wicked. Alternate translation: "It is as if they are looking for an opportunity to kill themselves" or "They themselves will be killed because they try to kill others"
Here "blood" is a metonym for a violent death. Alternate translation: "to kill themselves violently"
Here "their own lives" is a metonym for themselves. Alternate translation: "it is as if they are the ones who are waiting to suddenly attack and kill them"
A person's fate or destiny is spoken of as if it were a road a person walks on. Alternate translation: "This is what happens to everyone"
If your language has a word for "profit" that has been gained by unjust means, you should use it here.
A person destroying themselves by trying to gain wealth through violence, theft, and deceit is spoken of as if the unjust gains will kill those who take it. Alternate translation: "it is like the unjust gains will destroy those who hold on to it"
In 1:20-1:33 Wisdom is spoken of as if it were a woman speaking to the people.
If your language does not allow you to treat wisdom as a woman shouting to the people in the city, you might try something like "Grandmother Wisdom cries aloud" or "Honored Miss Wisdom cries aloud" or "Wisdom is like a woman who cries aloud"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "speaks with a loud voice"
This means places where there would be a lot of people. Alternate translation: "in the markets" or "in the town squares"
Possible meanings are 1) "head" refers to the place where busy streets intersect or 2) "head" refers to the top of a wall where people on noisy streets could see and hear wisdom speaking.
Wisdom uses this question to rebuke those who are not wise. Alternate translation: "You who are naive must stop loving being naive."
inexperienced or immature
Wisdom uses this question to rebuke the mockers and the fools. Alternate translation: "You who mock must stop delighting in mockery, and you fools must stop hating knowledge."
Wisdom continues to speak.
Possible meanings are 1) "Repent when you hear me correct you" or 2) "Listen carefully to me when I correct you."
Wisdom telling the people everything she thinks about them is spoken of as if her spirit were a liquid that she would pour out.
This is a metonym for thoughts. This and the word "words" form a merism of thoughts and words, meaning that wisdom is teaching people everything she has to teach. This word does not refer to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "thoughts"
"I will tell you what I think"
This phrase is an idiom that means to beckon someone or to invite a person to come. Alternate translation: "I invited you to come to me"
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Wisdom continues to speak, describing what happens to those who ignore her.
This can be stated with the word "therefore" to show that the woman wisdom laughs at them because they ignored her. Alternate translation: "Therefore I will laugh"
"when bad things happen to you"
Terrible things happening to the people is compared to a storm hitting them and causing fear and suffering.
a very strong wind storm that causes damage
Wisdom continues speaking.
"Then those who ignored me will cry out to me for help"
The abstract noun "knowledge" can be stated as the verb "learn." Alternate translation: "Because they refused to learn to be wise"
The abstract noun "fear" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "did not fear Yahweh" or "did not honor and respect Yahweh"
"would not accept my instruction" or "rejected my advice"
Verse 33 ends wisdom's statement that began in Proverbs 1:22.
Here a person's behavior is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Also, a person receiving the results of their behavior is spoken as if the person were eating the fruit of their behavior. Alternate translation: "experience the consequences of their actions"
"they will eat the fruit of their schemes until they are full." A person receiving the results of their own evil plans is spoken of as eating the fruit of their schemes. Alternate translation: "they will suffer the consequences of their own evil plans"
inexperienced or immature
A person rejecting wisdom is spoken of as if the person physically turns away from wisdom. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "die because they refuse to learn"
The abstract noun "indifference" can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "fools will die because they do not care about what should be done"
a lack of interest about something
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1 My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 make your ears pay attention to wisdom
and incline your heart to understanding.
3 If you cry out for discernment
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like you would seek silver
and search for understanding as you would seek hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh
and you will find the knowledge of God.
6 For Yahweh gives wisdom;
from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield for those who walk in integrity;
8 he guards the paths of justice
and he will preserve the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and equity,
and every good path.
10 For wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will watch over you;
understanding will guard you.
12 They will rescue you from the way of evil,
from those who speak perverse things,
13 who abandon the paths of uprightness
and walk in the ways of darkness.
14 They rejoice when they do evil
and delight in the perversities of evil.
15 They follow crooked paths,
and using deception they hide their tracks.
16 Wisdom and discretion will save you from an adulteress,
from an immoral woman and her flattering words.
17 She abandons the companion of her youth
and forgets the covenant of her God.
18 For her house sinks down to death,
and her tracks will lead you to those in the grave.
19 All who go to her will not return again
and they will not reach the paths of life.
20 So you will walk in the way of good people
and follow the paths of righteous people.
21 For the upright will make a home in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the faithless will be cut off from it.
Chapter 2 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.
Occasionally, the author addresses a proverb to "my son." This is not intended to restrict the words of that proverb to only males. Instead, it is simply a form used to pass on advice as a father does to his son.
A father teaches his child using poetry.
"if you listen to what I am teaching you"
Valuing what is commanded is spoken of as if the commandments were a treasure and the person were a safe place to store the treasure. Alternate translation: "consider my commands to be as valuable as a treasure"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "force yourself to listen carefully"
This abstract noun can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "to the wise things I am teaching you"
Here "heart" represents a person's mind. The phrase "incline your heart" is an idiom that means to commit or fully dedicate one's mind to a task. Alternate translation: "try hard to understand what is wise" or "fully dedicate yourself to understanding wise teachings"
This is an idiom that means to speak loudly or to shout.
Both phrases have the same meaning. These similes emphasize the great effort a person should make to understand what is wise. Alternate translation: "if you seek understanding with as much effort as you search for a valuable object"
Trying very hard to understand what is wise is spoken of as if understanding were an object for which a person must search.
To succeed in knowing God is spoken of as if the knowledge of God were an object that a person finds after searching.
Here "mouth" represents Yahweh himself or what he says. Alternate translation: "from Yahweh comes knowledge and understanding" or "Yahweh tells us what we need to know and understand"
Yahweh teaching wisdom to people is spoken of as if wisdom were an item that Yahweh stores and gives to people. Alternate translation: "He teaches what is truly wise to the upright"
"the person who lives rightly" or "people who live rightly"
"dependable"
Yahweh being able to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a shield. Alternate translation: "God protects those"
A person behaving with integrity is spoken of as if they were walking in integrity. Alternate translation: "who behave with integrity" or "who live their lives as they should"
Possible meanings are 1) justice itself is spoken of as if it were a path. Alternate translation: "God makes sure that people act justly" or 2) a person's life is spoken of as if it were a path. Alternate translation: "God protects those who act justly"
A person's life is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Alternate translation: "protect those who are faithful to him"
fairness
A behavior that is wise and pleases Yahweh is spoken of as if it were a good path. Alternate translation: "ways to live that are pleasing to God"
Here "heart" represents a person's inner being. A person becoming wise is spoken of as if wisdom would enter into a person's heart. Alternate translation: "you will gain much wisdom" or "you will learn how to be truly wise"
Here "soul" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "pleasing to you" or "enjoyable to you"
This speaks of "discretion" and "understanding" as if they were persons who could watch over someone else. Both statements mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: "Because you think carefully and understand what is right and wrong, you will be safe"
the quality of being careful in actions and speech
to guard, protect or take care of someone or something
"They" refers to discretion and understanding, which are spoken of as if they were persons who could rescue someone else. Alternate translation: "You will know to stay away from what is evil"
Evil behaviors are spoken of as if evil were a way or path on which a person walks.
A person no longer doing what is right but deciding to do what is evil is spoken of as if the person stops walking on the correct path and chooses to walk down a dark path.
The word "who" refers to the people who speak perverse things.
to leave and never return to someone or something
"They" refers to the same people as in Proverbs 2:12.
This means basically the same thing as the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "delight in doing what they know is evil"
People who lie to others are spoken of as if they walk on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate translation: "They deceive other people"
People lying so that others will not find out what they did is spoken of as if they covered the tracks on a path so that no one could follow them. Alternate translation: "they lie so that no one will know what they have done"
The father continues to teach his child how wisdom will protect him.
The writer speaks of wisdom and discretion as if they were people who save the one who possesses them. Alternate translation: "If you have wisdom and discretion, you will save yourself"
This refers to her husband, whom she married when she was young.
This likely refers to the marriage covenant that she made with her husband in the presence of God.
Possible meanings are 1) "going to her house leads to death" or 2) "the road to her house is the road to death."
Possible meanings are 1) "the paths to her house will lead you." This refers to the tracks or path that lead to her house, or 2) this is a metaphor that speaks of her way of life as if it were a path on which she walks. Alternate translation: "her way of life will lead you"
This refers to the spirits of dead people and is a metonym for the place of the dead. Alternate translation: "to the grave"
This is a polite way of speaking about haveing sexual relations. Alternate translation: "have sexual relations with her" or "lie with her"
Possible meanings are 1) "they will not return to the land of the living" or 2) "they will never live a happy life again."
The writer tells the result of getting understanding and discretion.
A person's conduct is spoken of as if it were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "you will live in the way ... follow the example"
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The writer speaks of Yahweh removing people from the land as if he were cutting the people off, like a person might cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will remove the wicked from the land"
These are nominal adjectives that can be stated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "those who are wicked ... those who are faithless" or "wicked people ... faithless people"
The writer speaks of Yahweh removing people from the land as if he were cutting the people off, like a person might cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will remove the faithless from it"
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
and keep my commandments in your heart,
2 for the length of your days and years of your life,
they will add peace to you.
3 Do not let steadfast love and faithfulness ever leave you;
tie them together about your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and a good reputation
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart
and do not lean on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him
and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear Yahweh and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment for your bones.
9 Honor Yahweh with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce,
10 and your storehouses will be filled up
and your vats will be bursting, full of new wine.
11 My son, do not despise Yahweh's instruction
and do not hate his rebuke,
12 for Yahweh disciplines those he loves,
as a father deals with a son who pleases him.
13 The one who finds wisdom is blessed;
he also gets understanding.
14 What you gain from wisdom is better than what silver will give in return
and its profit is better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than jewels
and nothing you desire can compare to her.
16 She has the length of her days in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of it;
those who hold on to it are happy.
19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth;
by understanding he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths broke open
and the clouds dropped their dew.
21 My son, do not let these depart from your eyes:
guard sound wisdom and discretion.
22 They will be life to your soul
and an adornment of favor to wear around your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way in safety
and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or devastation caused by the wicked, when it comes,
26 for Yahweh will be on your side
and will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
"Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it,"
when you have the money with you.
29 Do not make a plan to harm your neighbor—
the one who dwells in safety with you.
30 Do not argue with a person without a reason,
when he has done nothing to harm you.
31 Do not envy a violent person
or choose any of his ways.
32 For the devious person is an abomination to Yahweh,
but he brings the upright person into his confidence.
33 The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked person,
but he blesses the home of righteous people.
34 He mocks mockers,
but he gives his favor to humble people.
35 Wise people inherit honor,
but fools will be lifted up in their shame.
Chapter 3 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.
Occasionally, the author addresses a proverb to "my son." This is not intended to restrict the words of that proverb to only males. Instead, it is simply a form used to pass on advice as a father does to his son.
You may notice that wisdom is referenced using a feminine pronoun. This is a feature that is carried in from the Hebrew language. This may apply well in your language but if it does not, follow the conventions of your language. (See: wise)
The writer speaks as a father teaching his child using poetry.
The word "teaching" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "do not forget what I have taught you"
This phrase says in positive terms what the previous phrase says in negative terms. Here the word "heart" represents the mind. The word "commandments" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "always remember what I have commanded you"
These two phrases share similar meanings and refer to the duration of a person's life. Alternate translation: "all your life" or "as long as you live"
The writer speaks of "steadfast love" and "faithfulness" as if they were people who could leave someone. The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be stated with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." Also, the negative command can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "Love God without ceasing and be faithful to him"
The writer speaks of faithfulness and trustworthiness as if they were objects that a person could tie around the neck like a necklace. The image suggests that these are valuable things that the person displays outwardly. Alternate translation: "display them proudly like one would wear a necklace"
Here the heart represents a person's mind. The mind is spoken of as if it were a tablet upon which someone can write messages and commands. Alternate translation: "always remember them, as if you had written them permanently on a tablet"
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: "in the judgment of God and man"
Here the word "heart" represents the inner person. Alternate translation: "your whole being"
The writer speaks of relying on one's own understanding as if "understanding" were an object on which a person can lean. Alternate translation: "do not rely on your own understanding" or "do not trust your own understanding"
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if they were paths on which the person walks. Alternate translation: "in everything you do"
The writer speaks of Yahweh making a person's actions prosperous as if that person's actions were paths on which he walks and which Yahweh makes free of obstacles. Alternate translation: "he will give you success"
The writer speaks of a person's opinion as if that person were seeing something with his eyes. Alternate translation: "Do not be wise in your own opinion"
The writer speaks of not committing evil actions as if it were turning away from evil. Alternate translation: "do not commit evil"
The word "it" refers to the instructions that the writer gives in the previous verse. The full meaning of this can be made clear. The word "flesh" represents the whole body. Alternate translation: "If you do this, it will be healing for your body"
These words form a merism that refers to the entire person through metonymy for the outer man and the inner man.
"all the food you harvest"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "your storehouses will be full"
buildings or rooms where food is stored
your storage containers will be extremely full, as if ready to break open.
The writer writes as a father teaching his son.
"a son in whom he delights." This refers to the father's affection for the son, and not to the father's approval of the son's behavior. Alternate translation: "a son whom he loves"
The writer speaks of "wisdom" as if it were an object that one finds. Alternate translation: "The one who attains wisdom"
This refers to the profit that one can make from trading or investing silver.
The author speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman.
"more valuable"
The writer speak of the benefits that one gains from having wisdom as if wisdom were a woman who held these qualities in her hands and offered them to people. Alternate translation: "Wisdom gives a person length of days and riches and honor"
This idiom refers to the duration of person's life and may imply a long life. Alternate translation: "long life"
The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman and of the benefits that wisdom gives a person as if wisdom were leading that person along a way or a path. Alternate translation: "Wisdom will always treat you pleasantly and give you peace"
"pleasant ways"
The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a tree that bears life-giving fruit and of a person who benefits from wisdom as if that person ate of the fruit. Alternate translation: "Wisdom is like a tree that sustains the life of those who eat of its fruit"
"a tree that gives life" or "a tree whose fruit sustains life"
"those who hold on to its fruit"
The writer speaks of Yahweh creating the earth and the heavens as if he were laying the foundation of a building. Alternate translation: "Yahweh created the earth ... made the heavens"
In ancient thought, water existed under the earth. This phrase refers to Yahweh causing that water to come out of the earth and make the oceans and rivers exist. Alternate translation: "he caused the rivers to flow" or "he caused the oceans to exist"
water that forms on the ground at night
The word "eyes" is a metonym for what the eyes see, and "wisdom" and "discretion" are spoken of as if they were animals able to escape or wander away. Alternate translation: "do not let these out of your sight ... wisdom ... discretion" or "never forget ... wisdom ... discretion" or "always remember ... wisdom ... discretion"
Here the word "soul" represents the person. Alternate translation: "They will be life for you"
The writer speaks of "sound judgment" and "discernment" as if they were objects that a person could tie around the neck like a necklace. The image suggests that these are valuable things that the person displays outwardly. Alternate translation: "a display of favor like one would adorn themselves with a necklace"
Possible meanings are 1) "a favorable adornment" or 2) "an adornment that displays Yahweh's favor."
The writer speaks of living one's life as if the person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "you will live your life in safety"
The word "foot" represents the whole person. The writer speaks of doing wrong as if a person stumbled over an object in his path. Alternate translation: "you will not do things that are wrong"
It is implied that a person lies down in order to sleep. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "when you lie down to sleep"
The writer speaks of sleep that is peaceful and refreshing as if it tasted sweet to the person sleeping. The word "sleep" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "your sleep will be pleasant" or "you will sleep peacefully"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when the wicked cause devastation"
This refers to wicked persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "wicked people"
"Yahweh will be by your side." A person standing by another person's side is an idiom that means that the one person will help and support the other. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will support and defend you"
The writer speaks of a person experiencing harm from "terror" and "devastation" as if the person were caught in a trap. The word "foot" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "will protect you from those who want to harm you"
"Do not withhold good things" or "Do not withhold good actions"
"when you are able to help"
"when you have the money with you now." The meaning here is that the person has the money to help today, but tells his neighbor to come back tomorrow.
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It is implied that he is not to choose to imitate the actions of the violent person. Alternate translation: "Do not ... choose to imitate any of his ways"
"Yahweh strongly hates the devious person"
the person who is dishonest or deceitful
Yahweh shares his thoughts with the those who do right as with a close, trusted friend. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is a close friend to the upright"
The writer speaks of Yahweh's curse as if it were an object that he placed on top of the wicked person's house. The word "house" is a metonym for family. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has cursed the family of the wicked person"
The word "home" represents the family. Alternate translation: "he blesses the families of righteous people"
The writer speaks of Yahweh's favor as if it were an object that he gives to people. Alternate translation: "he shows his favor to humble people" or "he is gracious to humble people"
The writer speaks of wise people obtaining a reputation of honor as if they inherited honor as a permanent possession. Alternate translation: "Wise people will obtain honor" or "Wise people will gain an honorable reputation"
The writer speaks of Yahweh making the shame of fools evident to everyone as if Yahweh were lifting fools up for everyone to see them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will cause everyone to see the shame of fools"
1 Listen, sons, to a father's instruction,
and pay attention so you will know what understanding is.
2 I am giving you good instructions;
do not abandon my teaching.
3 When I was a son of my father,
the tender and only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart hold fast to my words;
keep my commands and live.
5 Acquire wisdom and understanding;
do not forget and do not reject the words of my mouth;
6 do not abandon wisdom and she will watch over you;
love her and she will keep you safe.
7 Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom
and spend all you own so you can get understanding.
8 Cherish wisdom and she will exalt you;
she will honor you when you embrace her.
9 She will put a wreath of honor on your head;
she will give you a beautiful crown."
10 Listen, my son, and receive my words,
and you will have many years in your life.
11 I am teaching you in the way of wisdom;
I am leading you in upright paths.
12 When you walk, no one will stand in your way
and if you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it, for it is your life.
14 Do not follow the path of the wicked
and do not go along the way of those who do evil.
15 Avoid it, do not go on it;
turn away from it and go another way.
16 For they cannot sleep until they do evil
and they are robbed of sleep until they cause someone to stumble.
17 For they devour the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
18 But the path of righteous people is like the first light that grows brighter;
it shines more and more until the fullness of the day comes.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness—
they do not know what it is they stumble over.
20 My son, pay attention to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them turn away from your eyes;
keep them in your heart.
22 For my words are life to those who find them
and health to their whole body.
23 Keep your heart safe and guard it with all diligence,
for from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put crooked speech away from you
and put corrupt talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead
and fix your gaze straight before you.
26 Make a level path for your foot;
then all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn aside to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.
Chapter 4 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.
Occasionally, the author addresses a proverb to "my son." This is not intended to restrict the words of that proverb to only males. Instead, it is simply a form used to pass on advice as a father does to his son.
You may notice that wisdom is referenced using a feminine pronoun. This is a feature that is carried in from the Hebrew language. This may apply well in your language but if it does not, follow the conventions of your language. (See: wise)
The writer speaks as a father teaching his children.
"listen carefully"
"you will know how to understand" or "you will gain understanding"
"What I am teaching you is good"
This refers to the time when the writer was a child still living under his father's care. Alternate translation: "When I was still a boy learning from my father"
Here the word "tender" refers to a young age at which the child is still weak. It forms a hendiadys with the word "only." Alternate translation: "the tender only child"
Here the word "heart" represents the person's mind. The writer speaks of remembering words as if the heart were holding on tightly to them. Alternate translation: "Always remember what I am teaching you"
The father continues to teach his children what his father taught him.
"Work hard to gain for yourself wisdom" or "Get wisdom"
"remember"
"accept"
Here the word "mouth" represents the person who speaks. Alternate translation: "what I am saying"
The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman who protects the person who is faithful to her.
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "hold tightly to wisdom" or "be faithful to wisdom"
"love wisdom"
The father finishes teaching his children what his father taught him.
"value understanding more than all you own"
The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman and of wisdom giving great honor to a person as if wisdom lifted that person to a high position. Alternate translation: "If you cherish wisdom, she will give you great honor"
to feel or show great love for someone or something
The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman and of a person valuing wisdom as if the person placed his arms around her. Alternate translation: "if you love wisdom greatly, wisdom will cause people to honor you"
The writer speaks of the honor that a person will have from gaining wisdom as if wisdom placed a wreath upon that person's head. Alternate translation: "Wisdom will be like a wreath on your head that shows your great honor"
a woven circle made of leaves or flowers
The writer speaks of the honor that a person will have from gaining wisdom as if wisdom placed a crown upon that person's head. Alternate translation: "wisdom will be like a beautiful crown on your head"
"be willing to listen carefully to what I teach you"
"you will live many years"
The writer speaks of teaching his son to live wisely as if he were leading his son along the paths where one may find wisdom. Alternate translation: "I am teaching you how to live wisely; I am explaining the right way to live"
If your language has a way of specifying that it is by his words Proverbs 4:10 and that the writer is teaching and leading, you may want to use it here. Alternate translation: "With these words I am teaching ... with them I am leading"
These two lines share similar meanings. The writer speaks of the decisions and actions that a person makes as if that person were walking or running along a path and of the person being successful as if the path were free of obstacles that might make the person stumble. Alternate translation: "When you plan something, you will succeed in doing it"
The writer speaks of a person remembering what he has learned as if "instruction" were an object that the person can hold tightly. Alternate translation: "Continue to obey what I have taught you and never forget it"
The writer speaks of discipline preserving a person's life as if it were that person's life. Alternate translation: "for it will preserve your life"
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if that person were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "Do not do what wicked people do and do not join in the actions of people who do evil"
"Avoid the path of the wicked"
They probably could literally sleep, but the writer uses an exaggeration to express how intensely they desire to commit evil actions.
The writer speaks of people being unable to sleep as if sleep were an object that someone stole from them. They probably could literally sleep, but the writer uses an exaggeration to express how intensely they desire to commit evil actions. Alternate translation: "they are unable to sleep"
The writer speaks of causing harm to another person as if it were causing that person to stumble. Alternate translation: "until they harm someone"
Possible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the writer speaks of these people constantly committing wickedness and violence as if they ate and drank them like one would drink bread and wine. Alternate translation: "wickedness is like the bread that they eat and violence is like the wine that they drink" or 2) these people get their food and drink by committing wickedness and violence. Alternate translation: "they eat bread that they obtain by doing wicked things and drink wine that they obtain through violence"
eat a great amount quickly
The writer speaks of the actions and lifestyles of righteous people as if they were a "path" or "way" upon which they walk. Alternate translation: "the lifestyle of righteous people"
The writer compares the path of righteous people to the sunrise, meaning that they are safe because they have light to see where they are walking. Alternate translation: "righteous people walk along their path safely because the morning sun shines on it and grows brighter"
This refers to the dawn or sunrise.
This refers to the time of day at which the sun shines the brightest. Alternate translation: "until the sun shines most brightly" or "until full daylight"
The writer speaks of the actions and lifestyles of wicked people as if they were a "path" or "way" upon which they walk. Alternate translation: "The lifestyle of the wicked"
The writer compares the way of wicked people to darkness, meaning that they are always in danger because they have no light to see where they are walking. Alternate translation: "Wicked people walk dangerously along their path because they have no light to be able to see"
The writer speaks of experiencing harm as if it were stumbling over an object in the path along which the person walks. Alternate translation: "they do not know why they experience harm and misfortune"
"listen carefully"
Here the word "ear" represents the person who is listening. The writer speaks of listening attentively to someone as if it were leaning forward so that the ear is closer to the one speaking. The word "sayings" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "listen attentively to the things that I am saying"
The writer speaks of always thinking about something as if it were keeping it where one can see it. Alternate translation: "Do not stop thinking about them"
The writer speaks of remembering something as if it were keeping it within one's heart. Alternate translation: "always remember them"
The writer speaks of his words preserving a person's life as if they were that person's life. Alternate translation: "my words give life" or "the things I say give life"
The writer speaks of fully understanding his words as if the person searches for them and finds them. Alternate translation: "to those who understand and practice them"
The word "their" refers to "those who find them." The subject for this phrase can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "my words will give health to the whole body of those who find them"
Here the word "heart" represents a person's mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "Keep your mind safe and guard your thoughts"
with constant and earnest effort
The word "it" refers to the heart, which is a metonym for the mind and thoughts. The writer speaks of a person's life as if it were a flowing spring that originates from the heart. Alternate translation: "from your thoughts comes everything you say and do" or "your thoughts determine your course of life"
The writer speaks of lying or deceitful speech as if it were crooked and of a person not using this kind of language as if it were removing it far away from oneself. Alternate translation: "Do not lie and do not speak deceitfully"
Here the word "eyes" represents the person who is looking. The writer speaks of a person being committed to doing the right thing as if that person were constantly looking forward without turning his head to look in another direction. Alternate translation: "Always look straight ahead and fix your gaze straight before you"
Here the word "foot" represents the person who is walking. The writer speaks of a person's actions as if he were walking along a path, and of planning those actions carefully as if it were making that path level. Alternate translation: "Make a level path to walk on" or "Prepare well what you want to do"
"a smooth path" or "an even path"
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if the person were walking along a path and of those actions being successful as if the path were safe and secure. Alternate translation: "then everything that you do will be right"
The directions "right" and "left" form a merism, meaning that the person is not to leave the level path in any direction. Alternate translation: "Walk straight ahead and do not leave the level path"
Here the word "foot" represents the person who walks. The writer speaks of not committing evil actions as if the person were walking away from evil. Alternate translation: "turn away from evil" or "stay away from evil"
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
incline your ears to my understanding,
2 so you may learn about discretion
and your lips may protect knowledge.
3 For the lips of an adulteress drip with honey
and her mouth is smoother than oil,
4 but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,
cutting like a sharp sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps go all the way to Sheol.
6 She gives no thought to the path of life.
Her footsteps wander;
she does not know where she is going.
7 Now, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn away from listening to the words of my mouth.
8 Keep your path far away from her
and do not come near the door of her house.
9 In that way you will not give away your honor to others
or years of your life to a cruel person;
10 strangers will not feast on your strength;
your labor will not go into the house of foreigners.
11 At the end of your life you will groan
when your flesh and your body waste away.
12 You will say, "How I hated instruction
and my heart despised correction!
13 I would not listen to the voice of my teachers
or incline my ear to my instructors.
14 I was almost completely ruined
in the midst of the assembly,
among the gathering of the people."
15 Drink water from your own cistern
and drink running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs be dispersed everywhere
and your streams of water flow in the public squares?
17 Let them be for yourself alone
and not for strangers with you.
18 May your fountain be blessed
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth,
19 for she is a loving deer and a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you at all times;
may you be continually intoxicated by her love.
20 For why should you, my son, be captivated by an adulteress?
Why should you embrace the bosom of an immoral woman?
21 Yahweh sees everything a person does
and watches all the paths he takes.
22 A wicked person will be seized by his own iniquities;
the cords of his sin will hold him tight.
23 He will die because he lacks instruction;
he is led astray by his great foolishness.
Chapter 5 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.
Occasionally, the author addresses a proverb to "my son." This is not intended to restrict the words of that proverb to only males. Instead, it is simply a form used to pass on advice as a father does to his son.
This chapter is unusual because it holds a theme about the adulteress and warns the young man to avoid her. An adulteress is a woman who commits adultery. (See: adultery)
The writer speaks as a father teaching his children.
Here the word "ears" represents the person who is listening. The writer speaks of listening attentively to someone as if it were leaning forward so that the ears are closer to the one speaking. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 4:20]
Discretion is the quality of being careful with regard to one's actions and speech. See how you translated this in Proverbs 1:4.
Here the word "lips" represents the person who speaks. The writer speaks of a person being careful only to say what is true as if the person's lips were protecting knowledge. Alternate translation: "you will speak only what is true"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "lips" represents the words of the adulteress and the writer speaks of the attractiveness of her words as if her lips dripped with honey. Alternate translation: "the words of an adulteress are sweet, as if dripping with honey" or 2) the writer speaks of the allure of kissing the adulteress as if her lips dripped with honey. Alternate translation: "the kisses of an adulteress are sweet, as if her lips dripped with honey"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "mouth" represents the speech of the adulteress and the writer speaks of the persuasiveness of her speech as if her mouth were smoother than olive oil. Alternate translation: "her speech is persuasive and smoother than olive oil" or 2) the writer speaks of the pleasure of kissing the adulteress as if her mouth were smoother than oil. Alternate translation: "her kisses are smoother than olive oil"
The writer speaks of the harm that comes from having a relationship with an adulteress as if she tasted as bitter as wormwood. Alternate translation: "but in the end, she is like bitter-tasting wormwood and will cause you harm"
a plant that tastes bitter
The writer speaks of the pain that the adulteress will cause to the one who has a relationship with her as if she were a sharp weapon that cuts the person. Alternate translation: "she wounds a person, as if she were a sharp sword"
Here "her feet" represent the adulteress as she walks. The writer speaks of her conduct as if she were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "She is walking along a path that leads to death" or "Her lifestyle leads to death"
The writer speaks of her conduct as if she were walking along a path. Alternate translation: "she walks all the way to Sheol" or "her conduct takes her all the way to Sheol"
The writer speaks of behavior that gives a person long life as if it were a path that leads to life. Alternate translation: "She does not think about walking along the path that leads to life" or "She is not concerned about conduct that leads to life"
Possible meanings are 1) "She wanders about as if she were lost" or 2) "She walks along the wrong path."
Here the teacher shifts from warning about the adulteress to giving advice.
These two phrases express the same idea to make the student pay attention.
The writer speaks of stopping an action as if the person physically turned away from it. Alternate translation: "do not stop listening"
Here the word "mouth" represents the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "my words" or "what I am saying"
Here the word "path" represents the person's daily conduct and circumstances. Alternate translation: "Keep yourself far away from her" or "Stay away from her"
Here "the door of her house" represents the house itself. It may be more appropriate to use the word "go" instead of "come" since the latter might imply that the speaker is at the door of her house. Alternate translation: "do not go near the door of her house" or "do not even go near her house"
"If you do this." This phrase refers to what he has just said in previous verses.
Possible meanings for the word "honor" are 1) it refers to one's reputation. Alternate translation: "You will not lose your good reputation among other people" or 2) it refers to one's wealth and possessions. Alternate translation: "You will not give away your wealth to other people" or 3) it refers to strength and represents the prime years of one's life. Alternate translation: "You will not give away the best times of your life to other people"
The writer speaks of a person dying prematurely, possibly by murder, as if the years of his life were items that he gives away to another person. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "or give years of your life to a cruel person" or "or cause a cruel person to kill you while you are still young"
This may refer to the husband of the adulteress, who will deal cruelly with the person who sleeps with her.
The word "strength" is a metonym for the wealth for which the reader has labored with his strength, and the word "feast" is a metaphor for enjoying. Alternate translation: "strangers will not enjoy all of the wealth you labored hard for"
unknown people from the same people group or nation
Here the word "labor" is a metonym for the goods and profit that a person has labored to produce, and "house" represents the person's family. Alternate translation: "the things that you have labored for will not end up belonging to the families of strangers"
unknown people from other people groups or nations
The words "flesh" and "body" mean basically the same thing and represent the whole person. Alternate translation: "your body wastes away" or "you waste away"
"physically wear down" or "become weak and unhealthy"
These two phrases express the same idea and emphasize how much this person disliked what the teacher had said.
The word "How" is an exclamation that emphasizes the strength of his hatred. The word "instruction" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "I hated it so much when someone would instruct me"
Here the word "heart" represents the person and his emotions. The word "correction" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "I despised people when they corrected me"
Here the word "ear" represents the person who is listening. The writer speaks of listening attentively to someone as if it were leaning forward so that the ear is closer to the one speaking. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Proverbs 4:20]
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and refer to the person's community that has gathered together either 1) to worship God or 2) to judge him for his offense.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The writer speaks of a man sleeping only with his wife as if he drank water only from his own cistern or well.
The writer speaks of fresh or flowing water as if the water were running. Alternate translation: "fresh water" or "flowing water"
The writer speaks of adultery using metaphors about wasting the water that was so precious in Israel, where rain was rare.
The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that his son should not do these things. Alternate translation: "Your springs should not ... your streams of water should not flow in the public squares."
Here the words "springs" and "streams of water" are likely euphemisms for male reproductive fluids. Possible meanings for these metaphorical phrases are 1) sleeping with women other than one's wife is spoken of as if it were allowing one's water to flow in the public streets or 2) having children with women other than one's wife is spoken of as if it were allowing one's water to flow in the public streets.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Should you disperse your springs ... everywhere? Should your ... squares?" or "You should not disperse your springs everywhere, and you ... squares."
Open areas in a city or town where two or more streets meet. A common place for people to meet each other and talk.
The word "them" refers to the "springs" and "streams of water" and what they stand for.
"do not share them with strangers"
The writer speaks of the son's wife as if she were a fountain. Here the word "blessed" refers to the sense of joy that the man has in his wife. Alternate translation: "May you always find joy with your wife"
Possible meanings are 1) "the wife whom you married when you were young" or 2) "your young wife."
The writer speaks of the son's wife as if she were "a loving deer and a graceful doe." Here "deer" and "doe" mean a female deer. They were symbols of beauty both in their appearance and in their movements. Alternate translation: "she is as beautiful and graceful as a deer or a doe" or "she is as beautiful and graceful as a female deer"
This word does not mean "full of grace," but "beautiful while moving."
Possible meanings are 1) the wife's breasts excite the husband's sexual desire and possibly represent the wife's entire body. Alternate translation: "Let her breasts satisfy your desires" or "Let her body satisfy your desires" or 2) this is a metaphor in which the writer speaks of the wife's breasts satisfying the husband's desires as they would satisfy the thirst of a hungry baby. Alternate translation: "Let her breasts fill you with delight as a mother's breasts fill her child with food"
Intense excitement and joy from the romantic love of one's wife is spoken of as if he was drunk from that love. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "let her love control you as alcohol controls someone who is drunk"
Possible meanings are 1) "by your love for her" or 2) "by her love for you."
The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that his son must not do this. Alternate translation: "My son, do not be captivated by an adulteress!"
Intense excitement that arises from the desire for a woman is spoken of as if he were being held captive by that woman. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "allow an adulteress to captivate you" or "allow an adulteress to fascinate you"
The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that his son must not do this. Alternate translation: "Do not embrace the bosom of an immoral woman!"
Here the word "embrace the bosom" is probably a euphemism for handling the breasts and a synecdoche for all kinds of sexual activity. Alternate translation: "have sexual relations with an immoral woman"
chest, shoulders, and arms
Possible meanings are 1) "a woman who is not your wife" or 2) "a woman who is another man's wife."
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God knows everything that everyone does.
The writer speaks of a person's actions or lifestyle as if it were a path on which the person walks. Alternate translation: "everywhere he goes" or "everything he does"
The writer speaks of a wicked person being unable to avoid the consequences of his iniquities as if those iniquities were people who capture the wicked person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A wicked person's own iniquities will seize him" or "A wicked person will be unable to avoid the consequences of his iniquities"
The writer speaks of a wicked person being unable to avoid the consequences of his sin as if that sin were a trap made of cords in which the person is caught. Alternate translation: "because of his sin, he will be like an animal caught in a trap"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his great foolishness leads him astray"
"because he is very foolish"
1 My son, if you set aside your money as a guarantee for your neighbor's loan,
if you gave your promise for a loan of someone you do not know,
2 then you have laid a trap for yourself by your promise
and you have been caught by the words of your mouth.
3 When you are caught by your words, my son,
do this and save yourself,
since you have fallen into the hand of your neighbor;
go and humble yourself
and make your case before your neighbor.
4 Give your eyes no sleep
and your eyelids no slumber.
5 Save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6 Look at the ant, you lazy person,
consider her ways, and be wise.
7 It has no commander,
officer, or ruler,
8 yet it prepares its food in the summer
and during the harvest it stores up what it will eat.
9 How long will you lie down, you lazy person?
When will you rise from your sleep?
10 "A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest"—
11 and your poverty will come like a robber
and your needs like an armed soldier.
12 A worthless person—a wicked man—
lives by the crookedness of his speech,
13 winking his eyes, making signals with his feet
and pointing with his fingers.
14 He plots evil with perversity in his heart;
he always stirs up strife.
15 Therefore his disaster will overtake him in an instant;
in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
16 There are six things that Yahweh hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 the eyes of a proud person, a tongue that lies,
hands that shed the blood of innocent people,
18 a heart that invents wicked schemes,
feet that quickly run to do evil,
19 a witness who breathes out lies
and one who sows discord among brothers.
20 My son, obey the command of your father
and do not abandon the teaching of your mother.
21 Always bind them on your heart;
tie them about your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you lie down, they will watch over you;
and when you wake up, they will teach you.
23 For the commands are a lamp,
and the teaching is a light;
the corrections that come by instruction
are the way of life.
24 It keeps you from the evil woman,
from the smooth tongue of an immoral woman.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.
26 The price of a prostitute is the cost of a loaf of bread,
but the wife of another man hunts for a precious life.
27 Can a man carry a fire against his chest
without burning his clothes?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals
without scorching his feet?
29 So is the man who goes to his neighbor's wife;
the one who touches her will not go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his need when he is hungry.
31 Yet if he is caught, he will pay back seven times what he stole;
he must give up everything of value in his house.
32 The one who commits adultery lacks sense;
the one who does it destroys himself.
33 Wounds and shame are what he deserves
and his disgrace will not be blotted out.
34 For jealousy makes a man furious;
he will show no mercy on the day of vengeance.
35 He will accept no ransom
and he cannot be bought off,
though you offer him many gifts.
Chapter 6 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.
Occasionally, the author addresses a proverb to "my son." This is not intended to restrict the words of that proverb to only males. Instead, it is simply a form used to pass on advice as a father does to his son.
The latter part of this chapter comes back to the theme about the adulteress and warns the young man to avoid her. An adulteress is a woman who commits adultery. (See: adultery)
Occasionally, the author will mention a list of six things, or seven things, that Yahweh hates. These numbers are used to draw attention to the list of things. It is not important whether there are six or seven things in the list.
The author will use rhetorical questions to draw the reader's attention to important points.
The gazelle and the ant have certain characteristics which the author uses to give wisdom. If your language does not recognize these characteristics in those animals, you could add a footnote to explain or possibly substitute another animal from your culture that would help explain the same concept. (See: wise)
Implied here is that your promise and the circumstances forced you to save up your money. Alternate translation: "had to save up some of your money"
Possible meanings are 1) your neighbor may come to you to ask for a loan or 2) your neighbor wants to take out a loan from someone else, but you promise to pay the lender back if your neighbor cannot.
This same Hebrew word can also mean "friend."
This is a figure of speech saying that you are going to trap yourself. Alternate translation: "you have made a trap in which you yourself are caught"
"what you said" or "what you promised to do"
"protect yourself" or "help yourself out of these problems"
This is a figure of speech using the term "hand" to mean "harm." Alternate translation: "your neighbor can bring harm to you if he wants to" or "your neighbor has power over you"
"friend"
"Do not let your eyes sleep; do not let your eyelids slumber." These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how important it is not to be lazy. It is also stated negatively for even more emphasis. Alternate translation: "Stay awake, and do what you can"
This is a figure of speech using parts of your face to mean your whole body. Alternate translation: "yourself ... yourself"
"Escape from your neighbor like a gazelle that flees from a hunter"
This is a big, lean animal that eats grass and that people often hunt for meat. It is famous for running away quickly.
The hand of the hunter refers to the hunter's control. Alternate translation: "from the control of the hunter"
"and escape like a bird that flies away from a bird-hunter"
"Study ... think about" or "carefully observe ... ponder"
An ant is a small insect that lives underground or in a self-built hill. They usually live in groups of thousands, and they can lift things that are much bigger than they are.
This is a figure of speech using the "ways" of an ant to refer to the behavior of the ant. Alternate translation: "consider how the ant behaves"
These three words mean basically the same thing and are used to emphasized that no one has formal authority over an individual ant.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are repeated to show how responsible the ant is.
Summer is the time of the year when some trees bear their fruit.
The teacher uses these questions to scold the lazy person for sleeping too much. Alternate translation: "You should not just lie there, you lazy person. You should rise up from your sleep." or "Wake up, you lazy person! Get out of your bed!"
These are the kinds of things that lazy people say.
Both of these statements mean the same thing. They can be stated as complete sentences. Alternate translation: "I will just sleep a little longer. Let me sleep lightly a little longer"
People often fold their hands while reclining in order to rest more comfortably. Alternate translation: "I will just cross my arms comfortably and rest a little"
This can be stated as a new sentence to make clear that this is a result of being lazy. Alternate translation: "If you continue to be lazy, your poverty will come" or "While you sleep, poverty will come"
The sudden way a lazy person becomes poor is like the sudden way a robber comes and steals things. Alternate translation: "you will suddenly become poor, just as if a robber came and stole everything you have"
The sudden way a lazy person becomes in need of things is like the sudden way an armed soldier takes things from a person. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: "and your needs will come to you like an armed soldier" or "and you will become needy just as if an armed soldier stole all your things"
"a soldier who is holding a weapon" or "a man with a weapon"
These two words have the same meaning and emphasize how bad this person is. Alternate translation: "A person with no value—an evil man"
Here lies are spoken of as speech that is crooked. Alternate translation: "constantly tells lies"
All three of these phrases describe a way in which the evil person communicates secretly to deceive other people.
If someone winks, he closes one eye very briefly as a secret signal to another person. This might be a sign of trust, of approval, or of something else.
"He plans evil" or "He prepares to do evil deeds"
"he always causes strife" or "he is constantly looking for arguments and making them worse"
"For that reason"
This implies that the disaster is chasing him like a person or an animal, and that it will catch him soon. Alternate translation: "his disaster will catch him"
This refers to the disaster that will happen to him, but also the disaster that he himself caused.
Both mean the same thing, and one or both of them can be replaced by "suddenly" or "very quickly."
This whole verse is a parallelism that emphasizes that God hates several things and not just one. Alternate translation: "six things that Yahwah hates; seven things that"
"that he strongly hates." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
This begins the list of things that Yahweh hates that was introduced in Proverbs 6:16.
All of these body parts refer to a whole person. You can translate each of these with "people."
"kill" or "murder"
All of these body parts refer to a whole person. You can translate each of these with "people."
"evil plans"
This figure of speech uses "breathes" to refer to lying constantly. Alternate translation: "constantly lies"
See how you translated this in Proverbs 6:14.
This figure of speech is using "sows" to refer to causing or bringing about discord. Alternate translation: "a person who causes discord"
These two phrases are very similar in meaning, but the use of both "father" and "mother" explicitly includes women in the teaching process.
The abstract noun "teaching" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "Do not reject what your mother teaches you"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They describe the commands and instructions as if they are written down so that you can put it in or on your body to remind yourself.
"love them" or "think about them"
These three phrases are used together to emphasize that the lessons are valuable all the time.
The repetition of these phrases is to show that the lessons are valuable for all sorts of things. It also speaks of those lessons as if they were people.
These three phrases mean basically the same thing, and together they show the various types of lessons a father and a mother teach.
All three of these mean basically the same thing and are repeated to emphasize the fact that the lessons make life better and easier. Alternate translation: "as useful as a lamp ... as helpful as light in the darkness ... as necessary to follow as the way of life"
"the way that leads to life" or "the way of living that God approves of"
Here the word "it" refers to the lessons taught by the father and mother in [Proverbs 6:20]
The word "tongue" here is a metonym for the words the woman uses her tongue to speak. Alternate translation: "deceptive words"
sexually immoral
The writer speaks of the woman's eyelashes as if they were a trap into which the young man could fall. They are a synecdoche for her beauty and a metonym for the way the woman looks at the young man to make her want her. Alternate translation: "do not allow her to gain control over you by being beautiful and by the way she looks at you"
Here "heart" represents the mind. Alternate translation: "in your thoughts"
"what is beautiful about her." This can also be a metonym for the woman. Alternate translation: "her"
"gain control over you"
The "eyelashes" stand for the beautiful things about her body that she uses to catch a man's attention. Alternate translation: "her beautiful eyes"
The writer tells why his son should not have sexual relations with the wife of another man.
Be sure your translation clearly communicates that having sexual relations with the wife of another man is much worse than having sexual relations with a prostitute.
"A prostitute will be satisfied to receive enough money for a loaf of bread, but the wife of another man will be satisfied only when she has taken a precious life" or "Having sexual relations with a prostitute will cost you only as much as a loaf of bread, but having sexual relations with another man's wife will cost you your precious life"
Possible meanings are 1) the reader thinks that the money a prostitute takes is little and his own life is precious or 2) the prostitute is looking only for money so she can eat, while an adulterous wife gives her body hoping to receive love.
This is a metaphor for a small amount of money or something else unimportant. If your language has a common way of saying this, you may want to use it here. Alternate translation: "very small"
The writer speaks of the woman's jealous husband wanting to kill the reader as if it were the woman herself who were trying to kill him. Alternate translation: "is giving her husband the opportunity to kill you" or "is putting you in danger"
This action would be very dangerous and would cause harm. The implied answer to the question is "no." Alternate translation: "Every man who carries a fire in his chest will burn his clothes."
"without destroying" or "and not destroy"
His clothes stand for him as a whole person.
Walking on hot coals will scorch a person's feet, so the implied answer is "no." Alternate translation: "Every man who walks on hot coals will have scorched feet."
This stands for committing adultery.
That is to slowly walk a long distance, without using tricks or magic.
"burning"
This is a polite way of talking about having sexual relations. Alternate translation: "the man who has sexual relations with his neighbor's wife" or "the man who lies with his neighbor's wife"
"do not regard a thief with contempt" or "do not think a thief is evil"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "if someone catches him"
This figure of speech is saying that everything in his house is all that he owns. Alternate translation: "that he owns"
"The person" or "The man"
"the appropriate punishment for what he has done"
This figure of speech is using the term "disgrace" to refer to the feeling of him acting shamefully. Alternate translation: "the memory of his shameful act"
This figure of speech is using the negative "will not be blotted out" to refer to it always being there. Alternate translation: "will never go away" or "will always be there"
very angry
The "he" is the neighbor whose wife has committed adultery with another man. Alternate translation: "he will not limit the pain he will cause you" or "he will hurt you as much as he can"
"when he takes revenge"
The writer speaks as if the jealous husband has captured the one who had sexual relations with his wife.
money to buy the freedom of someone who has been captured
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you cannot pay him enough money to change his mind"
"off. This will be true even if"
1 My son, keep my words
and store up my commands within yourself.
2 Keep my commands and live,
and keep my instruction as the apple of your eye.
3 Tie them on your fingers;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister,"
and call understanding your kinsman,
5 in order to keep yourself from the adulterous woman,
from the immoral woman who makes her words smooth.
6 At the window of my house
I was looking out through the lattice.
7 I looked at the naive people,
and I noticed among the young men
a youth who had no sense.
8 That young man passed down the street near her corner,
and he went toward her house.
9 It was twilight, in the evening of the day,
at the time of night and darkness.
10 There a woman met him,
dressed like a prostitute, with a false heart.
11 She was loud and rebellious;
her feet did not stay at home.
12 Now in the streets, then in the marketplace,
and at every corner she waited in ambush.
13 So she grabbed him and kissed him,
with a strong face she said to him,
14 "I made my peace offering today,
I fulfilled my vows,
15 so I came out to meet you,
to eagerly seek your face,
and I have found you.
16 I have spread coverings on my bed,
colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have sprinkled my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning;
let us take great pleasure in acts of love.
19 For my husband is not at his house;
he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took a bag of money with him;
he will come home on the day of the full moon."
21 With her great persuasiveness she turned him;
with her smooth lips she compelled him.
22 Suddenly he went after her
like an ox going to slaughter,
and like a fool is punished with shackles, [1]
23 until an arrow pierces through his liver.
He was like a bird rushing into a snare.
He did not know that it would cost him his life.
24 Now, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to the words of my mouth.
25 May your heart not turn aside onto her paths;
do not be led astray onto her paths.
26 She has caused many people to fall down pierced;
those she has killed are numerous.
27 Her house is on the paths to Sheol;
they go down to the dark bedrooms of death.
Chapter 7 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.
Proverbs are often written without any surrounding context and in two lines of text. Each line will have a certain relationship to the other line.
Many of the proverbs are stated as promises or commands, but they are intended to be advice.
Occasionally the author addresses a proverb to "my son." This is not intended to restrict the words of that proverb to only males, but is still given in the context of a father warning his son.
This chapter continues the theme about the adulteress and warns the young man to avoid her.
Here keeping represents obeying. Alternate translation: "obey my words"
Here God's commands are spoken of as if they were objects that someone could put into a storeroom. Alternate translation: "memorize my commands"
Here keeping represents obeying. Alternate translation: "obey my instructions"
The apple of the eye is the pupil inside the eye, which people normally instinctively protect when an object flies at their face. Here "the apple of the eye" represents whatever a person values and protects the most. Alternate translation: "as your most valuable possession"
Possible meanings are 1) that the writer wanted his son to engrave certain commands from God on a ring and wear it, or 2) that the writer wanted his son to always remember God's commands, as if he always wore a certain ring.
Here the heart represents a person's mind, and remembering something well is spoken of as if the person were writing it on a stone tablet. See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:3. Alternate translation: "remember my commands well as if you were writing them in stone"
Here wisdom is spoken of as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "Value wisdom as you would love your sister"
Here the quality of understanding is spoken of as if it were a kinsman or relative. Alternate translation: "treat understanding as you would treat your kinsman"
"relative" or "family member"
Words intended to deceive are spoken of as if they were smooth objects. Alternate translation: "who praises you to deceive you" or "who flatters you with her words"
a covering over a window made of thin strips of wood that cross one another in a slanted pattern that forms square-shaped openings in the pattern
inexperienced or immature
Here "her" refers to any female stranger, as referred to in Proverbs 7:5. She was standing at a certain corner, waiting for a suitable man to pass by. Alternate translation: "the corner where a female stranger was standing"
This refers to where two roads meet.
the time of day when it is getting darker and about to become night
Here "heart" represents intentions or plans. Alternate translation: "she planned to deceive someone"
"She talked loudly and showed contempt for her husband"
The phrase "her feet" represent the woman. Alternate translation: "she did not stay at home"
Here the woman is spoken of as if she were preparing to physically trap a person or an animal. Also, the idea of trapping someone here represents persuading someone to commit sin. Alternate translation: "she waited to trap someone" or "she waited to find someone she could persuade to sin"
the woman who was introduced in Proverbs 7:10
"took hold of him firmly"
Here "strong" represents "stubborn." A "strong face" means a stubborn expression on a person's face. This implies that the woman is acting in a stubborn way, that she is deliberately doing what she knows is wrong. Alternate translation: "with a shameless expression on her face"
Here "vows" represents what the person promised to sacrifice to God. Alternate translation: "I made the sacrifices I promised to God"
Here "face" represents the person and especially the person's presence. Alternate translation: "look for you" or "find out where you are"
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"scattered on my bed"
a substance from aloe plants that has a nice smell
This is a spice made from the bark of a tree that smells and tastes good.
Here the pleasures of romantic love are spoken of as if they were something good to drink. Alternate translation: "let us make love to each other as much as we want"
caresses and sexual relations
"is not at home"
The moon is said to be full when it is a perfectly round disk, shining at its brightest.
The female is the married woman who wants to sleep with "him," the young man.
These two phrases form a merism that emphasizes that she was able to get him to willingly do exactly what she wanted.
Causing him to stop doing what is right and start doing what is wrong is spoken of as if she caused him to turn off of the correct path and on to a wrong path. Alternate translation: "she persuaded him"
Here "lips" represents what a person says. When a person flatters someone else by saying things that are not sincere, these words are spoken of as if they were a smooth object. Alternate translation: "flattering, deceiving words"
This hyperbole speaks of the woman flattering the young man so that his desire was so strong he could not resist it as if she were forcing him to sin.
This seems to imply that the young man took very little time to think about what he should do. Alternate translation: "He quickly decided to go after her"
The naive and unsuspecting way the young man follows the adulteress is compared to the way an animal is unaware of the danger it is in.
This refers to killing an animal in order to eat its meat.
The Hebrew for this sentence is not not clear. Many translations say, "like a deer walks into a trap."
The naive and unsuspecting way the young man follows the adulteress is compared to the way an animal is unaware of the danger he is in.
This passage implies that a hunter has trapped the deer in order to shoot it with arrows. Alternate translation: "until a hunter shoots it in its most important part"
Here this organ represents a very important part of the deer's body.
This is a way of saying that this person will die as a result. Alternate translation: "it would kill him" or "he would die because of it"
This is to focus the attention of the speaker's sons on the conclusion of this lesson.
Here "ways" means the paths that a person chooses to walk on. It represents the person's behavior, the things that he decides to do in life. Alternate translation: "Make your heart stay far away from the ways of the adulterous woman" or "Do not let your heart want to do the things that the adulterous woman does"
Here "heart" represents a person, emphasizing his desires. Alternate translation: "you"
This means the same as the sentence before it. It strengthens the first warning. Alternate translation: "do not leave the right path in order to go on her paths"
Being pierced by spears or arrows represents being killed. Alternate translation: "She has caused many people to fall dead"
Here "paths" represents the kinds of behavior that foolish people participate in. Sheol was the name for the world of the dead.
These two phrases basically mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize that the woman's victims will be destroyed.
This expression pictures the dead as sleeping in many different rooms in Sheol.
1 Does not Wisdom call out?
Does not Understanding raise her voice?
2 On the hilltops beside the road,
at the crossroads, Wisdom has taken her stand.
3 Before the gates at the entrance into the city,
at the entrances into the city, she cries out.
4 "It is to you, people, that I call;
my voice is for the sons of mankind.
5 You who are naive, learn wisdom;
and you who are foolish, you must get an understanding mind.
6 Listen, because I will speak of noble things,
and when my lips open I will say upright things.
7 For my mouth speaks what is trustworthy,
and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are just;
in them is nothing twisted or perverse.
9 All of them are straight for the person who understands;
my words are upright for those who find knowledge.
10 Acquire my instruction rather than silver;
acquire knowledge rather than choicest gold.
11 For Wisdom is better than jewels;
no desirable thing is equal to her.
12 I, Wisdom, live with Prudence,
and I possess knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil.
I hate pride and arrogance, the evil way,
and perverted speech. I hate them.
14 I have good advice and sound wisdom;
I am insight; strength belongs to me.
15 By me kings reign,
and rulers make laws that are just.
16 By me princes rule,
nobles, and all who judge with justice.
17 I love those who love me,
and those who diligently seek me, find me.
18 With me are riches and honor,
lasting wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold;
my produce is better than pure silver.
20 I walk in the path of righteousness,
in the midst of the paths of justice.
21 As a result, I make those who love me inherit wealth;
I fill up their treasuries.
22 Yahweh created me at the beginning,
the first of his deeds long ago.
23 In ages long ago I was established—from the first,
from the beginnings of the earth.
24 Before there were oceans, I was given birth—
before there were springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled
and before the hills, I was born.
26 I was born before Yahweh had made the earth or the fields,
or even the first dust in the world.
27 I was there when he established the heavens,
when he drew a circle on the surface of the deep.
28 I was there when he established the clouds above
and when the springs in the deep became fixed.
29 I was there when he made his limit for the sea,
so the waters should not spread beyond his command,
and when there was set the limit for the foundations of the dry land.
30 I was beside him, as a skilled craftsman;
I was his delight day after day,
always rejoicing before him.
31 I was rejoicing in his whole world,
and my delight was in the sons of mankind.
32 Now, my sons, listen to me,
for those who keep my ways will be blessed.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not neglect it.
34 The one who listens to me will be blessed.
He will be watching every day at my doors,
waiting beside the posts of my doors.
35 For whoever finds me, finds life,
and he will find the favor of Yahweh.
36 But he who fails, harms his own life;
all who hate me love death."
Chapter 8 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine. These chapters operate more as a unit than many of the following chapters in this book.
The addressee of this chapter is broader than "my son," but is personal like the previous chapters' use of "my son." In this case, Wisdom is calling out for all to come and learn of her, in contrast to the adulteress mentioned in chapters 5-7. (See: wise)
In chapter 8 wisdom is spoken of as a woman who teaches people how to be wise. Many verses in chapter 8 have parallelisms.
This question is used to remind the readers of something they should already know. Alternate translation: "Wisdom calls out"
Here wisdom is imagined as a woman. If a language does not allow this kind of metaphor, other possible translations are: 1) "Is not wisdom like a woman who calls out?" 2) "Does not a woman named Wisdom call out?"
Here "Understanding" means the same as "Wisdom."
"speak"
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In ancient times, cities usually had outer walls with gates in them.
This continues to refer to Wisdom, personified as a woman.
Wisdom speaks to the people in verses 4-36.
Here "voice" represents the words that are spoken. Alternate translation: "my words are for the sons of mankind"
This is metonymy representing all human beings. Alternate translation: "all people"
inexperienced or immature
The abstract word "wisdom' refers to what a wise person believes and to the way in which he acts. Alternate translation: "learn how a wise person acts" or "learn what it means to be wise"
"you must begin to understand things with your mind"
Here "lips" represents a person's mouth, with which he speaks. Alternate translation: "when I open my mouth to speak"
proper or just
Here "mouth" represents a person who speaks. Alternate translation: "I speak"
"what people should believe"
Here "lips" represents a person who is speaking. See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32. Alternate translation: "wickedness is an abomination to me" or "saying wicked things would be an abomination to me"
Here the abstract noun "wickedness" represents wicked speech.
The "mouth" stands for the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: "The things I teach"
Twisting a message is a metaphor for changing a true message into a false one. Alternate translation: "nothing false"
honest and clear
This probably means that those who find knowledge will easily understand that the speaker's words are upright. Here "words" represent a message or teaching. Alternate translation: "those who know what is right and what is wrong consider what I teach to be right"
true and honest
"You should try much harder to understand my instructions than to get silver"
"the best gold you could ever find"
Here Wisdom, personified as a woman, is not speaking. However, it is possible to make Wisdom the speaker here as well. Alternate translation: "For I, Wisdom, am better than jewels; no desirable thing is equal to me"
treasuries
Prudence is also represented here as a person.
caution or good judgment
The abstract ideas "knowledge" and "discrete" can be expressed in other ways. Alternate translation: "I am knowledgeable and discreet" or "I know many things, and I am careful"
being careful about what we say and do; being cautious not to cause hurt or harm to others
"wicked talk"
turned from what is right
"wise suggestions"
counsel that is given to help someone
good, reliable
Here Wisdom is spoken of as if she were insight. Alternate translation: "I have insight"
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Translators can supply the missing words. Alternate translation: "and by me nobles and all who judge with justice also rule"
noblemen, leading members of important families in the nation
This refers to brotherly love or love for a friend or family member. This is natural human love between friends or relatives.
with careful and continued effort
"I have riches and honor"
This explains what is meant by "riches and honor." This can be made clear with the connecting word "therefore." Alternate translation: "therefore, I will give lasting wealth and righteousness to those who find me"
"the ability to live in a right way"
what wisdom produces or causes
the benefit or gain that wisdom causes
Living the right way is spoken of as walking on the right road. Alternate translation: "I live right" or "I do what is right"
This tells more of what is meant by "the path of righteousness." Alternate translation: "I do what is perfectly just" or "I only do what is just"
storehouses for valuable things. Wisdom is spoken of as a woman who fills the storehouses of her followers with valuable things.
"creating me was one of the first things he did long ago"
"Very long ago"
The word "age" refers to a general, extended period of time.
The idea of beginnings can be translated in a less abstract way. Alternate translation: "from when God created the earth"
Wisdom continues to speak.
"Before the bases of the mountains were put into place." This can also be put into active form. Alternate translation: "Before God made the foundations of the mountains and put them into their proper places"
This is wisdom speaking about herself.
"I was alive"
This is wisdom speaking about herself.
To establish something is to bring into being on a stable basis. Alternate translation: "created" or "made"
This refers to setting a limit to how far someone in a ship at sea can see all around himself. Alternate translation: "when he marked on the ocean's surface how far a person at sea can see in every direction"
"the ocean"
Wisdom continues to speak.
brought into permanent being
This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: "when God fixed the springs in the deep"
The ancient Hebrews thought that the ocean got its water from springs at the bottom of the sea.
"when he created the shorelines for the oceans. The "limit for the sea" divided the oceans from the dry land.
The Hebrew word for "earth" also often means "land."
This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: "when God set the limit for the foundations of the earth"
This is still wisdom speaking. Wisdom now says she was right next to Yahweh, implying that she was his assistant in creating the world.
This is a person who has trained for years to make useful things very well, like furniture or houses.
"I was what made him happy." The word "delight" is an abstract noun that can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he was happy because of me"
This is a way to express the idea of a habitual action or of a continuous condition. Alternate translation: "continually" or "the whole time"
"the whole world he created" or "everything he created"
This refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: "the people he brought into existence"
This is to focus the attention of the children to the conclusion of this lesson.
This is still wisdom talking about herself.
Here "my ways" represents wisdom's behavior. Alternate translation: "those who do what I teach" or "the people who follow my example"
"do not disregard" Alternate translation: "be sure to pay attention to" or "be sure to follow"
These two phrases basically mean the same thing. Wisdom is described as having a home; possible meanings of "watching" are 1) a wise person waits outside wisdom's home in the morning in order to serve her, or 2) a wise person waits outside wisdom's house for her to come and teach him.
This is still wisdom talking about herself.
This is still wisdom talking about herself.
The complete thought is, "he who fails to find me"
Here "life" represents the person's self.
1 Wisdom has built her own house;
she has carved seven pillars out of rocks.
2 She has slaughtered her animals, she has mixed her wine,
and she has set her table.
3 She has sent out her maids; she calls out
from the highest points of the city,
4 "Who is naive? Let him turn aside here!"
To the one lacking good sense she speaks.
5 "Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your naive actions and live;
walk in the path of understanding.
7 Whoever disciplines a mocker receives dishonor,
and whoever rebukes a wicked person receives abuse.
8 Do not reprove a mocker, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give to a wise person, and he will become even wiser;
teach a righteous person, and he will add to his learning.
10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through me your days will be multiplied,
and years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,
and if you mock, you will carry it by yourself."
13 The woman of foolishness is ignorant;
she is untaught and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat in the highest places of the town.
15 She is calling out to those who pass by in the streets,
to people walking straight on their way.
16 "Let anyone who is naive turn aside here,"
she says to those who have no sense.
17 "Stolen waters are sweet,
and bread of secrecy is delicious."
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her invited guests are in the depths of Sheol.
Chapter 9 concludes a collection of proverbs that operate as a unit about wisdom. (See: wise)
The addressee of chapters 8 and 9 is broader than "my son," but is personal like the previous chapters' use of "my son." In this case, Wisdom is calling out for all to come and learn of her.
These verses begin a parable in which wisdom is imagined to be a woman who is giving good advice to people.
The writer speaks about wisdom as if it were a woman who has built her own house.
This refers to animals whose meat will be eaten in the dinner that Wisdom will give. Alternate translation: "She has killed the animals for meat at dinner"
In ancient Israel, people often mixed wine with water. Alternate translation: "prepared her wine by mixing it with water"
"she has prepared her table"
These verses begin to give the message of Wisdom, who is personified as a woman.
These maids went out and invited people to come to the feast that Wisdom had prepared.
Young women or girls who are in the service of a respectable, adult woman, such as Wisdom.
"she proclaims" or "she summons" Alternate translation: "she loudly recites her invitation"
The invitation is shouted from the highest points so that it will be best heard by all the people.
These two phrases describe the same group of people, those who need more wisdom in their lives. Here the question is addressed to all such people. Alternate translation: "Anyone who is naive, let ... anyone lacking good sense"
"is inexperienced or immature"
"leave his path and come into my house"
These verses continue the message of Wisdom.
All of these commands are plural; Wisdom is addressing many people at the same time.
In ancient Israel, people often mixed wine with water. Alternate translation: "prepared her wine by mixing it with water"
All of these commands are plural; Wisdom is addressing many people at the same time.
Here naive actions are spoken of as if they were a place that a person could leave. Alternate translation: "Stop your naive behavior"
"inexperienced, immature actions"
Here the process of understanding wisdom is spoken of as if it were a path that a person could follow. Alternate translation: "the manner of living that a wise person has"
These verses continue the message of Wisdom.
The abstract noun "dishonor" is spoken of as if it were a solid object that one person can give to another. It can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "A mocker will dishonor anyone who disciplines him" or "Whoever disciplines a mocker can expect the mocker to dishonor him" or "Whoever disciplines a mocker can expect the mocker to insult him"
Someone who habitually mocks people. Alternate translation: "someone who says insulting things about other people" or "someone who likes to make other people look bad"
The writer speaks of "abuse" here as if it were a solid object that one person could give to another. Possible meanings are 1) a wound resulting from physical abuse or 2) a metonym for the disgrace that comes from verbal abuse. Alternate translation: "a wicked person will abuse whoever rebukes him" or "anyone who rebukes a wicked person can expect the wicked person to abuse him"
"whoever corrects"
"Do not correct"
These two commands actually represent conditional statements. Alternate translation: "If you give to a wise person, he ... if you teach a righteous person, he"
These two phrases basically say the same thing.
This refers to giving instruction to a wise person.
These verses finish the message of Wisdom.
See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 1:7.
This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: "I will multiply your days" or "I will cause you to live many more days"
Wisdom, personified as a woman, continues to speak here.
These two phrases basically mean the same thing and are used to emphasize the great benefits wisdom has.
Wisdom speaks of years of life as if they were physical objects. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I will add years of life to you" or "I will add years to your life" or "I will enable you to live longer"
These two statements seem to mean that wise people gain advantages for themselves because of their wisdom, and mockers suffer because of their behavior.
This speaks of the consequence of one's bad behavior as if it were a heavy load that one had to carry on his back.
These verses begin to describe foolishness, which is also personified as a woman.
It is possible to translate "foolishness" as a description such as "A foolish woman." However, if a language allows wisdom to be personified, as in the previous part of this chapter, it may also allow foolishness to be personified. Alternate translation: "The woman Foolishness"
These two expressions basically mean the same thing, which is repeated to show how useless the foolish woman is. Alternate translation: "she does not know anything at all"
"she has not learned from experience" or "she is young and naive"
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This seems to be an idiom for "thinking only of their own affairs" or "minding their own business."
"is inexperienced or immature"
"leave his path and come here"
This is the foolish woman who was introduced in Proverbs 9:13.
"those who do not have wisdom" or "those who are not wise"
The foolish woman speaks of the pleasure of stolen waters and bread of secrecy to tell men that if they sleep with her, they will have pleasure. This can be stated clearly in a simile: "You can enjoy me just as you enjoy water that you have stolen or bread that is secret"
"that the men who have gone to her are now dead"
"Sheol" refers to the world of the dead.
1 The proverbs of Solomon.
A wise son makes his father rejoice
but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Treasures accumulated by wickedness give no profit,
but doing what is right delivers from death.
3 Yahweh does not let the soul of the righteous person go hungry,
but he frustrates the cravings of the wicked.
4 A lazy hand causes a person to be poor,
but the hand of the diligent person gains riches.
5 A wise son gathers a crop in the summer,
but it is disgraceful for him to sleep during harvest.
6 Blessings from God are upon the head of the righteous person,
but the mouth of the wicked covers up violence.
7 The righteous person makes those who remember him happy,
but the name of the wicked will rot away.
8 The wise of heart accept commands,
but a talkative fool will come to ruin.
9 He who walks in integrity walks in safety,
but the one who makes his ways crooked, he will be found out.
10 He who winks the eye causes grief,
but a talkative fool will come to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous person is a water spring of life,
but the mouth of the wicked covers up violence.
12 Hatred stirs up conflicts,
but love covers over all transgressions.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of a discerning person,
but a rod is for the back of the one who has no sense.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings destruction near.
15 The wealth of a rich man is his fortified city;
the poverty of the poor is their destruction.
16 The wage of the righteous person leads to life;
the income of the wicked leads them to sin.
17 There is a path to life for the one who follows discipline,
but the one who rejects correction is led astray.
18 Whoever conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When there are many words, transgression is not lacking,
but he who is careful in what he says is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous person is pure silver;
there is little value in the heart of the wicked.
21 The lips of the righteous person nourish many,
but fools die because of their lack of sense.
22 The blessings of Yahweh bring wealth
and he adds no pain to it.
23 Wickedness is a game a fool plays,
but wisdom is a pleasure to a man of understanding.
24 The fear of the wicked person will overtake him,
but the desire of righteous people will be granted.
25 The wicked are like the storm that passes by, and they are no more,
but the righteous person is a foundation that lasts forever.
26 Like vinegar on the teeth and smoke in the eyes,
so is the lazy person to those who send him.
27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs life,
but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of righteous people is their joy,
but the hope of wicked people will perish.
29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold for those who have integrity,
but it is destruction for those who behave wickedly.
30 The righteous person will never be overthrown,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 Out of the mouth of the righteous person comes the fruit of wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous person know what gains favor,
but the mouth of the wicked, they know what is perverse.
Chapter 10 starts a new section of the book, which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often using contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, and wicked/righteous. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Many verses in Chapter 10 are contrasting parallelisms
After the introduction of Chapters 1-9, Chapter 10 begins the collection of the proverbs; short sayings that teach wisdom.
acquired over time
Here "soul" refers to the person. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh makes sure those who do what is right have food to eat"
"Hand" represents the strength and ability of a person. Alternate translation: "A person unwilling to work"
"Hand" represents the strength and ability of a person. Alternate translation: "person who works hard"
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The "head" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "are given to"
The "mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "words the wicked speak"
hides the truth
The word "name" represents a person's reputation. Alternate translation: "memory"
"be destroyed" or "be made useless"
not straight; deformed; dishonest; deceitful
"Winking the eye" represents a secretive sign for being cruel to someone else. Alternate translation: "He who makes a signal with a gesture"
will lose all the good things he now has
Here "mouth" represents what a persons says. Alternate translation: "The speech of a righteous person"
This refers to righteous people in general. Alternate translation: "righteous people"
This person's speech is spoken of as if it preserved living animals or people, as a water spring would do in a dry land.
That is, the wicked person appears to say harmless things, but plans to violent things against other people.
Here "mouth" represents what a persons says. Alternate translation: "the speech of a wicked person"
This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "wicked people"
Here the word "hatred" represents anyone who hates others. Alternate translation: "Anyone who hates others stirs up conflict"
"Stirs up conflicts" is a metaphor meaning causes people to quarrel or fight. Alternate translation: "starts fights"
Here the word "love" represents anyone who loves others. Alternate translation: "Anyone who loves others covers all transgressions"
"Covers over" is a metaphor meaning forgives. Alternate translation: "forgives all wrongs"
"Lips" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "in what a sensible person says"
"Rod" represents strong, physical punishment and "the back" represents the person who receives the punishment. Alternate translation: "a person who has no sense needs forceful punishment"
"Mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "the words from a foolish person"
This represents wealth as a safe place. Alternate translation: "his safety"
"what destroys them"
These terms normally refer to the money a worker earns. Here they represents the results of either doing what is right or doing what is wrong.
"what comes in" when a person sells his labor or something he has produced
"The person who obeys wise instruction will have a long and happy life"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but the one who does not obey wise instruction will not have a good life"
"Lips" represent what a person says. Alternate translation: "tells lies"
This phrase uses a negative to emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: "there is much sin"
"Tongue" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "Whatever a righteous person says"
"Silver" represents valuable sayings. Alternate translation: "is extremely valuable"
"Lips" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "The sayings of a righteous man"
cause them to develop or grow stronger
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A game is an activity people do for pleasure. Alternate translation: "Fools find pleasure in wickedness"
overcome someone
Just as storm comes and sweeps everything away so wicked people will disappear.
"Foundation" represents the base or a beginning of something that people build over. Alternate translation: "is a start for something that lasts forever"
"Vinegar" and "smoke" represent things that hurt a person's teeth and eyes. Alternate translation: "A lazy person will make those who send him wish they had not"
a sour liquid used to flavor or preserve foods, too much of which is painful to drink
"Years" represent the time a person lives. Alternate translation: "the lifetime of the evil person"
Here "hope" represents what a person hopes for. Alternate translation: "what wicked people hope to obtain"
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This can be stated as active and positive: Alternate translation: "will be secure"
"Mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "From the righteous man's words"
"Tongue" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "God will shut the mouths of people who say what is false"
"Lips" represent what a person says. Alternate translation: "righteous person knows how to speak in a way that gains favor"
"makes people think well of them"
"Mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "the words of the wicked"
1 False scales are an abomination to Yahweh,
but he delights in a precise weight.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright guides them,
but the crooked ways of the treacherous destroy them.
4 Wealth is worthless on the day of wrath,
but doing right delivers you from death.
5 The right conduct of a blameless person makes his way straight,
but the wicked will fall because of their own wickedness.
6 The right conduct of the upright keeps them safe,
but the treacherous are trapped by their cravings.
7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes
and the hope that was in his strength comes to nothing.
8 The righteous person is delivered from trouble
and it comes upon the wicked instead.
9 With his mouth the godless person destroys his neighbor,
but through knowledge righteous people are kept safe.
10 When righteous people prosper, a city rejoices;
when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy.
11 Through the blessings of the upright the city is exalted;
by the mouth of the wicked the city is thrown down.
12 The man who has contempt for his friend has no sense,
but a man of understanding keeps quiet.
13 Whoever goes around slandering reveals secrets,
but the trustworthy in spirit keeps a matter covered.
14 Where there is no counsel, a nation falls,
but victory comes through many counselors.
15 Whoever guarantees a loan for a stranger will surely suffer harm,
but the one who hates giving a pledge in that kind of promise is safe.
16 A gracious woman gets honor,
but violent people grasp for wealth.
17 A merciful person benefits himself,
but one who is cruel hurts himself.
18 The wicked person lies to get his wages,
but one who sows what is right reaps the wages of truth.
19 An honest person who does what is right will live,
but the one who pursues evil will die.
20 Those whose hearts are perverse are an abomination to Yahweh,
but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
21 Be sure of this—the wicked person will not go unpunished,
but the descendants of righteous people will be kept safe.
22 Like a gold ring in a pig's nose
is a beautiful woman without discretion.
23 The desires of righteous people result in good,
but wicked people can only hope for wrath.
24 There is one who scatters—he will accumulate even more;
another withholds what is just—he comes to poverty.
25 The generous person will prosper
and the one who gives water to others will have water for himself.
26 People curse the man who refuses to sell grain,
but good gifts crown the head of him who sells it.
27 The one who diligently seeks good is also seeking favor,
but the one who searches for evil will find it.
28 Those who trust in their riches will fall,
but like the leaf, righteous people will flourish.
29 The one who brings trouble on his own household will inherit the wind
and the fool will become a servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
but violence takes away lives.
31 Behold! The righteous person is rewarded on earth;
how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Chapter 11 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often using contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Many verses in Chapter 11 are contrasting parallelisms
"Scales" represent measuring accurately in negotiating. See how you translated "abomination" in [Proverbs 3:32]
"Precise weight" represents accuracy in negotiating. Alternate translation: "but he delights in honest ways" or "but he is happy when people are honest"
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This refers to upright persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "upright people" or "righteous people" or "honest people"
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "treacherous people" or "those who are treacherous"
The "day of wrath" represents a specific event, such as the "day of Yahweh" or "judgment day" or "last days." Alternate translation: "A person's wealth will do him no good when God comes to judge"
"has clear direction"
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "those who are wicked"
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "those who are treacherous"
"those who do evil are captured by their passions"
ready to betray trust; traitorous; deceptive
"the confidence he has in his own power" or "the hope for what he could gain by his power"
"disappears"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God delivers from trouble the person who does what is right"
"trouble comes"
"Mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "The words of the godless"
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Possible meanings are 1) The upright do good things that cause the people in the city to be prosperous or 2) God blesses the people of the city because of the actions of the upright.
"City" represents the community or people group. The phrase "is exalted" can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God exalts the people of the city" or "God makes the people in the city prosperous"
"Mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "the words of evil people"
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Here the word "spirit" is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "a trustworthy person"
"Covered" represents keeping things concealed as much as possible. Alternate translation: "does not tell" or "does not speak about the matter"
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"one who refuses to give"
people without pity or compassion; cruel people
"are greedy for wealth"
"a person who"
To "sow" represents spreading out to gain more. Alternate translation: "spreads out what is right"
To "reap" represents acquiring or gathering in" Alternate translation: "will surely be rewarded"
"the person who"
"chases after evil" or "seeks to do evil"
"Yahweh strongly hates those whose hearts are perverse." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
"Heart" represents the feelings, attitudes and motivations of a person. Alternate translation: "who have wicked thoughts"
This phrase uses a negative to emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: "will certainly be punished"
A beautiful woman without discretion is compared to a useless and unsuitable golden ring in a pig's nose.
"without common sense" or "who is foolish"
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This is a metaphor for a person who becomes more wealthy by being generous. Alternate translation: "Some people give freely to others and yet become more wealthy"
You may need to make explicit that the person scatters seeds for crops to grow. This is a metaphor for being generous. Alternate translation: "one who scatters much seed" or "one who is generous"
"will gain even more"
"what he should give" or "wrongly refuses to give." Being unjust is possibly a hyperbole for simply not being generous.
"will gain more"
"the generous person who" or "anyone who"
This describes the person who hoards his wealth instead of helping those in need.
"Crown" represents the reward or award for the person who is willing to sell grain. Alternate translation: "good gifts are given as a crown of honor to him who sells it" or "the person who sells it is honored with many blessings"
the one who seeks with careful and continued effort
This is an idiom. Here "fall" represents destruction or failure. Alternate translation: "will be destroyed" or "awaits a bad future"
"Leaf" represents growth and prosperity. Alternate translation: "righteous people will prosper in the same way a healthy green leaf grows"
This means that righteous people will thrive or prosper.
The "wind" is a metaphor for something that cannot be grasped or has no value. Alternate translation: "inherit nothing"
The word "fruit" here is a metonym for the tree that produces the fruit, and the tree is a metaphor for a person who does what is right. Alternate translation: "Those who do right will bring life to themselves and others"
See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:18.
"but the one who kills people is violent." Some modern translations read, "and the one who wins souls is wise," that is, a wise person will convince other people to do what is right.
This can be translated using an active verb. Alternate translation: "God rewards the righteous person on earth" or "People reward the righteous person on earth"
Some translations read, "person who is righteous on earth is rewarded."
The phrase "on earth" is a metonym for the life that a person lives on earth. Alternate translation: "is rewarded ... in this life"
"even more so"
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but the one who hates correction is stupid.
2 Yahweh gives favor to a good man,
but he condemns a man who makes evil plans.
3 A person cannot be established by wickedness,
but righteous people cannot be uprooted.
4 A worthy wife is her husband's crown,
but she who brings shame is like a disease that rots his bones.
5 The plans of the righteous are just,
but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
6 The words of wicked people are an ambush waiting for bloodshed,
but the words of the upright keep them safe.
7 Wicked people are overthrown and they are gone,
but the house of the righteous person will stand.
8 A man is praised for prudent lips,
but the perverse heart is despised.
9 Better the person of low position who has a servant
than the one who honors himself but has no food.
10 The righteous person cares about the needs of his animal,
but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever chases after worthless projects has no sense.
12 The evil person desires the plunder of the wicked,
but the righteous root endures.
13 An evil person is trapped by the transgression of his lips,
but the righteous person escapes from trouble.
14 From the fruit of his words a person is filled with good things,
just as the work of his hands rewards him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16 A fool shows his anger at once,
but one who ignores an insult is prudent.
17 The one who speaks the truth says what is right,
but a false witness, deceit.
18 The words of one who speaks rashly are like the thrusts of a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips last forever,
but a lying tongue is only for a moment.
20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plan to do evil,
but joy comes to the advisors of peace.
21 No ill comes upon the righteous,
but the wicked are filled with distress.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh,
but those who live faithfully are his delight.
23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge,
but the heart of fools shouts out folly.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule,
but lazy people will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in the heart of a person weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.
26 The righteous person is a guide for his friend,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 Lazy people would not roast their own game,
but the diligent man will obtain precious wealth.
28 Those who walk in the right way find life
and in its path there is no death.
Chapter 12 continues the section of the book (Chapter 10-22) which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often using contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility and integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
The author uses throughout this chapter. Verses 1-15 contrast wisdom and foolishness.
"Any person who"
"the person who does not want to be told what to do"
"is foolish" or "is unwise"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one can become safe and secure by doing what is wicked"
"Uprooted" represents being pulled out of the ground like a plant or a tree. This cannot happen to those who do right. Alternate translation: "are as stable as a tree with deep roots"
A crown represents the greatest honor a person can receive. Alternate translation: "A good wife is a sign of great honor for her husband"
A disease that rots the bones represents the spoiling of a person's life. Alternate translation: "a wife's shameful acts destroy her husband's influence and happiness"
This refers to righteous persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "righteous people"
The deceitful things that wicked people say in order to harm other people are spoken of as if their words are waiting to kill someone by surprise. Alternate translation: "The deceitful things wicked people say are like a person waiting to murder someone by surprise"
"advice from the upright keeps people safe"
This refers to upright persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "upright persons" or "righteous persons" or "honest persons"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will overthrow the wicked people" or "People will remove the wicked people from power"
The term "house" is often used figuratively in the Bible to refer to a person's ancestors, descendants or other relatives. Alternate translation: "family" or "descendants"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will praise a man with prudent lips"
The lips here are either 1) a synecdoche for the man himself. Alternate translation: "because he is prudent" Or 2) a metonym for the words he speaks Alternate translation: "because he speaks prudently."
The word "heart" here is a synecdoche for the whole person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will despise the one who always thinks evil thoughts" or "people will despise the one who takes good things and twists them into bad"
"the person whom others despise"
"the one who boasts about himself"
"causes suffering"
"worthless plans" or "worthless tasks"
"what wicked people steal." That is, what they desire is what they themselves can steal. The writer is not referring to these evil people stealing from other wicked people.
This metaphor refers to a person who acts righteously whether people are watching him or not. Alternate translation: "the righteous person endures" or "righteous people endure"
"Trapped" represents being caught in a snare or being tricked. The evil words a person says are spoken of as if the person's lips themselves were transgressing. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The wicked things an evil person says will trap him"
The phrase, "the work of his hands" represents work done by physical labor. Alternate translation: "just as the good work he does rewards him"
This phrase represents the idea he has from his own observation, imagination or memory. Alternate translation: "in his own opinion"
wise suggestions
"is wise" or "has good sense."
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The phrase, "thrusts of a sword" represents cruel words that hurt another. Alternate translation: "What a person says without thinking can hurt as much as if he stabbed with a sword"
"Tongue" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "what wise people say"
"comforts and heals"
"Lips" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "A truthful person endures forever"
"Tongue" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "the one who lies lasts only for a moment"
those who give recommendations as a guide to action; counselors
The negative, "No" cancels out the idea of "ill"
"Yahweh strongly hates lying lips." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
"Lips" are either a metonym for the words a person says or a synecdoche for the person himself. Alternate translation: "Lies" or "People who tell lies"
"does not tell everything he knows"
"Hand" represents what a person does—his works. Alternate translation: "Diligent people"
"Forced labor" describes what a person must do who is not free to do what he wants. Alternate translation: "will become a slave"
uneasy feeling of fear or dread, worry
"Weighing down" represents the idea of putting a very heavy load on a person so he cannot move freely. This phrase means to make a person sad or depressed. Alternate translation: "causes him to become sad or depressed"
The abstract noun "word" can be stated as the verb "speak." Alternate translation: "but when others speak kindly to him, he is cheerful again"
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"Game" means animals caught and killed while hunting. And "roast" is a way of cooking food.
"valuable treasure"
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1 A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but a mocker will not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of his mouth a person enjoys good things,
but the appetite of the treacherous is for violence.
3 The one who guards his mouth protects his life,
but the one who opens wide his lips will ruin himself.
4 The appetite of the lazy person craves but gets nothing,
but the appetite of the diligent person will be richly satisfied.
5 The righteous person hates deceptive words,
but a wicked person makes himself repugnant, and he does what is shameful.
6 Righteousness protects those who are faultless in their path,
but wickedness ruins those who commit sin.
7 There is someone who enriches himself, but has nothing at all,
and there is someone who gives everything away, yet has much wealth.
8 The ransom of a rich man's life is his wealth,
but a poor person does not hear a threat.
9 The light of righteous people rejoices,
but the lamp of wicked people will be put out.
10 Pride only breeds conflict,
but for those who listen to good advice there is wisdom.
11 Wealth dwindles away when there is too much vanity,
but the one who makes money by working with his hand
will make his money grow.
12 When hope is postponed, it breaks the heart,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
13 Whoever despises instruction brings destruction on himself,
but he who respects the commandment will be rewarded.
14 The teaching of a wise person is a fountain of life,
turning you away from the snares of death.
15 Good insight wins favor,
but the way of the treacherous is disaster. [1]
16 Prudent people act out of knowledge in every decision,
but a fool parades his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 The one who ignores instruction will have poverty and shame,
but honor will come to him who learns from correction.
19 A longing realized is sweet to the appetite,
but turning away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Walk with wise people and you will be wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
21 Disaster runs after sinners,
but righteous people are rewarded with good.
22 A good person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous person.
23 An unplowed field owned by the poor could produce much food,
but it is swept away by injustice.
24 The one who does not use his rod hates his son,
but one who loves his son is careful to instruct him.
25 The righteous person eats until he satisfies his appetite,
but the stomach of the wicked is always hungry.
Chapter 13 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Here "hears" represents listening in order to do it. Alternate translation: "A wise son obeys"
Here "listen" represents paying attention in order to do it. Alternate translation: "will not learn from rebuke" or "will not obey, despite rebuke"
Here "fruit" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "From the words of his mouth" or "From what he says"
the desire or liking for something
This nominal adjective can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the treacherous person"
Here "mouth" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "what he says"
Opening the lips represents speaking, and opening them wide represents speaking too often or too much. Alternate translation: "speaks a lot" or "talks too much"
See how you translated this in Proverbs 13:2.
"strongly desires but gets nothing"
Here "appetite" represents desire. Alternate translation: "the diligent person will have a richly satisfied life" or "being diligent will make a person richly satisfied"
this refers to any person who works with careful and continued effort
causing a strong feeling of disgust
"Righteousness" represents a way of life approved by Yahweh. This quality acts like a person who protects. Alternate translation: "A way of life approved by Yahweh protects"
Here "path" represents how a person directs his life. Alternate translation: "who are faultless in their way of living" or "who live lives of integrity"
Here "wickedness" represents an evil conduct of life. This quality acts like a person who ruins those who commit sin. Alternate translation: "wickedness ruins sinners' lives" or "sinners ruin their lives by committing wickedness"
"who makes himself rich"
Possible meanings are 1) no one will threaten to steal from him because he has nothing anyone would want to steal or 2) he will not listen when people correct him because he has nothing to lose if they punish him. Alternate translation: "does not listen to rebuke"
Here the light represents the righteous person's life or good behavior, and rejoicing represents causing people to rejoice. Alternate translation: "The life of a righteous person is like a light that causes people to rejoice"
Here the lamp represents the life or behavior of wicked people, and "be put out" is an idiom that means that a fire is stopped. The lamp being put out represents either the person dying or the person's life not giving any joy. Alternate translation: "the lives of wicked people are like a lamp whose fire will be stopped"
"Pride always causes conflict"
"heed" or "follow"
suggestions that are helpful and profitable
"Wealth decreases" or "Wealth slowly disappears"
The phrase "working with his hand" refers to physical work instead of only mental or other types of work. Many people give physical work a low value. Alternate translation: "working with physical strength"
Money is compared to a tree that grows. Alternate translation: "make his money increase"
Here "hope" represents the thing a person hopes for. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When a person hopes for something but does not receive it for a very long time"
Breaking a person's heart represents overwhelming that person with sadness. Alternate translation: "it causes intense sadness"
Someone receiving what they hoped for and becoming very happy is spoken of as if the fulfillment of their hope were a tree that gives life. Alternate translation: "a longing fulfilled is like a tree of life"
"a tree that gives life" or "a tree whose fruit sustains life." See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:18.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they will reward the one who respects the command"
A fountain is a good source of water and here represents a source of life. Alternate translation: "a bountiful source of life"
Here "snares" represent dangers that will kill. Alternate translation: "traps that lead to death"
Here a person's behavior or conduct is spoken of as if it were a way or path that a person walks. A person being ruined by their own treachery is spoken of as if they are on a way or path that never ends. Alternate translation: "but the behavior of the treacherous will cause their own destruction"
This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "the treacherous person"
To "parade" means to display in front of everyone. Alternate translation: "a fool displays his foolishness to everyone"
"is unreliable" or "does something evil"
"a faithful messenger" or "a faithful ambassador"
The word "healing" here is probably a metaphor for reconciliation between the one who sends the envoy and the person to whom the envoy is sent..Alternate translation: "brings reconciliation"
The abstract noun "correction" can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: "learns when someone corrects him"
"is a delight" or "brings joy"
the desire or liking for something
"fools strongly hate to turn away from evil." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
"will experience harm" or "will be ruined"
"Disaster" is given human characteristics like the ability to run. Alternate translation: "Sinners have trouble wherever they go"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God rewards righteous people with good"
"the sons of his sons" or "the children of his children" or "his descendants"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who does right will receive the wealth that a sinner has stored up"
"A field that is not prepared for food production" or "An empty field not ready for planting"
"Swept away" represents completely removing something. This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "but injustice takes away that food" or "but unjust people take the food away"
"makes sure to instruct him"
"he has satisfied himself" or "he fulfills his desires"
Here "stomach" represents the desires of a person. Alternate translation: "the wicked person is always hungry for more"
1 The wise woman builds her house,
but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
2 The one who walks uprightly fears Yahweh,
but the one who is dishonest in his ways despises him.
3 From the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,
but the lips of the wise will preserve them.
4 Where there are no cattle, the feeding trough is clean,
but an abundant crop comes from the strength of an ox.
5 A faithful witness does not lie,
but a false witness breathes out lies.
6 A mocker seeks wisdom and there is none,
but knowledge comes easily to the one who is discerning.
7 Walk away from a foolish person,
for you will not find knowledge on his lips.
8 The wisdom of the prudent person is to understand his own way,
but the folly of fools is deception.
9 Fools mock when the guilt offering is sacrificed,
but among the upright favor is shared.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness
and no stranger shares its joy.
11 The house of wicked people will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end only leads to death.
13 A heart can laugh but still be in pain
and joy may end up being grief.
14 The faithless in heart will get what his ways deserve,
but a good person will get what is his.
15 The one who is naive believes everything,
but the prudent man thinks about his steps.
16 A wise man fears and turns away from evil,
but the fool confidently dismisses a warning.
17 One who is quick to become angry does foolish things,
and a person who makes evil schemes is hated.
18 The naive inherit foolishness,
but prudent people are crowned with knowledge.
19 Evil people will bow down before those who are good
and those who are wicked will bow down at the gates of the righteous person.
20 The poor person is hated even by his own companions,
but the rich people have many friends.
21 The one who shows contempt for his neighbor is sinning,
but the one who shows favor to the poor is blessed.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray?
But those who plan to do good will receive steadfast love and faithfulness.
23 With all hard work comes a profit,
but when there is only talk, it leads to poverty.
24 The crown of wise people is their wealth,
but the folly of fools brings them only more folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but he who breathes out lies brings betrayal.
26 In the fear of Yahweh is strong confidence;
it will be a refuge for his children.
27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life,
so that a person may turn away from the snares of death.
28 The glory of a king is found in the great number of his people,
but without people the prince is ruined.
29 A patient person has great understanding,
but the quick-tempered person exalts folly.
30 A tranquil heart is life for the body,
but envy rots the bones.
31 The one who oppresses the poor insults his Maker,
but the one who shows favor to the needy honors him.
32 The wicked person is brought down by his evil actions,
but the righteous person has a refuge even in death.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning,
but even among fools she lets herself be known.
34 Doing what is right exalts a nation,
but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 The favor of the king is with the servant who acts prudently,
but his anger is for the one who acts shamefully.
Chapter 14 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
"builds up her house" or "makes her house better"
Possible meanings are 1) this may refer to her actual house, that is the building she lives in or 2) this may refer to her family.
The woman is represented by her "hands." Alternate translation: "by herself" or "by the way she behaves"
"The person who ... the person who"
"Walks" represents the conduct of life. Alternate translation: "conducts his life in a just and honest way"
"grossly disrespects him" or "shows that he hates him"
The word "his" refers to the dishonest man and "him" refers to Yahweh.
The mouth and the lips both refer to what a person says.
The rod with which people will punish the fool by hitting him on his back for his foolish words is a metonym for the words that come out of his mouth. Alternate translation: "words that will cause people to punish him"
This word is plural. "wise men" or "wise people"
"will keep them from harm" or "will keep them safe"
A "trough" is a container in which you put the food for animals.
"a good harvest"
"Strength" represents the strong work an ox can do. Alternate translation: "because of the work an ox does"
This figure of speech uses "breathes" to refer to lying constantly. Alternate translation: "constantly lies" See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 6:19.
"and wisdom is not there" or "but he will not find wisdom"
"the one who is discerning acquires knowledge easily"
"the one who is wise" or "a person who has understanding"
The word "lips" represents what a person says. Alternate translation: "from his speech" or "with his comments"
a person who has good judgment or sense
The word "way" represents the conduct of life of a person. Alternate translation: "his conduct" or "how he lives"
The foolishness of fools is that they think they are wise, when they are not.
"at guilt" or "at the guilt offering" The meaning behind this phrase is that fools do not apologize to God or men for the things they do wrong.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but the upright enjoy favor together" or "but God's favor is experienced together among the upright"
This refers to upright persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "upright people" or "righteous people" or "honest people"
"its own sorrow" or "its own sadness"
"those who do not know him"
The word "tent" represents everything that happens within it. Alternate translation: "the household"
The word "flourish" means vigorous blooming of flowers and so represents anything that grows strongly. Alternate translation: "to do well and last long" or "to be healthy" or "to be very successful"
The word "way" represents the conduct of life a person follows. Alternate translation: "People think that the way they are living is the right way"
The word "heart" represents a person's feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate translation: "A person's feelings can show laughter"
"experience pain" or "hurt"
"The person who is faithless"
The word "ways" represents a person's conduct of life. Alternate translation: "what he deserves, based on how he lived"
"what belongs to him" or "what he has a right to"
inexperienced or immature
Here the idea of footsteps represents a person's behavior. Alternate translation: "his actions"
Here evil is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: "avoids doing evil"
"boldly ignores"
"becomes angry quickly"
inexperienced or immature
Here "inherit" represents having permanent possession of something.
The word "foolishness" is an abstract noun that represents foolish thinking and foolish actions.
"wise people"
Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were a beautiful ornament worn on one's head, such as a turban with jewels. Alternate translation: "wear knowledge as a turban"
This means to bend over to humbly express respect and submission toward someone.
The word "gates" represents an entrance to meet with another. This means the wicked will have to wait for the righteous person and beg to enter his presence. Alternate translation: "to meet with the righteous person"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Everyone hates the poor person even his own neighbors"
"The person ... the person"
"poor people"
The assumed answer to this question is "yes." Alternate translation: "Those who plot evil will go astray."
"who make evil plans" or "who make plans to do evil things"
The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be stated with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." Alternate translation: "God will show those who plan to do what is good that he loves them without ceasing, and he will be faithful to them"
"but if you only talk" or "but when all a person does is talking"
The word "crown" represents the highest achievement possible and visible to all. Alternate translation: "The reward of wise people"
See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 14:8.
This figure of speech uses "breathes" to refer to lying constantly. See how you translated this phrase in [Proverbs 6:19]
The abstract nouns "fear" and "confidence" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "The person who fears Yahweh also knows that he can trust Yahweh"
The confidence that a person who fears Yahweh has is spoken of as if it were a a place to which that person's children can go to be safe. Alternate translation: "his children can know that Yahweh will protect them"
A "fountain" is a bountiful source of water and represents here the source of life. Alternate translation: "source of life"
A "snare" is a sort of trap used to hunt animals and represents something tricky and dangerous that will kill. Alternate translation: "from the trap that will kill"
"how many people he rules"
"the prince has nothing and his kingdom will fall"
a person who is quick to become angry
"A peaceful mindset" or "An attitude that is at peace"
The word "rots" represents the decay of a person and "bones" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "causes a person to be unhealthy in body and spirit"
"The person who ... the person who"
"a poor person ... a needy person"
"is kind to" or "helps"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "evil actions push over" or "evil actions destroy"
The word "heart" represents the feelings, attitudes and motivations of a person. Alternate translation: "Wisdom is in the attitude"
"a discerning person"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "she makes sure people know her"
The word "she" refers to wisdom.
"brings shame upon to any people" or "should cause any people to be ashamed"
"who acts wisely" or "who makes sure bad things do not happen"
"the servant who"
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongue of wise people compliments knowledge,
but the mouth of fools pours out folly.
3 The eyes of Yahweh are everywhere,
keeping watch over the evil and the good.
4 A healing tongue is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool has contempt for his father's instruction,
but he who learns from correction is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous person there is great treasure,
but the earnings of the wicked person give him trouble.
7 The lips of wise people scatter knowledge about,
but not so the hearts of fools.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh,
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of wicked people is an abomination to Yahweh,
but he loves the one who pursues what is right.
10 Harsh discipline awaits anyone who abandons the way
and he who hates correction will die.
11 Sheol and destruction are open before Yahweh;
how much more the hearts of the sons of mankind?
12 The mocker does not love the one who corrects him;
he will not go to the wise.
13 A joyful heart makes the face cheerful,
but by an injured heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.
15 All the days of the afflicted are miserable,
but a cheerful heart has an unending feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of Yahweh
than great treasure with tumult.
17 Better is a meal with vegetables where there is love
than a fattened calf served with hatred.
18 An angry man stirs up strife,
but a person who is slow to anger quiets a quarrel.
19 The path of the lazy person is like a place with a hedge of thorns,
but the path of the upright is a built-up highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish person despises his mother.
21 Folly delights a person who lacks sense,
but the one who has understanding walks a straight path.
22 Plans go wrong where there is no advice,
but with numerous advisors they succeed.
23 A person finds joy when he gives a pertinent reply;
how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for prudent people,
that they may turn away from Sheol beneath.
25 Yahweh tears down the house of the proud,
but he protects the property of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to Yahweh,
but pleasant words are pure.
27 The person who profits from unjust gain brings trouble to his family,
but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous person ponders before it answers,
but the mouth of wicked people pours out all its evil.
29 Yahweh is far away from wicked people,
but he hears the prayer of righteous people.
30 The light of the eyes brings joy to the heart
and good news is health to the body.
31 The ear that listens to life-giving rebuke
will dwell among wise people.
32 The one who rejects discipline despises himself,
but he who listens to correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of Yahweh instructs in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Chapter 15 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Causing a person to stop being angry is spoken of as if it were turning that person's wrath away. Alternate translation: "Answering a person gently will calm that person's wrath"
Causing a person to become more angry is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening anger. Alternate translation: "but speaking harshly causes that person to become more angry"
Here the word "tongue" refers to the person who speaks. Alternate translation: "Wise people compliment knowledge when they speak"
Possible meanings are 1) "makes knowledge attractive" or 2) "uses knowledge correctly."
The writer speaks of fools' mouths as if they were containers and of folly as if it were the liquid that filled them. When fools speak, their mouths pour out the liquid. The word "mouth" represents those who speak. Alternate translation: "fools are always speaking folly"
Here the word "eyes" represents Yahweh and emphasizes his ability to see everything. Alternate translation: "Yahweh sees everything"
The words "evil" and "good" refer to people. Alternate translation: "evil people and good people"
The word "tongue" refers to speech. The writer speaks of the words of a person who says things that help and encourage others as if they were a tree that provides life-giving nourishment. Alternate translation: "Kind words are like a tree that gives life"
The phrase "a deceitful tongue" refers to speech that is deceitful or hurtful. The writer speaks of a person being hurt or in despair as if that person's spirit were an object that words have crushed. Alternate translation: "deceitful speech causes a person to despair"
The word "correction" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he who learns when someone corrects him"
"is wise"
The word "earnings" can be translated as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "the wealth that a wicked person earns gives"
The word "lips" represents what wise people say. The writer speaks of knowledge as if it were seeds that wise people scatter around when they speak. Alternate translation: "The speech of wise people spreads knowledge"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "hearts" is synecdoche for the fools themselves and means that they do not scatter knowledge like wise people do. Alternate translation: "fools do not scatter knowledge about" or 2) fools do not have knowledge in their hearts, with "hearts" being a metonym for the thoughts. Alternate translation: "fools do not understand knowledge"
"Yahweh strongly hates the sacrifices that wicked people offer." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
"the person who lives rightly" or "people who live rightly"
"pleases him"
The lifestyles of wicked people are spoken of as if they are paths on which those people walk. See how you translated "abomination" in [Proverbs 3:32]
Being diligent to live rightly is spoken of as if it were chasing after right things. Alternate translation: "the person who strives to live rightly"
Here "the way" refers to the way of righteousness. A person who stops doing what is right is spoken of as if he has left the correct path. Alternate translation: "anyone who stops living rightly"
The word "correction" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "the person who hates it when others correct him"
The words "Sheol and destruction" both refer to the place of the dead. Yahweh knowing everything about the place of the dead is spoken of as if it were open before Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Yahweh knows everything about the place where dead people are"
This rhetorical question emphasizes that since Yahweh knows everything about the place of the dead, it is more obvious that he knows everything about the hearts of men. Alternate translation: "so he certainly knows the hearts of the sons of mankind!"
Here the word "hearts" represents the thoughts and motivations. The phrase "the sons of mankind" is an idiom for humanity. Alternate translation: "the thoughts of humans"
It is implied that he will not go to the wise to seek their counsel or advice. Alternate translation: "he will not go to the wise to seek their counsel"
Here the word "heart" represents the person. Alternate translation: "When a person is joyful, his face is cheerful"
The writer speaks of a person being discouraged as if that person's spirit were an object that is broken. Possible meanings are 1) The "injured heart" is spoken of as if it were a person who broke the spirit or 2) a person whose heart has been injured will also be discouraged. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "an injured heart makes a person become discouraged"
Here the word "heart" represents the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "The mind of the discerning person" or "The discerning person"
Here the word "mouth" represents the person. The writer speaks of fools desiring foolish things as if they ate foolish things. Alternate translation: "foolish people desire folly as if it were the food that they eat"
"Oppressed people are miserable all of their days"
Here the word "heart" represents the person. The writer speaks of a cheerful person enjoying life as if that person were celebrating a feast that does not end. Alternate translation: "the cheerful person enjoys life, as if he were celebrating an unending feast"
"a feast that never ends"
"with confusion and disorder"
The vegetables represent a small meal with very little food. Alternate translation: "a small meal" or "very little food"
The word "love" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "where people love one another"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a fatted calf that someone serves with hatred"
This refers to a calf that has been fed a lot of food so that it will become fat. Here it represents a delicious meal or a feast. Alternate translation: "a luxurious meal" or "a feast"
The word "hatred" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "where people hate one another"
Causing people to disagree with each other and to be angry is spoken of as if it were stirring up strife. The abstract noun "strife" can be expressed with the verbs "argue" or "fight." Alternate translation: "causes people to argue" or "makes people want to fight"
The writer speaks of a person's life as if it were a path on which the person walks. Alternate translation: "The life of the lazy person ... the life of the upright"
The writer compares the way the lazy person lives with trying to walk through a hedge of thorns. Both cause the person to suffer pain. Alternate translation: "Life for the lazy person is like walking through a hedge of thorns"
The writer speaks of the blessings that upright people experience in life as if they were walking on a smooth road.
This refers to upright persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "upright people" or "righteous people" or "honest people"
This is a road that is wide, flat, smooth, and free of obstacles.
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The writer speaks of a person doing the right thing as if he were walking straight ahead on a path. Alternate translation: "the person who has understanding does what is right"
"Plans fail"
"when there is no one to give advice"
people who give recommendations as a guide to action
"plans succeed"
"a fitting reply" or "an appropriate answer"
This exclamation emphasizes that a word spoken at the right time is very good. Alternate translation: "a word that a person speaks at the right time is very good"
The writer speaks of a lifestyle that results in life as if it were a path that goes upward towards life and of a lifestyle that results in death as if it were a path that leads down to the place of the dead.
This is a synecdoche for the person's household, property, and wealth.
"Yahweh strongly hates the thoughts of wicked people." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
"kind words are pure"
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Here the word "heart" is a metonym for the mind and thoughts. This represents the person who thinks. Alternate translation: "The person who does right ponders what to say before he answers"
The writer speaks of wicked people's mouths as if they were containers and speaks of evil as if it were the liquid that filled them. When wicked people speak, their mouths pour out the liquid. The word "mouths" represents those who speak. Alternate translation: "wicked people are always saying evil things"
It may be more natural in you language to translate all these words as either singular or plural. Alternate translation: "the mouth of the wicked person pours out all its evil" or "the mouths of wicked people pour out all their evil"
The writer speaks of Yahweh not listening to wicked people as if he were physically far away from them. Alternate translation: "Yahweh does not listen to wicked people" or "Yahweh does not answer wicked people"
The writer speaks of an expression of joy on one's face as if the person's eyes emitted light. Alternate translation: "A cheerful expression"
The word "heart" represents the person. Possible meanings are 1) the person who has a cheerful expression becomes joyful or 2) other people become joyful when they see someone with a cheerful expression. Alternate translation: "causes a person to be joyful"
Here the word "body" represents the person. Alternate translation: "receiving good news makes a person feel good"
The "ear" here is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "The person who listens ... will dwell"
"will always be welcome to be with"
The word "correction" can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "listens when others correct him"
The words "fear" and "wisdom" can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: "When a person fears Yahweh, he will learn to be wise"
See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 1:7.
This means that a person must first learn humility before Yahweh will honor him.
1 The plans of the heart belong to a person,
but the answer from his tongue comes from Yahweh.
2 All of a person's ways are pure in his own eyes,
but Yahweh weighs the spirits.
3 Commit your works to Yahweh
and your plans will succeed.
4 Yahweh has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Every exalted heart is an abomination to Yahweh,
but be sure of this, they will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for
and by the fear of Yahweh people turn away from evil.
7 When a person's ways are pleasing to Yahweh,
he makes even that person's enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with what is right,
than a large income with injustice.
9 In his heart a person plans out his way,
but Yahweh directs his steps.
10 Insightful decisions are on the lips of a king;
his mouth should not betray justice.
11 Honest scales come from Yahweh;
all the weights in the bag are his work.
12 Doing evil is an abomination to kings,
for a throne is established by doing what is right.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of the king,
and he loves the person who speaks upright words.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death
but a wise man will try to calm his anger.
15 In the light of a king's face is life
and his favor is like a cloud that brings a spring rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold.
To get understanding should be chosen more than silver.
17 The highway of the upright turns away from evil;
the one who guards his way preserves his life.
18 Pride comes before destruction
and a haughty spirit before a downfall.
19 It is better to be of humble spirit among poor people
than to divide the plunder with proud people.
20 Whoever contemplates what they are taught will find what is good,
and those who trust in Yahweh will be blessed.
21 The one who is wise in heart is called discerning
and sweetness of speech improves the ability to teach.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to the one who has it,
but the instruction of fools is their foolishness.
23 The heart of a wise person gives insight to his mouth
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb—
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
26 The laborer's appetite works for him;
his hunger urges him on.
27 A worthless person digs up mischief
and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A man of violence lies to his neighbor
and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 The one who winks the eye is plotting perverse things;
those who purse the lips will bring evil to pass.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living the right way.
32 It is better to be slow to anger than to be a warrior
and one who rules his spirit is stronger than one who conquers a city.
33 The lots are cast into the lap,
but the decision is from Yahweh.
Chapter 16 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
Some of these proverbs mention a king. As in other cases, this is intended to apply to all rulers.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Here the word "heart" represents the person's mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "A person makes plans in his mind"
Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh speaks his answer to a person's plans, which is a metaphor meaning that Yahweh determines the outcome of that person's plans or 2) Yahweh enables a person to speak words about the plans that he has made.
The person is represented by his "tongue" to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: "the answer that he speaks"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. The writer speaks of what a person does as if that person were walking down a path. Alternate translation: "A person thinks that everything he does is pure" or "A person judges everything he does as pure"
Here the word "spirits" represents people's desires and motives. The writer speaks of Yahweh discerning and judging a person's desires and motives as if he were weighing that person's spirit. Alternate translation: "Yahweh judges the person's motives"
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The verbal phrase may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "he has made even the wicked for the day of trouble"
"Yahweh strongly hates every exalted heart." See how you translated "abomination" in Proverbs 3:32.
Here the word "exalted" is a metaphor for "arrogant" because the person himself exalts his heart rather than allowing God or other people to exalt it. The word "heart" represents the person. Alternate translation: "everyone who is arrogant" or "every arrogant person"
The two negatives in this phrase strongly emphasize the positive. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will certainly punish them"
The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be stated with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate translation: "Because Yahweh loves his people without ceasing and is faithful to them, he forgives their sins" or 2) Alternate translation: "Yahweh will forgive the sins of those who love him without ceasing and are faithful to him"
The writer speaks of people no longer doing evil things as if they were turning away from evil. Alternate translation: "people stop doing evil things"
"Yahweh makes"
"earning a lot of money"
"with wrongdoing"
Here the word "heart" represents the mind and thoughts. The writer speaks of a person's actions as if the person were walking on a path. Alternate translation: "A person plans in his mind what he will do"
The writer speaks of Yahweh determining the outcome of a person's plans as if Yahweh were telling that person where to walk.
Here the word "lips" is a metonym for what the king says. Alternate translation: "What a king says are insightful decisions"
The word "mouth" represents the king himself. Alternate translation: "he should not speak deceitfully when he judges"
Yahweh requires justice and fairness when doing business. Dishonest people used heavier or lighter weights in their scales in order to gain more when buying or selling.
Merchants carried their weights in bags. Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh has determined how much every weight must weigh or 2) Yahweh is concerned with every weight that a merchant uses.
Possible meanings are 1) kings hate evil deeds that their subjects commit or 2) Yahweh hates kings who commit evil deeds.
Here the word "throne" represents the king's rule. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for the king establishes his reign by doing what is right"
Here the word "lips" represents the person who speaks. Alternate translation: "A person who speaks the truth"
The writer speaks of an angry king causing someone to die as if the king's wrath were a messenger that he sends out to kill someone. Alternate translation: "An angry king can put people to death"
Verse 15 contrasts with verse 14.
The writer speaks of an expression of joy on the king's face as if his face emitted light. Alternate translation: "When the king is cheerful, people live"
The writer compares the king showing favor towards someone with a cloud that brings rain to make crops grow. Both promise blessing to those who receive them.
This exclamation emphasizes that having wisdom is much better than having gold. Alternate translation: "It is much better to get wisdom than to get gold"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A person should choose to get understanding more than to get silver"
The writer speaks of the lifestyle of upright people as if it were a well-built road, free of obstacles. Alternate translation: "The righteous way that upright people live"
The writer speaks of avoiding or no longer doing evil things as if it were turning away from evil. Alternate translation: "keeps them from doing evil"
The word "way" here is a metaphor that speaks of a person's actions and words as if they were a road that he walks on. A person who "guards his way" is careful to make sure he does not do what his own evil thoughts or others' evil words or actions tempt him to do. Alternate translation: "the one who does not allow evil people to lead him to sin will live a long time"
Here the word "spirit" represents the person's attitude and temperament. Alternate translation: "an arrogant attitude"
"ruin" or "failure"
"to have a humble spirit" or "to be a humble person"
goods taken in battle
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what someone has taught them" or "what they have learned"
This person will have a reputation of being a discerning person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will call the one who is wise in heart discerning" or "The one who is wise in heart will have a reputation of being a discerning person"
Here the heart represents the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "The one who is wise" or "The one who is wise in his thinking"
The writer speaks of kind or pleasant speech as if it were something that tastes sweet. Alternate translation: "kind speech" or "pleasant speech"
The writer speaks of "Understanding" as if it were a fountain that continuously flows with water and which sustains the life of those who drink from it. Alternate translation: "Understanding is like a fountain flowing with life-giving water"
Here the word "heart" represents the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: "The thoughts of a wise person gives"
Here the word "mouth" is a metonym for speech. Alternate translation: "makes his speech wise"
Here the word "lips" is a metonym for speech. Alternate translation: "to what he says"
Possible meanings for the word "soul" are 1) it represents a person's inward desires and pleasures. Alternate translation: "sweet enough to make a person happy" or 2) it can mean "throat" and is a metonym for a person's tongue and ability to taste. Alternate translation: "sweet to a person's taste"
Here the word "bones" represent a person's body. Alternate translation: "healing to the body"
The writer speaks of a person's conduct or behavior as if it were a road on which the person is traveling. Alternate translation: "A person thinks that the way he is living is right"
The word "its" refers to "way" in the previous line. This "way" is the road that leads to death.
The writer speaks of the appetite as if it were a person who works on behalf of the laborer. This means that the person who labors is motivated by his desire to eat. Alternate translation: "The laborer works to satisfy his appetite"
The writer speaks of "hunger" as if it were a person who urges the laborer to continue working. Alternate translation: "he keeps on working because he is hungry"
The writer speaks of a person trying to find ways to harm other people as if that person were digging in the ground to find something buried. Alternate translation: "A worthless person looks for mischief as if he were digging for something in the ground"
"useless" or "wicked"
trouble
The writer compares the way this person's words hurt others with the way that fire burns things. Alternate translation: "he hurts people with his words, like a fire scorches the things it touches"
a person who gossips or spreads rumors
It is implied that this man lies to his neighbor in order to get his neighbor to join him in violent actions. Alternate translation: "A man of violence entices his neighbor"
"A violent man" or "A man who practices violence"
The writer speaks of a person's actions as if they were a road on which the person walks. Alternate translation: "gets him to do things that are not good"
The writer uses an understatement to emphasize how bad this path is. Alternate translation: "a very bad path" or "a terrible path"
Both of these are facial gestures which people might use to signal their plans to others. See how you translated "winks the eye" in Proverbs 10:10.
"will do evil things"
The writer speaks of gray hair as if it were a crown. "Gray hair" is a metonym for old age. Alternate translation: "A person who has lived long enough to have gray hair is like one who wears a glorious crown on his head"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a person gains it"
The writer speaks of a person being able to control his own temper and emotions as if he ruled over his spirit like a king rules his people. Alternate translation: "one who controls his temper"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A person throws the lots into his lap"
Possible meanings are 1) Yahweh decides how the lots will land or 2) it is not the lots, but Yahweh who determines what will happen.
1 It is better to have quiet with a dry morsel of bread
than a house full of feasting with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who acts shamefully
and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3 The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold,
but Yahweh tests hearts.
4 The evildoer pays attention to wicked lips;
a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker
and the one who rejoices at misfortune will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged
and parents bring honor to their children.
7 Eloquent speech is not suitable for a fool;
much less are lying lips suitable for a prince.
8 A bribe is like a magic stone to the one who gives it;
wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9 Whoever overlooks an offense seeks love,
but the one who repeats a matter alienates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into a person who has understanding
than a hundred blows go into a fool.
11 An evil person only seeks rebellion,
so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than to meet a fool in his foolishness.
13 When someone returns evil for good,
evil will never leave his house.
14 The beginning of conflict is like one who releases water everywhere,
so walk away from the dispute before it has broken out.
15 The person who acquits the wicked person and the person who condemns the righteous person—
both are an abomination to Yahweh.
16 Why should a fool pay money to learn about wisdom
when he has no sense?
17 A friend is loving at all times
and a brother is born for times of trouble.
18 A man having no sense makes binding promises
and becomes responsible for his neighbor's debts.
19 Whoever loves conflict loves sin;
whoever raises his door seeks destruction.
20 A person who has a crooked heart finds nothing that is good;
the one who has a perverse tongue falls into calamity.
21 Whoever is the parent of a fool brings grief to himself;
and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man accepts a secret bribe
to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The one who has understanding sets his face toward wisdom,
but the eyes of a fool are set on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father
and bitterness to the woman who bore him.
26 Also, it is never good to punish the righteous;
neither is it good to flog the noble for their integrity.
27 One who has knowledge uses few words
and he who is cool of spirit has understanding.
28 Even a fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent;
when he keeps his mouth shut, he is considered to be intelligent.
Chapter 17 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Here "quiet" refers to "peace." Alternate translation: "to have peace"
The words "to have" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: "than to have a house full of feasting with strife" or "than to be in a house full of feasting where there is strife"
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This refers to how gold and silver are refined. A metal is refined by heating it to a high temperature so that it melts and the impurities may be removed. Alternate translation: "The crucible is used to refine silver and the furnace is used to refine gold"
a pot in which metals are melted at a very high temperature
This speaks of Yahweh testing people to help them stop being evil and foolish as if their hearts were a metal that Yahweh was refining to remove everything that is impure. Alternate translation: "Yahweh tests people's hearts" or "Yahweh refines people's hearts"
The word "lips" can be translated as either 1) a synecdoche for the person or 2) a metonym for the words that come out from those lips. Alternate translation: "a wicked person" or "wicked talk"
This idiom means "listens."
The word "tongue" can be translated as either 1) a synecdoche for the person or 2) a metonym for the words that the tongue produces. Alternate translation: "a destructive person" or "destructive talk"
This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "those who are poor"
This is a name that refers to Yahweh. This is also an abstract noun that can be written as a verb. Alternate translation: "the one who made him"
This refers to the misfortune of others. Alternate translation: "at others' misfortune" or "at other peoples' troubles"
This litotes emphasizes that the person will surely be punished. Alternate translation: "will certainly be punished"
This speaks of older peoples' grandchildren being a sign of honor for them as if their grandchildren were a crown. Alternate translation: "bring honor and respect to"
This refers to older people. Alternate translation: "those who are older" or "older people"
"Fine speech" or "Excellent speech"
This describes people lying as if it were actually their "lips" that were lying. Alternate translation: "even more it is not suitable for a prince to lie"
This speaks of a person's bribe working by comparing it to a magical stone or amulet. Alternate translation: "A bribe works like a magical stone for the one who gives it" or "A bribe works like magic for the one who is giving the bribe"
Here "turning" refers to the various things the person does. Specifically, this refers to the different things the person does by bribery. Alternate translation: "in whatever he does" or "in everything he tries to do by giving bribes"
an action or word that has hurt him
This refers to bringing up a past situation in which a friend was hurt or offended. Alternate translation: "who repeats a past offense"
"causes people to stop being close friends" or "causes close friends to stop liking each other"
This compares how a rebuke effects a man of understanding to how a beating effects a fool. This speaks of the effect on these people as if it could be measured by the depth that it goes into them. Alternate translation: "A rebuke has more effect on a person ... than a hundred blows have on a fool"
"a person who has good judgment." The word "understand" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "a person who understands"
"beating a fool a hundred times makes him change his ways"
The word "rebellion" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "seeks to rebel"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a cruel messenger will come against him"
To be "sent against" someone means to be sent to harm them. Alternate translation: "will be sent to harm him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a bear who has just lost her cubs"
The word "foolishness" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "who is acting foolish"
Here "evil" is spoken of as if it were a person who would not leave the man's house. Here the word "house" may be taken literally, but it is also a metonym for his family. Alternate translation: "bad things will continue to happen to him and his family" or "bad things will never stop happening to him and his family"
This compares how easily a conflict spreads to how spilled water flows everywhere. Alternate translation: "Starting a conflict is like pumping water and letting it run everywhere"
"starts"or "begins"
justifies, declares someone not guilty
This rhetorical question emphasizes that the fool should not do this. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "A fool should not pay money to learn about wisdom because he does not have any sense."
Possible meanings are 1) desire to learn wisdom or 2) ability to learn wisdom.
One of the purposes of a brother is to be there to help his brother or sister in times of trouble. Alternate translation: "a brother is there for times of trouble"
"no good judgement"
This refers to promises that must be kept and are often a burden on the person who made them.
Possible meanings are 1) this may represent that person making the entrance to their home look more lofty or fancy. Alternate translation: "the one who makes his doorway more impressive is giving others the opportunity to ruin him" or "the one who makes the entrance to his house high is trying to harm other people" Or 2) the word "door" is a metaphor for the person's mouth. Alternate translation: "the one who speaks proudly is giving others the opportunity to ruin him" or "the one who speaks proudly is trying to harm other people"
Possible meanings are 1) literally making either the door itself or the threshold of the entrance high or 2) metaphorically making either the door itself or the house of which it is a part seem great or 3) the word "door" is a metaphor for the person's mouth, which in turn is a metonym for the words the person speaks with his mouth.
The "heart" represents a person's feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate translation: "who is deceptive" or "who is dishonest"
The "tongue" represents a person's speech. Alternate translation: "speaks perversely" or "speaks wickedly"
"falls into trouble" To "fall into" something means to get into that situation. Alternate translation: "will have calamity"
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This speaks of a joyful heart as being good medicine because it makes a person feel better. Alternate translation: "A joyful heart is like medicine that makes a person feel better"
The "heart" represents a person's feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate translation: "Being joyful"
Here the "spirit" represents a person's feelings and emotional state. A broken spirit refers to a poor emotional state. Alternate translation: "depression"
A person's bones represent their physical health and strength. If a person's bones dry up it means that they are very sick and unhealthy. Alternate translation: "makes a person unhealthy and weak"
"to prevent justice from being rendered" or "to pervert justice"
This speaks of a person's focus on acting wisely as if he were looking at wisdom. Alternate translation: "focuses on acting wisely"
This refers to a fool by his eyes to emphasize what he is focusing on. Alternate translation: "the fool is"
This speaks of a fool's impossible dreams as if they were the ends of the earth to emphasize that they are unrealistic. Alternate translation: "strive for things that are as far from him as the ends of the earth" or "focus on impossible things"
This speaks of a son causing his father grief as if the son himself were "grief." Alternate translation: "A foolish son brings grief to his father"
This speaks of a son causing his mother bitterness as if the son himself were "bitterness." Alternate translation: "A foolish son ... and brings bitterness to the woman"
"who gave birth to him"
emotional pain, sorrow
These statements can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "it is always wrong ... and it is evil"
"to force the righteous to give up his property."
This is a nominal adjective that refers to any righteous person. Another possible meaning is "the innocent," anyone whom others have accused of a crime that he did not commit.
whip severely
This nominal adjective refers to any noble people. Alternate translation: "noble people"
The word "integrity" can be expressed with the adjective "honest." Alternate translation: "because they are honest"
This refers to the way he speaks. Alternate translation: "speaks with few words"
Having a cool spirit is a metaphor for being able to control anger. Alternate translation: "is able to control himself" or "is able to stay calm" or "does not become angry easily"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "People even think a fool is wise"
This means that he does not speak. Alternate translation: "does not speak"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "people consider him to be intelligent"
1 One who isolates himself seeks his own desire,
and he quarrels with all sound wisdom.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding,
but only in revealing what is in his own heart.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt comes with him—
along with shame and disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked person,
nor to deny justice to the righteous person.
6 A fool's lips bring him conflict
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin
and he ensnares himself with his lips.
8 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels
and they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 Also, one who is slack in his work
is a brother to the one who destroys the most.
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;
the righteous person runs into it and is safe.
11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city
and in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before his downfall a person's heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.
13 One who answers before listening—
it is his folly and shame.
14 A person's spirit will endure sickness,
but who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge
and the hearing of the wise seeks it out.
16 A man's gift may open the way
and bring him before great men.
17 The first to plead his case seems just
until his opponent comes and examines him.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and separates strong opponents.
19 An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of his mouth one's stomach is filled;
with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21 Death and life are controlled by the tongue,
and those who love the tongue will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and receives favor from Yahweh.
23 A poor person pleads for mercy,
but a rich person answers harshly.
24 The one who claims many friends is brought to ruin by them,
but there is a friend who comes closer than a brother.
Chapter 18 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
"keeps away from other people"
This speaks of a person disagreeing with sound judgment as if "sound judgment" were a person he fought with. Alternate translation: "he disagrees with all sound judgment"
"good judgment" or "wise choices"
"A fool does not care about understanding, but only about" This means the fool considers "understanding" the opposite of pleasure. Alternate translation: "A fool detests understanding and only finds pleasure in"
This means that the fool only finds pleasure in telling other people what he feels and desires in his heart. Alternate translation: "but only in telling others what is in his own heart"
The contents of a person's heart refers to the person's thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: "what he thinks"
Here "contempt," "shame," and "disgrace" are spoken of as if they are people who accompany a wicked man. Possible meanings are 1) people show contempt towards the wicked man and cause him to feel shame and disgrace. Alternate translation: "people feel contempt for him along with shame and disgrace" or 2) the wicked man shows contempt for others and causes them to feel shame and disgrace. Alternate translation: "he shows his contempt for other people and causes them to feel shame and disgrace"
These two words have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize the "shame" felt by either the wicked man or other people.
These two lines are parallel and it is implied that the man in the first line is a wise man. Alternate translation: "The words of a wise man's mouth are deep waters; ... the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream"
This speaks of a wise man's words being profound as if they were profound and as deep as deep waters. Alternate translation: "The words of a man's mouth are as profound as deep waters" or "The words of a man's mouth are deep and profound"
Here the man is referred to by his mouth to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: "of a man"
This speaks of the source of wisdom being plentiful as if it were a gushing spring. The gushing of the spring is spoken of as if it were a flowing stream. Alternate translation: "the source of wisdom is as plentiful as the water of a gushing spring"
These phrases can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: "It is good to treat the wicked person as he deserves, and to be just to the righteous person"
Here the fool is referred to by his "lips" to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: "what a fool says brings"
"cause"
This speaks of the fool saying things that cause people to want to beat him as if he were inviting them to beat him. Alternate translation: "his mouth makes people want to beat him"
Here what the fool says is referred to as his "mouth." Alternate translation: "what he says"
Both of these phrases refer to what a fool says. Alternate translation: "What a fool says ... by what he says"
"will ruin him"
This speaks of the man causing problems and trouble for himself as if he were trapping himself like a man traps an animal. Alternate translation: "he will cause problems for himself"
This speaks of the words of a gossip being desirable to listen to as if they were delicious food to eat. Alternate translation: "The words of a gossip are desirable to listen to" or
This refers to what a gossiping person says. Alternate translation: "The words that a gossiping person speaks"
small bites of food
This speaks of the words of a gossip going into a person's mind and affecting his thoughts as if they were food that was going into his stomach. Alternate translation: "and they enter a person's mind and affect his thoughts"
This speaks of the one who is slack being similar to the one who destroys as if they were actually related. Alternate translation: "is closely related to" or "is very similar to"
"is lazy" or "is not interested"
"the one who destroys everything" or "the one who is always destructive"
This speaks of Yahweh protecting his people as if he were a strong tower in which they could take refuge. Alternate translation: "Yahweh protects like a strong tower" or "Yahweh protects his people like a strong tower"
Here Yahweh is referred to by his name. Alternate translation: "Yahweh"
This refers to righteous people. Alternate translation: "those who are righteous" or "righteous people"
This speaks of people seeking safety from Yahweh and Yahweh protecting them as if he were a strong tower that they ran into for safety. Alternate translation: "run to him and they are safe" or "seek him and they are safe"
This speaks of a rich person depending on his wealth as if his wealth were a fortified wall that protects him. Alternate translation: "The wealthy person depends on his wealth as a city depends on its fortified wall"
This refers to people who are rich. Alternate translation: "the rich person"
a city with strong defenses like walls and towers
This speaks of the rich person believing his wealth will keep him safe like a high wall keeps those inside a city safe. Alternate translation: "he thinks it protects him as well as a high wall"
"First a person's heart is proud, but then comes his downfall"
This refers to a significant decline in a person's reputation or health.
Here a person is referred to by his heart to emphasize his thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: "a person"
The word "humility" may be expressed as an adjective and the word "honor" may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "a person must be humble before he can be honored"
The abstract nouns "folly" and "shame" may be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: "it is foolish of him, and he should be ashamed"
Possible meanings are 1) the word "spirit" refers to a person's desire to stay alive. Alternate translation: "Even if a person is sick, he will still want to keep living" Or 2) the word "spirit" refers to the hope a person has that he will survive. Alternate translation: "A person who has hope will be able to survive sickness"
This is a rhetorical question, expecting the answer that few can bear it. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "but it is very hard to bear a broken spirit."
This refers to being depressed. Alternate translation: "being depressed"
Here the intelligent person is referred to by his heart to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: "The intelligent desire to acquire"
This refers to people who are intelligent. Alternate translation: "those who are intelligent" or "intelligent people"
"gains" or "obtains"
Here the wise person is referred to by his hearing to emphasize what he desires to listen to. Alternate translation: "the wise seeks to learn about it"
This refers to people who are wise. Alternate translation: "those who are wise" or "wise people"
Here the word "it" refers to "knowledge"
Here to "open the way" means to create an opportunity. Alternate translation: "may create an opportunity for him"
This means to be allowed to see someone. Alternate translation: "let him meet" or "let him be introduced to"
This refers to the person who pleads his case before his opponent pleads his case. Alternate translation: "The first person to plead his case" or "The person who pleads his case first"
asks him questions
"Casting lots"
This refers to people who are fighting harshly over a dispute. When they are separated, they are no longer fighting over their dispute. Alternate translation: "causes opponents to stop fighting over their dispute"
This speaks of the difficulty of making peace with a brother you have offended by comparing it to the difficulty of winning a war against a strong city. Alternate translation: "If you offend your brother, finding a way to have peace with him again may be harder than waging a battle to win a city"
This speaks of the difficulty of resolving quarrels by comparing it to the difficulty of breaking down the bars of a castle. Alternate translation: "resolving quarrels is as difficult as breaking down the bars of a castle"
a fortified palace
These two lines have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize what is said. They can be combined. Alternate translation: "A person is satisfied by the results of the good things that he says"
This speaks of the good things that a person says as if they were fruit that came from his mouth. Alternate translation: "his wise speech" or "his good words"
This speaks of a person being satisfied or content by the result of what they have said as if they had eaten and become satisfied" Alternate translation: "a person is satisfied"
This speaks of the good things that a person says as if they were fruit that is harvested. Alternate translation: "his wise speech" or "his good words"
"he is pleased"
This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "The tongue can lead to life of death" or "What people say can lead to life or death"
Here the "tongue" refers to speech. Alternate translation: "by what people say ... love speaking"
This speaks of a person receiving the consequence for what he says as if the consequences were fruit that he receives. Alternate translation: "will receive its consequences"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "many friends—they will bring him to ruin" or "many friends—his friends will destroy him"
"is more faithful than" or "stays more loyal than"
1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
than one who is perverse in speech and is a fool.
2 Also, it is not good to have desire without knowledge
and the one who runs too fast misses the path.
3 A person's folly ruins his life
and his heart rages against Yahweh.
4 Wealth adds many friends,
but a poor person is separated from his friends.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished
and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
6 Many will ask for a favor from a generous person
and everyone is a friend of the one who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of a poor man hate him;
how much more do his friends who go far away from him!
He pursues them with words,
but they are gone.
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own life;
he who keeps understanding will find what is good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished,
but the one who breathes out lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury—
much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 Discretion makes a person slow to anger
and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 The wrath of the king is like the roaring of a young lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son is ruin to his father
and a quarreling wife is a constant dripping of water.
14 A house and wealth are inherited from parents,
but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.
15 Laziness throws a person into a deep sleep,
but the one not willing to work will go hungry.
16 The one who obeys the command guards his life,
but the one who despises his ways will die.
17 Whoever is gracious to the poor lends to Yahweh
and he will repay him for what he has done.
18 Discipline your son while there is hope
and do not set your desire on putting him to death.
19 A person with great anger must bear the penalty;
if you rescue him, you will have to do it a second time.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
so you may become wise by the end of your life.
21 Many are the plans in a person's heart,
but it is the purpose of Yahweh that will stand.
22 Loyalty is what a person desires
and a poor person is better than a liar.
23 Honor for Yahweh leads people to life;
anyone who has it will rest satisfied and not afflicted by harm.
24 The lazy person buries his hand in the dish;
he will not even bring it back up to his mouth.
25 Strike a mocker, and the naive person will become prudent;
discipline one who is discerning, and he will gain knowledge.
26 The one who robs his father and drives his mother away
is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
27 If you cease to hear instruction, my son,
you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A corrupt witness mocks justice
and the mouth of the wicked swallows iniquity.
29 Judgments are ready for mockers
and flogging for the backs of fools.
Chapter 19 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
"It is better to be a poor person"
This is an idiom. Here walking refers to living. Alternate translation: "who lives in his integrity" or "who lives an honest life"
The word "speech" may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "speaks perversely" or "speaks in an evil way"
This refers to people trying to do something without the knowledge for how to correctly do it. Alternate translation: "to work hard without knowing what you are doing"
This speaks of a person doing something too quickly and making mistakes as if running too quickly and missing the path. Alternate translation: "the one who acts too quickly makes mistakes" or "the one who acts too quickly makes poor choices"
Here a person is referred to by his "heart" to emphasize his emotions. Alternate translation: "he rages"
This means that a person who is wealthy will have many friends because wealth attracts people. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Those who are wealthy easily find many friends"
A poor person is separated from many of his friends because of his poverty. The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "poverty causes a person to lose his friends"
The double negative here emphasizes the positive. This can be written in positive and active form. Alternate translation: "A false witness will certainly be punished" or "They will certainly punish a false witness"
This means that he will be captured. Alternate translation: "they will capture the one who breathes out lies"
This is an idiom. Here "breathes" refers to lying constantly. See how you translated this phrase in [Proverbs 6:19]
someone who often gives away things
The word "everyone" is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: "it seems that everyone is a friend" or "almost everyone is a friend"
Using words to pursue people is a metaphor for calling out to them or pleading with them for help. Alternate translation: "He calls out to them" or "He pleads with them to help him"
This phrase is an exclamation to show that this is more likely than the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "therefore his friends will certainly hate him and go far away from him!"
Here the person is referred to by his "life" to emphasize himself being alive. Alternate translation: "loves himself"
"has understanding"
This can be written in positive and active form. See how you translated this phrase in [Proverbs 19:5]
This figure of speech uses "breathes" to refer to lying constantly. See how you translated this phrase in [Proverbs 6:19]
"It is not right"
The words "it is" and "fitting" are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated. Alternate translation: "it is much less fitting for a slave" or "it is even worse for a slave"
"A person who has discretion is slow to become angry"
This means to know what should be done in a particular situation. See how you translated this word in Proverbs 1:4.
"it will bring him glory to overlook" or "others will consider it honorable if he overlooks"
to forget on purpose
Here the lion's roaring refers to attacking. The wrath of a king is compared to the unpredictable and dangerous attack of a young lion. Alternate translation: "The wrath of the king is as dangerous as the attack of a young lion"
The favor of the king is compared to the refreshing water that appears on grass in the morning. Alternate translation: "but his favor is refreshing like dew on grass" or "but his favor is refreshing like the dew on the ground in the morning"
"will ruin a father"
This speaks of an annoying wife as if she were the constant dripping of water. Alternate translation: "a quarreling wife is as annoying and distracting as a constant dripping of water"
"an arguing wife" or "a disagreeing wife"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Children inherit a house and wealth from their parents"
See how you translated this word in Proverbs 12:23.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh gives a prudent wife"
This speaks of how laziness causes a person to sleep a lot as if laziness forcefully throws the person into sleep. Alternate translation: "Laziness makes a person sleep a lot" or "A lazy person sleeps a lot"
This is an idiom which means to not eat. Alternate translation: "not eat" or "be hungry"
"the command that he was taught"
"protects his life"
Possible meanings are 1) the phrase "his ways" refers to the ways of Yahweh, the way in which Yahweh commands his people to live. Alternate translation: "despises the ways of Yahweh" Or 2) the phrase "his ways" refers to the ways of "the one." Alternate translation: "does not care how he lives"
Yahweh considers kindness shown to the poor to be kindness shown to him. One of the ways people are kind to the poor is by giving. Alternate translation: "The person who gives to the poor is giving to Yahweh"
This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: "those who are poor" or "poor people"
This refers to while the child is young and will still accept discipline and instruction. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "while he is young" or "while he can still be taught"
Possible meanings are 1) this phrase describes punishing your child. Alternate translation: "but do not punish him so severely that he might die" or 2) this phrase describes what it is like if you do not punish your child. Alternate translation: "for if you do not punish him you are helping him destroy himself"
This idiom means to be determined to cause something to happen. Alternate translation: "be determined to put him"
This idiom refers to a person who is easily angered. Alternate translation: "A person who does not control his temper" or "A person who becomes angry quickly"
This refers to the person bearing the consequences for what happens when he gets angry. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "must bear the consequences of his anger" or "must bear the consequences of what he does in his anger"
"if you save him." This refers to rescuing him when he has acted out of his anger. The meaning of this can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "if you rescue him after he has had an outburst"
"another time" or "again"
These two phrases mean basically the same and are repeated to emphasize how important it is.
This is an idiom. Here "listening" does not mean to merely listen, but to learn from the advice you are given and to follow it. Alternate translation: "Pay attention to advice" or "Follow advice"
Here the "heart" is used to refer to the "mind" to emphasize a person's desire. Alternate translation: "in a person's mind" or "that a person desires"
"Yahweh's purpose" or "Yahweh's plans"
This idiom means to "happen." Alternate translation: "that will happen"
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This means that they will live a long time if they honor Yahweh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Those who honor Yahweh will live a long time; anyone who honors Yahweh will rest satisfied"
Here the word "it" refers to "honor for Yahweh."
Here "rest" or sleep is a metaphor for living. Alternate translation: "live satisfied"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "satisfied; nothing will harm him" or "satisfied; he will be safe"
"dips his hand in the dish" or "puts his hand in his plate." In the Biblical culture people usually ate with their hands as people do in many cultures today.
He does not bring his hand back to his mouth because he is too lazy. Alternate translation: "but he is too lazy to bring his hand up to his mouth to feed himself"
"If you strike a mocker, the naive person"
"Punish a mocker"
"inexperienced person" or "immature person"
See how you translated this word in Proverbs 12:23.
"if you discipline one who is discerning,"
The abstract noun "knowledge" can be stated as "know." Alternate translation: "he will know more"
Possible meanings are 1) he brings it to himself. Alternate translation: "brings shame and disgrace to himself" or 2) he brings it to his family. Alternate translation: "brings shame and disgrace to his family"
Here "listening and obeying" is spoken of as if it were "hearing." Alternate translation: "If you stop paying attention to instruction" or "If you stop obeying instruction"
"you will abandon" or "you will turn your back on"
"knowledge"
This speaks of how wicked people enjoy doing evil by saying that they swallow iniquity as easily as they swallow food. Alternate translation: "the wicked enjoy doing evil as much as they enjoy eating food"
The phrase "the mouth of the wicked" represents wicked people. Alternate translation: "wicked people swallow" or "the wicked swallow"
This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "the wicked person"
The word "Judgments" is probably a metonym for the condemnation or punishment that will follow the judgments. The words "judgments" and "flogging" may be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is ready to judge mockers and to flog"
Alternate translation: "Punishment is ready for" or "Condemnation is ready for" or "Yahweh is ready to punish" or "Yahweh is ready to condemn"
The words "is ready" are understood from the previous phrase and may be repeated. Alternate translation: "flogging is ready for the backs of fools" or "he is ready to flog the backs"
beating with a whip or stick
1 Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler;
whoever is led astray by drink is not wise.
2 The fear of a king is like the fear of a young lion that is roaring;
the one who makes him angry forfeits his life.
3 It is an honor for anyone to avoid conflict,
but every fool jumps into an argument.
4 The lazy person does not plow in autumn;
he seeks a crop at harvest time but will have nothing.
5 The purpose in a human heart is like deep water,
but someone with understanding will draw it out.
6 Many a person proclaims he is loyal,
but who can find one who is faithful?
7 The righteous person walks in his integrity,
and his sons who follow after him will be blessed.
8 A king who sits on the throne performing the duties of a judge
is winnowing with his eyes all the evil that is before him.
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean from my sin"?
10 Differing weights and unequal measures—
both are abominations to Yahweh.
11 Even a youth is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and upright.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see—
Yahweh made them both.
13 Do not love sleep or you will come to poverty;
open your eyes and you will have plenty to eat.
14 "Bad! Bad!" says the buyer,
but when he goes away he boasts.
15 There is gold and an abundance of costly stones,
but lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take a garment of one who has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an immoral woman.
17 Bread gained by deceit tastes sweet,
but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by advice
and only with wise guidance should you wage war.
19 A slanderer reveals secrets,
and so you should not associate with people who talk too much.
20 If a person curses his father or his mother,
his lamp will be put out in the middle of darkness.
21 An inheritance gained quickly at the beginning
will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, "I will pay you back for this wrong!"
Wait for Yahweh and he will rescue you.
23 Unequal weights are an abomination to Yahweh,
and deceptive scales are not good.
24 A person's steps are directed by Yahweh;
how then can he understand his way?
25 It is a snare for a person to say rashly, "This thing is holy,"
and begin to think about what it means only after making his vow.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked
and he turns a threshing wheel over them.
27 The spirit of a person is the lamp of Yahweh,
searching all his inmost parts.
28 Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king;
he makes his throne strong by love.
29 The glory of young men is their strength
and the splendor of old people is their gray hair.
30 Blows that make a wound cleanse away evil
and beatings make the innermost parts clean.
Chapter 20 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize the danger of too much alcohol.
Here "wine" refers to the person who is drunk with wine. Alternate translation: "A person who is drunk with wine mocks"
Here "strong drink" refers to a person who is drunk with strong drink. Alternate translation: "a person who is drunk with strong drink starts fights"
a person who fights noisily, usually in a public place
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whoever drinks until they can no longer think clearly"
Here "drink" refers to alcoholic drinks
This means the opposite of "wise" which is "foolish." Alternate translation: "is foolish"
This compares how people fear a king's wrath to how they fear a young roaring lion. Alternate translation: "The king's wrath makes people as afraid as if they were facing a young lion roaring at them"
"makes the king angry"
This refers to being killed. "Life" here refers to physical life. Alternate translation: "will die"
"It is honorable." This means that a person will be honored.
This speaks of entering an argument quickly as if the argument were something the fool physically jumped into. Alternate translation: "every fool quickly gets into an argument" or "every fool is quick to join an argument"
to prepare land for planting
"during the season for planting crops"
This means that there will be nothing growing in his field for him to harvest. Alternate translation: "but will have nothing to harvest"
This speaks of how difficult it is to understand the reasons for a person's actions by comparing it to the difficulty of reaching the water in a deep well. Alternate translation: "It is as difficult to understand the purpose in the human heart as it is to reach the water in a deep well" or "The purpose of in the human heart is very difficult to understand"
"a person who has understanding"
This speaks of figuring out the purpose of the human heart as if it was water being drawn from a deep well. Alternate translation: "will cause the purpose to be known" or "will figure it out"
"is faithful" or "is trustworthy"
The implicit answer is "few can find someone like that." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "but few men can find a person who is faithful!" or "but it is hard to find a person who really is faithful!"
Here walking refers to living. See how you translated this phrase in [Proverbs 19:1]
This simply means that they "follow after him" since they are younger than he and his children. If this phrase is awkward in your language it may be left to be implied. Alternate translation: "his sons after him" or "his sons"
This speaks of the king judging between various types of evil as if he were separating them as a person winnows grain. Alternate translation: "sees and sorts the different kinds of evils that are brought before him"
The implicit answer to this question is, "No one can say that." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "No one can say that his heart is clean and that he is free from sin"
Here a person's "heart" refers to his thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: "my thoughts"
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person where physically clean.
"I am without sin" or "I have not sinned"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People know a young man by his actions"
"whether his conduct is pure and upright or not"
"his deeds" or "what he does"
These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize how good this young person is. They can be combined into one word if necessary. Alternate translation: "pure"
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The phrase "come to" here means to transition into a new situation; to become. Alternate translation: "become poor"
Here "opening one's eyes" is spoken of as "being awake." Alternate translation: "stay awake" or "be alert"
Here a buyer is criticizing what someone is selling to get a low price from him. After he buys he boasts about the good price that he pursuaded the seller to give him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: "'Bad! Bad!' says the buyer criticizing the seller's wares, but after he buys he goes away he boasting about the low price that he paid"
This speaks of the value of lips of knowledge by comparing them to a precious jewel. Alternate translation: "lips of knowledge are as valuable as an expensive jewel"
Here "words" are referred to as "lips." Alternate translation: "wise words" or "words of knowledge"
When lending money, the lender would take something from the borrower, such as a garment, as a guarantee of repayment. He would return it after the money was repaid. If the borrower was too poor, someone else could give something to the lender as a guarantee for him. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "Take a garment as security from the one who guarantees that what a stranger has borrowed will be paid back"
This is an idiom. It means that someone gives something to a lender as a guarantee that what was borrowed will be paid. Alternate translation: "guarantees that what has been borrowed will be paid back" or "promises to pay a loan"
This is an idiom. To "hold something in pledge" means to hold on to something that someone has given as a pledge, or promise, that he will pay a debt. Alternate translation: "hold onto his coat as a guarantee of repayment"
One Hebrew tradition and some English translations read, "for foreigners."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Bread that someone gained by deceit"
The word "deceit" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "by deceiving others"
Here "bread" refers to food in general. Alternate translation: "Food"
"tastes good"
This speaks of the food tasting unpleasant as if his mouth were actually full of gravel instead of food. Alternate translation: "but afterwards it tastes like gravel in his mouth" or "but soon it tastes like sand in his mouth"
small pieces of rock
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People establish plans based on advice"
Because the problem is that the person talks too much, not that what he says is false, many English translations read, "A gossip."
"you should not be friends with"
This means if a someone express a desire that bad things will happen to someone else.
This speaks of a person dying suddenly and unexpectedly as if his life were a lamp put out in the dark. Alternate translation: "his life will end as suddenly as the light of a lamp that is put out in the dark" or "he will die suddenly"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "his lamp will go out"
This refers to a lamp with a burning flame. Here the lamp's flame is referred to as the lamp itself. Alternate translation: "the flame of his lamp"
This refers to a person receiving his inheritance before he is supposed to receive it. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: "before the right time"
This means to do wrong to someone because they have done wrong to you. Alternate translation: "I will punish you"
This means to have faith that Yahweh will deal with the situation. Alternate translation: "Have faith in Yahweh" or "Hope in Yahweh"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh directs a person's steps"
This refers to the various things a person does. Alternate translation: "A person's actions"
The implicit answer is that he cannot understand it. This rhetorical question may be written as a statement. Alternate translation: "therefore, a person cannot understand his way"
This is an idiom. The phrase "his way" refers to the person's life. Alternate translation: "understand why some things happen in his life"
This speaks of something being dangerous as if it were a trap or a snare. Alternate translation: "It is dangerous"
to say something quickly and without careful consideration of what it might mean
The person has made a vow declaring that something is holy and dedicated to Yahweh. Alternate translation: "dedicating it to Yahweh" or "declaring it holy"
This speaks of the king separating the wicked people as if they were grain that he was winnowing. Alternate translation: "separates the wicked"
This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "those who are wicked" or "the wicked people"
This speaks of the king punishing the wicked as if he were driving a threshing wheel over them. Alternate translation: "he severely punishes them"
"threshing cart." This is a tool used to crush grain and help separate it from the chaff.
This speaks of a person's spirit as if it were a lamp. A person's spirit helps him to understand his inner self. Alternate translation: "Yahweh has given us a spirit to understand our deepest selves, just as a lamp makes you see in the dark"
The abstract nouns "love" and "faithfulness" can be stated with the verb "love" and the adjective "faithful." This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The king preserves himself by loving Yahweh without ceasing and by being faithful to him"
keep the king safe from harm
Here "throne" represents the king's power to rule. The abstract noun "love" can be stated as a verb. Also, this can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he ensures that he will rule for a long time by loving others"
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Both statements mean the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. Using physical punishment to correct a person is spoken of as if the evil were dirt and the beatings cleansed him. Alternate translation: "Beating a person who has done wrong will correct him and cause him to be a better person"
1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of Yahweh;
he turns it wherever he pleases.
2 Every person's way is right in his own eyes,
but it is Yahweh who weighs the hearts.
3 To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
the lamp of the wicked—are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead only to prosperity,
but everyone who acts too quickly comes only to poverty.
6 Acquiring treasures by a lying tongue
is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.
7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
for they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of a guilty person is crooked,
but the one who is pure does what is right.
9 It is better to live on a corner of the roof
than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
10 The appetite of the wicked craves evil;
his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the mocker is punished, the naive become wise,
and when the wise person is instructed, he lays hold of knowledge.
12 The righteous person watches the house of the wicked person;
he brings wicked people to disaster.
13 The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,
he also will cry out, but he will not be answered.
14 A gift in secret appeases anger
and a concealed gift appeases strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous person,
but it brings terror to workers of iniquity.
16 The one who wanders from the way of understanding,
he will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
the one who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 A wicked person is ransom for the righteous,
and the treacherous person is ransom for the upright.
19 It is better to live in the desert
than with a quarreling and angry wife.
20 Desirable treasure and oil are kept in the dwelling of the wise,
but a foolish person swallows it all up.
21 The one who does right and is kind—
this person finds life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty ones,
and he brings down the stronghold in which they trusted.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
24 The proud and haughty person—"Mocker" is his name—
acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the lazy person kills him,
for his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves and craves more,
but the righteous person gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
it is even more detestable when he brings it with evil motives.
28 A false witness will perish,
but the one who listens will speak for all time.
29 A wicked man makes his face hard,
but the upright is certain about his ways. [1]
30 There is no wisdom, there is no understanding, and there is no advice
that can stand against Yahweh.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to Yahweh.
Chapter 21 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
The writer speaks of the king's heart as if it were an irrigation ditch in a dry area through which people direct water to plants that need it. Alternate translation: "Yahweh controls the king's heart as a man directs water for irrigation"
The heart is a metaphor for what a person thinks and what he wants to do. Alternate translation: "The king's thoughts and actions" or "What the king thinks and what he wants to do"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. The writer speaks of what a person does as if it that person were walking down a path. Alternate translation: "Every person thinks that what he does is good" or "Every person judges what he does as good"
The writer speaks of Yahweh deciding whether a person desires to do what is right as if Yahweh were looking at a physical object and deciding whether it is of good quality. Alternate translation: "who will judge the motives"
"To do what Yahweh thinks is right"
"To treat people the way Yahweh wants people to treat other people"
"just—Yahweh wants this more"
The words "eyes" and "heart" are synecdoches for a person who considers himself better than other people and wants other people to know it. Alternate translation: "People who want others to think that they are better than other people"
This is a synecdoche for a person who wants others to know that he thinks he is better than they are.
This is a synecdoche for a person who thinks he is better than others.
The things that help the wicked are spoken of as a lamp. Alternate translation: "the things that help a wicked person like a lamp helps to see in the dark"
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "a diligent man" or "a man who works hard"
The abstract noun "poverty" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "only becomes poor"
"Gaining wealth" or "Getting rich"
The tongue is a metonym for what a person says. Alternate translation: "by deceitful words" or "by telling lies"
A fleeting vapor is a mist that quickly goes away in the morning. If someone tells lies in order to get wealth, that wealth will not last. Alternate translation: "is like a disappearing mist"
A snare is a kind of trap. If someone tells lies in order to get wealth, he puts himself in terrible danger. Alternate translation: "and is like a snare that kills"
The writer speaks as though violence were a person who could drag other people away. God will punish wicked people who harm their innocent neighbors.
The abstract noun "violence" refers to violent deeds or things people do to harm their innocent neighbors. The word "wicked" is a nominal adjective that refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: "The violent actions of wicked people"
This phrase refers to dragging a net through water to catch fish. The wicked being destroyed by their own actions is spoken of as if their actions trapped them in a net like one would catch fish. Alternate translation: "drag them away like fish" or "destroy them as easily as one catches fish in a net"
This compares the way one lives to a crooked road one may travel. This is also an idiom. Alternate translation: "The way a guilty person lives is crooked"
Here "crooked" means bent or not straight. This is a metaphor for morally wrong. Alternate translation: "wrong"
Houses in those days had flat roofs. Ancient Israelites spent much time on their roofs, where it was often cooler than inside the house, and sometimes people would build a shelter large enough for a person to sleep in on one corner of the roof.
"wife who often argues and complains"
The writer speaks of a person's appetite, the physical desire for food and drink, as if it were a person who could desire something. The word "wicked" is a nominal adjective that refers to evil people, and the word "evil" is a nominal adjective that refers to evil deeds. Alternate translation: "Evil people desire to do evil deeds just as they desire to eat and drink"
desires strongly
The idiom to "find favor" means to have someone approve of and act kindly towards the one who finds favor. Also, the eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents a person's thoughts and attitude towards another person. Alternate translation: "his neighbor does not receive favor from him" or "he does not act kindly towards his neighbor"
"those who have no experience" or "those who are not mature"
"the person who mocks others"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "when someone instructs the wise person"
Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were an object that someone could grasp and keep for himself.
Possible meanings are 1) any righteous person or 2) "Yahweh the one who is righteous."
"pays careful attention to the house" "looks to see what happens to the house"
Here disaster is spoken of as if it were a place that someone could be brought to. Alternate translation: "he destroys them"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "The one who will not listen when poor people ask for help"
The word "answered" is a metonym for a person hearing another person ask for help and acting to help. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will do anything to help him"
"makes an angry person feel better so he is no longer angry"
The abstract noun "justice" can be translated as a noun phrase. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "When rulers do what is just"
"those who do evil" or "evildoers"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "no longer lives wisely"
"he will remain in the assembly of dead spirits"
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The word "ransom" is a metaphor for one person who takes the place of another person. Here the person who does what is wrong is punished instead of the person who does what is right.
a person who harms those who trust him by lying and otherwise dealing falsely
"the person who lives rightly" or "people who live rightly"
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This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "wise person"
"uses it all for no good purpose" or "wastes it"
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"climbs up and over the wall that surrounds the city"
"a city in which mighty men are living" or "a city of mighty warriors"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he destroys"
"the walls and towers around the city that they did not think anyone would be able to get past into the city, so they felt safe"
Both "mouth" and "tongue" refer to what a person says. Alternate translation: "Whoever is careful in what he says"
"You can expect a proud and haughty people to act with arrogant pride"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize how prideful the person is.
The word "name" is a metonym for what people would call him. Alternate translation: "a mocker is what you should call him"
The writer speaks of what a person wants as if it were a person who could kill a lazy person. Here the lazy person wants to be idle and not work. Alternate translation: "A lazy person only wants to be idle, and because of that he will die" or "A lazy person will die because he does not want to work"
The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "he refuses"
desires strongly
The phrase "does not hold back" can be stated positively, and what he gives can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "gives everything he should" or "gives generously"
The writer does not mention Yahweh here, as in Proverbs 15:8, but the reader should understand that it is Yahweh who detests the sacrifice of the wicked.
The nominal adjective "wicked" can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "the wicked person" or "wicked people"
"Yahweh detests the sacrifice even more"
This is because people will never forget what he said.
Possible meanings are 1) "pretends to be courageous" or 2) "will not listen to correction."
A person's actions are spoken of as if they were a path upon which the person walks. Alternate translation: "is certain about what he does" or "is confident about what he does"
The words "there is" are repeated to emphasize the abstract nouns "wisdom," "understanding," and "advice." Yahweh is greater than anything that anyone can know or think or say. Your language may require that you not repeat "there is no." The abstract nouns can be translated as adjectives or verbs. Alternate translation: "There is no wise person, there is no one who understands anything, and there is no one who tells others what to do who" or "There is no wisdom, understanding, or advice that"
"defeat Yahweh" or "work against what Yahweh wants to do" or "show that he is right and Yahweh is wrong"
These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Soldiers prepare horses for the day of battle"
The word "day" refers to time that may be longer or shorter than a day. Alternate translation: "when there is a battle"
1 A good name is to be chosen over great riches
and favor is better than silver and gold.
2 Rich and poor people have this in common—
Yahweh is the maker of all of them.
3 The prudent sees trouble and hides himself,
but the naive go on and suffer because of it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of Yahweh
is riches, honor, and life.
5 Thorns and snares lie in the path of the perverse;
whoever guards his life will keep far from them.
6 Teach a child the way he should go
and when he is old he will not turn away from that instruction.
7 Rich people rule over poor people
and one who borrows is a slave to the one who lends.
8 He who sows injustice will reap trouble
and the rod of his fury will fade away.
9 The one who has a generous eye will be blessed,
for he shares his bread with the poor.
10 Drive away the mocker, and out goes strife;
disputes and dishonor will cease.
11 The one who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious,
he will have the king for his friend.
12 The eyes of Yahweh keep watch over knowledge,
but he overthrows the words of the treacherous.
13 The lazy person says, "There is a lion in the street!
I will be killed in the open places."
14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
Yahweh's anger is stirred up against anyone who falls into it.
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far away.
16 The one who oppresses poor people to increase his wealth,
or gives to rich people, will come to poverty.
17 Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
18 for it will be pleasant for you if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 So your trust may be in Yahweh,
I teach them to you today—even to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings
of instruction and knowledge,
21 to teach you truth in these trustworthy words,
so you may give trustworthy answers
to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
or crush the needy at the gate,
23 for Yahweh will plead their case,
and he will rob of life those who robbed them.
24 Do not make a friend of someone who is ruled by anger
and you must not go with one who rages,
25 or you will learn his ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Do not be one who strikes hands in making a pledge,
or who puts up security for debts.
27 If you lack the means to pay,
what could stop someone from taking away your bed from under you?
28 Do not remove the ancient boundary stone
that your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man skilled at his work? He will stand before kings;
he will not stand before common people.
Chapter 22 ends the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
The second half of this chapter and the first half of the next chapter are attributed to the "Wise Men." The exact identity of the men is unknown.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
With this new section of proverbs, the author begins to use many rhetorical questions. The obvious answers should convince the reader.
These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "A person should choose a good name rather than great riches"
"To have others think that one is a good person"
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This nominal adjective refers to any prudent person. See how you translated "prudent" in [Proverbs 12:16]
This nominal adjective refers to any naive person. To be naive is to lack experience and to not be mature.
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The writer speaks of the way perverse people live as if it were a path on which the perverse will have trouble because of the natural "thorns" and man-made "snares."
traps to catch animals
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "perverse people"
A person doing what he needs to do so he can live a long time is spoken of as if that person were keeping thieves away from a physical object. Alternate translation: "people who want to live a long time"
How a person lives is spoken of as if it were a path on which he walks. Alternate translation: "how he should live"
You may need to make explicit what it is that is borrowed or lent. Alternate translation: "borrows money ... lends money"
The writer speaks of a ruler or other powerful person treating those less powerful unjustly as if he were planting seeds that will give birth to plants that bring trouble. Alternate translation: "If a person treats those less powerful than he is unjustly, they will cause him trouble later on"
The word "rod" is a metonym for power over other people. Possible meanings are 1) the unjust ruler will lose the power that he had that allowed him to treat other people unjustly or 2) when the people respond to the injustice he had done by harming him, he will have no power to stop them. Alternate translation: "he will no longer have the power that he had used to harm people"
The word "rod" is a metonym for power over other people. The unjust man was harming innocent people as if he were very angry with them. Alternate translation: "the rod he had used as if he were punishing people" or "the power he used to harm others"
The word translated "fade away" is also used of plants drying up.
These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless the one who has a generous eye"
The eye is a metonym for seeing what other people need, and the "generous eye" not only sees but gives what the other people need. The eye is also a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "generous person" or "person who is willing to give things to other people"
Since bread was the main food for many people in biblical times, it is often used to refer to food in general.
The abstract nouns "disputes" and "dishonor" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "people will no longer argue with each other or say things that dishonor each other"
It is his own heart that the person wants to be pure. The heart is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "loves having a pure heart" or "wants to be pure"
"is kind"
The eyes are a synecdoche for the person. The writer speaks as if Yahweh had physical eyes like a person. Alternate translation: "Yahweh keeps watch over" or "Yahweh guards knowledge"
Keeping watch is s metonym for protecting. Alternate translation: "protect knowledge"
"he destroys"
The nominal adjective treacherous can be translated as a noun phrase. Translate "treacherous" as in [Proverbs 11:3]
The quote that follows is a lie and an excuse for not working. If your language introduces false statements in a special way, you can use that here.
The word "mouth" is a metonym for the words that come out of the mouth. The writer speaks of a person being unable to escape having people punish him for evil deeds as if that person had fallen into a hole someone had dug in the ground from which he could not escape. Alternate translation: "The words spoken by an adulteress will draw you in, and it will be as if you have fallen into a deep and dangerous pit"
See how you translated this in Proverbs 5:3.
Here "stirred up" means that his anger increased. Alternate translation: "Yahweh is angry"
Adultery is spoken of as if it is something that a person can fall into. Alternate translation: "sins because of the adulteress"
"The heart of a child is full of foolish things"
The writer speaks of a parent using any form of discipline as if that parent were hitting the child with a wooden rod.
The writer speaks as if foolishness were a person that another person could use a physical rod to drive away. Alternate translation: "will make a child wise"
"to become richer" or "to gain more money"
"gives money to rich people"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "will become poor"
Verse 17 begins the introduction to a new section of the Book of Proverbs.
Here the word "ear" represents the person who is listening. The writer speaks of listening attentively to someone as if it were leaning forward so that the ear is closer to the one speaking. See how you translated "incline your ear" in [Proverbs 4:20]
"what wise people say"
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "do your best to understand and remember"
The person speaking is probably the same as the father from [Proverbs 1:8]
The person being ready to speak is spoken of as if it were the words that were ready. Alternate translation: "you are able to speak of them at any time"
"today. Yes, I am teaching you," The speaker is emphasizing that it is the hearer, not someone else whom he is teaching, and he is teaching the hearer because the hearer needs to learn. If it is awkward in your language to emphasize in this way, you can emphasize in another way or the words "even to you" can be left untranslated.
These verses continue and end the introduction that began in Proverbs 22:17.
Some translations read, "excellent sayings."
These words end the rhetorical question that began with the words "Have I not written" in Proverbs 22:20. It can be translated as a statement. "You need to know that I have written ... to teach you ... who sent you."
This implies that the hearer is or will be one whom others send to gain and bring back information.
These verses begin the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
If your language has a way of showing that this is the way one person would speak strongly to another, different from a general rule that people are supposed to obey, you should use it here.
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "any poor person" or "poor people"
grind into powder. This is a metaphor for "treat unjustly."
This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "any needy person" or "any person who does not have what he needs to live"
The place where people bought and sold items and settled legal arguments is used as a metonym for business and legal activity. Alternate translation: "in court"
The metaphor is of a lawyer defending the needy in front of a judge. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will defend the needy from those who oppress them" or "Yahweh will see that the needy receive justice"
Yahweh is not a thief, but like a thief he will take life from those who do not choose to give it. Alternate translation: "he will destroy those who oppress poor people"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
someone who is unable to control his anger
shows violent anger
A person who wants to be like an angry person is like an animal taking the bait in a trap. Alternate translation: "you will be like an animal that eats bait that closes a trap and then is unable to escape"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
A person would strike his hand against another person's hand to bind himself to do what he had agreed to do. Here the speaker warns the hearer not to strike hands as a way to promise to pay off someone's debts.
"and agree to pay what someone owes to another person"
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These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
very old
a large stone that shows where one person's land ends and another person's land begins
ancestors
This rhetorical question is actually a command. Alternate translation: "Think of someone you know who is skilled at his work"
This represents becoming a servant of the important person. Kings and other important people will think so highly of him that they will use his services.
1 When you sit to eat with a ruler,
observe carefully what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are a person who likes to eat a lot of food.
3 Do not crave his delicacies,
for it is the food of lies.
4 Do not work too hard to gain wealth;
be wise enough to know when to stop.
5 Will you let your eyes light upon it? It will be gone,
for it will surely take up wings like an eagle
and fly off to the sky.
6 Do not eat the food of one with an evil eye—
and do not crave his delicacies,
7 for he is the kind of man
who counts the price of the food.
"Eat and drink!" he says to you,
but his heart is not with you.
8 You will vomit up the little you have eaten
and you will have wasted your compliments.
9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
for he will despise the wisdom of your words.
10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
or encroach on the fields of orphans,
11 for their Redeemer is strong
and he will plead their case against you.
12 Apply your heart to instruction
and your ears to words of knowledge.
13 Do not withhold instruction from a child,
for if you beat him with the rod, he will not die.
14 It is you who must beat him with the rod
and save his soul from Sheol.
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
then my heart also will be glad;
16 my kidneys will rejoice
when your lips speak what is right.
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but continue in the fear of Yahweh all the day.
18 Surely there is a future
and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Hear—you!—my son, and be wise
and direct your heart in the way.
20 Do not associate with those who drink much wine,
or with gluttonous eaters of meat,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton become poor
and slumber will clothe them with rags.
22 Listen to your father who begot you
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth, but do not sell it;
buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous person will greatly rejoice,
and he who begets a wise child will be glad in him.
25 Let your father and your mother be glad
and let her who bore you rejoice.
26 My son, give me your heart
and let your eyes observe my ways.
27 For a prostitute is a deep pit,
and an immoral woman is a narrow well.
28 She lies in wait like a robber
and she increases the number of the treacherous among humanity.
29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has strife? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 Those who linger over wine,
those who try the mixed wine.
31 Do not look at the wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup
and goes down smoothly.
32 In the last it bites like a serpent
and it stings like an adder.
33 Your eyes will see strange things
and your heart will utter perverse things.
34 You will be as one who sleeps on the high seas
or lies down on the top of a mast.
35 "They hit me," you will say, "but I was not hurt.
They beat me, but I did not feel it.
When will I wake up?
I will seek another drink."
Chapter 23 continues the section beginning in the previous chapter of the book and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.
The second half of this chapter and the first half of the next chapter are attributed to general sayings.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
Possible meanings of this exaggeration are 1) "be very careful not to eat too much" or 2) "do not eat anything at all"
"Do not strongly desire." See how you translated "craves" in Proverbs 21:9.
"his special and expensive food"
This is an idiom. "he is giving it to you so he can deceive you"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
"Do not work so much that you are always tired"
land like a bird upon the wealth
A person losing his wealth is spoken of as if the wealth were a bird. Alternate translation: "the wealth will disappear as quickly as an eagle can fly away"
wings like an eagle's wings
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
"do not strongly desire." See how you translated "craves" in Proverbs 21:9.
"his special and expensive food." See how you translated this in Proverbs 23:3.
Some modern translations read, "eating with him is like getting hair stuck in your throat" or "giving you food is like getting hair stuck in his throat."
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "he really does not want you to enjoy the meal"
This is an exaggeration for wishing one had not eaten anything. Alternate translation: "You will wish that you had not eaten anything"
Compliments are spoken of as if they were valuable objects. The abstract noun "compliments" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "he will not be happy even if you say good things about him and the food"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The abstract noun "hearing" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "where a fool can hear you"
very old. See how you translated this in Proverbs 22:28.
This is a large stone to show where one person's land ends and another person's land begins. See how you translated this in Proverbs 22:28.
This means to slowly take or begin to use land (or some thing) that belongs to someone else.
children whose parents are dead
Yahweh
The metaphor is of a lawyer defending the needy in front of a judge. Alternate translation: "he will defend the orphans against you" or "he will see that the orphans receive justice and punish you"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
This is an idiom. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 22:17]
Possible meanings are 1) "what people who know what is right and what is wrong tell you" or 2) "what people say and do when they correct you."
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "apply your ears" or "listen carefully"
"to me when I tell you what I know"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The abstract noun "instruction" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Do not neglect to instruct a child" or "Do not refuse to instruct a child"
refuse to give something that one knows another person needs
These words are either 1) a metaphor for training and disciplining him even when he considers the training and discipline painful or 2) to be taken literally. Alternate translation: "discipline him"
piece of wood
"You are the one who must beat him ... and save his soul." No one else will do it. The hearer is responsible to save the child's soul from Sheol, and the way to save him is to beat him.
If the hearer beats his children with the rod, they will not die young because they have done foolish or evil things. The word "soul" is a metonym for the person. Sheol is the world of the dead; going to the world of the dead is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: "you will keep him from the world of the dead" or "you will keep him from dying"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The "kidneys" are a metonym for the person's inner being. Alternate translation: "my inner being"
"Your lips" means the whole person. Alternate translation: "when you speak"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The word "heart" is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "Do not allow yourself to envy sinners" or "Make sure you do not envy sinners"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will not allow anyone to cut off your hope" or "God will keep the promises he made to you"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
"Listen carefully, my son." The speaker speaks an extra word to make sure the hearer is paying attention.
Deciding to do what is right is spoken of as if one person were showing another person the correct path to follow. Alternate translation: "make sure you do what is wise"
Possible meanings are 1) "people who eat more meat than they need to" or 2) "meat" represents food in general. Alternate translation: "people who eat more food than they need to"
The word "slumber" is an exaggeration for a person spending so much time enjoying food and drink that he does not do necessary work. This activity is spoken of as if it were a parent putting clothes on a child. Alternate translation: "because they spend so much time eating and drinking, they will do no work and so will become poor"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "show respect for"
Another possible meaning is "Buy the truth, and do not sell wisdom, instruction, or understanding." The words "truth," "wisdom," "instruction," and "understanding" are abstract nouns that are spoken of as if they were physical items that a person can buy and sell in a market. They can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "Do what you need to do so you can know what is true, so you can be wise, so you can learn how to act, and so you can tell good from bad; never think of anything else as more important than these things"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
Another possible meaning is that the words "he that begets a wise child" explain who "the father of the righteous person" is. Alternate translation: "The father of the righteous person, he who begets a wise child, will greatly rejoice and will be glad in him"
"will be glad because of him"
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These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The word "heart" is a metonym for what a person thinks and decides to do. Possible meanings are 1) "pay careful attention" or 2) "trust me completely."
The eyes are a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "observe" or "look carefully at"
Some modern translations read, "delight in."
There are two types of sexually immoral women. The "prostitute" is unmarried, "another man's wife" is married. Together they form a merism for any kind of sexually immoral woman.
The word "pit" is a metaphor for what happens to men who sleep with prostitutes. Alternate translation: "sleeping with a prostitute is like falling into a deep pit"
Here the word refers to any unmarried woman who engages in sexual activity, not only those who do so for money.
These are two places easy to fall into and hard to get out of, the "pit" because it is "deep" and the "well" because it is "narrow."
Doing evil for which one will be punished is spoken of as falling into a narrow place from which one cannot escape. Alternate translation: "Sleeping with another man's wife is like falling into a narrow well"
a hole in the ground that people have dug to get to water
stays hidden, ready to attack when a victim approaches
This nominal adjective can be translated as an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: "treacherous people" or "those who harm others by deceiving them"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The writer uses these questions to prepare the reader for the point he is about to make about a particular type of person. He does not expect an answer to each question. Your language may have a different way of introducing a lesson. Alternate translation: "Listen to me while I tell you what kind of person has woe, sorrow, fights, complaining, wounds for no reason, and bloodshot eyes."
"eyes red, like the color of blood"
These words answer the questions in verse 29 and describe people who drink too much wine.
spend much time drinking wine and so drink much wine
Possible meanings are 1) different wines mixed together or 2) other drinks that are stronger than wine.
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
"After you drink it"
The word "it" refers to "the wine when it is red." "Bites" and "stings" are metaphors for the way too much wine makes people feel. Alternate translation: "it makes you feel as bad as if a serpent had bitten you or an adder had stung you"
a type of poisonous snake
The "heart" represents the person and emphasize what he thinks and decides to do. Alternate translation: "you will think about and decide to do perverse things"
things that God says are morally wrong and bad; things that are wicked
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20). It is the continuation of the description of a drunk person.
The place on the mast where the person lies can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "lies down in the basket near the top of a mast"
the long wooden pole to which are attached the sails of a sailing ship
Because the drunk person is not thinking clearly, he is imagining that people are hitting and beating him, yet he feels no pain and cannot remember anything.
The drunk person is wondering when he will be sober again; when the effect of the wine will stop.
1 Do not be envious of those who are evil,
nor desire to associate with them,
2 because their hearts plot violence
and their lips talk about trouble.
3 Through wisdom a house is built
and by understanding it is established.
4 By knowledge the rooms are filled
with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A warrior of wisdom is strong,
and a man of knowledge increases his strength;
6 for with guidance you can wage your war
and with many advisors there is victory.
7 Wisdom is too high for a fool;
in the gate he does not open his mouth.
8 There is one who plans to do evil—
people call him a master of schemes.
9 A foolish plan is sin
and a mocker is an abomination to people.
10 If you become weak with fear in the day of trouble,
then your strength is small.
11 Rescue those who are being taken away to death
and hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter.
12 If you say, "Behold, we knew nothing about this,"
does not the one who weighs the heart understand what you are saying?
The one who guards your life, does he not know it?
Will God not give to each one what he deserves?
13 My son, eat honey because it is good,
because the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
14 Such is wisdom for your soul—
if you find it, there will be a future
and your hope will not be cut off.
15 Do not lie in wait like the wicked person who attacks the house of the righteous person.
Do not destroy his home!
16 For the righteous person falls down seven times and rises again,
but wicked people stumble at calamity.
17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 or Yahweh will see and disapprove
and turn away his wrath from him.
19 Do not be angry because of evildoers,
and do not envy wicked people,
20 for the evil person has no future
and the lamp of wicked people will go out.
21 Fear Yahweh, and fear the king, my son;
do not associate with those who rebel against them,
22 for suddenly their disaster will come,
and who knows the extent of the destruction that will come from both of them?
23 These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging a case at law is not good.
24 Whoever says to the wicked person, "You are a righteous person,"
will be cursed by peoples and abhorred by nations.
25 But those who discipline the wicked will have delight
and gifts of goodness will come to them.
26 The one who gives a straight answer
gives a kiss on the lips.
27 Prepare your outdoor work,
and make everything ready for yourself in the field;
after that, build your house.
28 Do not bear witness against your neighbor without cause
and do not deceive with your lips.
29 Do not say, "I will do to him what he has done to me;
I will pay him back for what he has done."
30 I went by the field of a lazy person,
past the vineyard of the man having no sense.
31 Thorns had grown up everywhere,
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
32 Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
33 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
34 and poverty comes marching upon you,
and your needs like an armed soldier.
Chapter 24 continues the section beginning in the previous chapter and is mainly filled with short, individual proverbs.
The second half of this chapter finishes the section.
Unlike much of Proverbs, verses 30-34 tell a short story about a lazy man, which ends in a very memorable proverb.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The words "their hearts" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "they"
The words "their lips" refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: "they"
"talk about causing harm" or "talk about creating problems"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The abstract noun "wisdom" can be translated as an adjective. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People need to be wise if they are to build a good house"
The abstract noun "understanding" can be translated as a verb. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People need to understand what is morally good and what is morally bad if they are to establish a house"
The word "established" means made stable and strong. The word "house" is a metonym for the family that lives in the house, and the house being physically stable and strong is a metaphor for a family that lives in peace.
The abstract noun "knowledge" can be translated as a verb. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People need to know what is precious and pleasant if they are to fill their rooms"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The abstract noun "wisdom" can be translated as "wise." Alternate translation: "wise warrior"
The abstract nouns "knowledge" and "strength" can be translated as the verb "know" and the adjective "strong." Alternate translation: "a man who knows many things is stronger because he knows these things"
The abstract noun "guidance" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "if wise people guide you"
"fight your war"
those who tell government officials what those officials should do
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
This is an idiom. "too difficult for a fool to understand"
The mouth is a metonym for the words that come from the mouth. Alternate translation: "speak"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
one who is skillful at making evil plans. Alternate translation: "a mischievous person" or "a troublemaker"
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These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "you have very little strength" or "you are certainly weak"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
These words can be translated in active form by using the term "they" which could be anyone, but are probably government officials. Alternate translation: "those whom they are taking away"
Another possible meaning is "dragged away."
walking unsteadily and almost falling. This word would also describe the way a person walks when he is being dragged away.
The abstract noun "slaughter" can be translated as a verb. The writer speaks as if those who take them away think of them as no better than animals. If your language has a word for killing animals that would fit here, you might want to use it. Alternate translation: "where people will kill them as they would kill animals"
The writer is answering something that the reader may wrongly be thinking. Alternate translation: "You may say, 'Behold, ... this,' but does"
"Listen to us! We" or "But we" or "We have done nothing wrong, because we"
The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate translation: "the one who weighs the heart understands what you are saying."
The writer expects the reader to know that "the one" is Yahweh. Alternate translation: "Yahweh, who"
The word "heart" is a metonym for what a person thinks and desires. The writer speaks as if what a person thinks and desires were a physical object that a person could weigh, and weighing an object is a metaphor for looking closely at something to see how good it is. Alternate translation: "knows how good what people really think and desire is"
The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate translation: "The one who guards your life knows it."
The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate translation: "God will give to each one what he deserves."
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
Possible meanings are 1) this is a simple passive that can be translated as in active form. Alternate translation: "no one will take your hope away" or 2) this is litotes that can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: "your hope will surely continue"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
The words "lie in wait" are an idiom. Translate "lie in wait" as in [Proverbs 1:11]
the home of the righteous person
Bad things happen to righteous people, but God gives them the courage to continue doing good. God uses the bad things that happen to wicked people to discourage them.
"gets back on his feet" or "stands up again"
Possible meanings are 1) "wicked people stumble in times of calamity" or 2) "wicked people stumble because of calamity." Some modern translations understand "calamity" as the means by which the wicked people stumble. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "wicked people are brought down by calamity" or "God uses calamity to bring wicked people down"
times when bad things happen to people and their property
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
"something bad happens to your enemy"
This is a strong command. The word "heart" represents the person. Alternate translation: "do not allow yourself to be glad" or "stop yourself from being glad"
The words "turn away his wrath" are an idiom for no longer being angry. What Yahweh would do instead can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "stop being angry with him and be angry with you instead"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
Many modern translations read, "Do not fret," which is advice not to worry so much that one becomes angry.
or "the lamp of wicked people will be put out" or "they will put out the lamp of wicked people"
This is a metaphor for either 1) life. Alternate translation: "the life ... will end" Or 2) the person's accomplishments. Alternate translation: "the hard work ... come to nothing"
These verses continue the "thirty sayings" (Proverbs 22:20).
a deep respect and awe for a person in authority
The writer asks this question to emphasize the disaster. Alternate translation: "no one knows the extent of the destruction that will come from both of them."
these words refer to Yahweh and the king
This sentence starts a new collection of proverbs.
a situation that is brought before a judge in which someone is accused of breaking the law
The word "nations" is a metonym for the people who live in the nations. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "People will curse whoever says to the wicked person, ... , and the people of other nations will abhor him"
Possible meanings are 1) people should never call any wicked person a righteous person or 2) no one should say of a person guilty of a crime that he is innocent. Alternate translation: "a person guilty of a crime ... innocent"
"will be very happy"
Gifts are spoken of as if they were people who could move by themselves. The abstract noun "goodness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "people will give them good gifts"
"good things" or "blessings"
The word "straight" here is a metaphor for either 1) "honest" or 2) "correct."
A kiss was a sign of respect and devotion in that culture. Alternate translation: "shows true friendship"
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The lips are a metonym for the words a person speaks. Alternate translation: "by what you say"
This is an idiom. "take revenge against him"
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useless plants with sharp spines
plants that are covered with stinging leaves and hairs
"had fallen down"
"learned a lesson"
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This finishes a thought begun with the words "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest" [Proverbs 24:33]
Some translations read, "poverty comes upon you like a robber." Poverty is spoken of as if it were a person or animal that can attack a lazy person.
Needs are spoken of as if they were a person who could attack the lazy person. Alternate translation: "your needs will come to you like an armed soldier"
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
but the glory of kings to search it out.
3 Like the heavens are for height and the earth is for depth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver
and a metal worker can use the silver in his craft.
5 Even so, remove wicked people from the presence of the king
and his throne will be established by doing what is right.
6 Do not honor yourself in the king's presence
and do not stand in the place designated for great people.
7 It is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
What you have witnessed,
8 do not bring quickly to trial.
For what will you do in the end
when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case between you and your neighbor himself
and do not reveal another's secret,
10 or else the one who hears you will bring shame upon you
and an evil report about you that cannot be silenced.
11 Apples of gold in settings of silver
is a word spoken in the right situation.
12 A gold ring or jewelry made of fine gold
is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow at harvest time
is a faithful messenger for those who sent him;
he brings back the life of his masters.
14 Clouds and wind without rain
is the one who boasts about a gift he does not give.
15 With patience a ruler can be persuaded
and a soft tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
otherwise, having too much of it, you vomit it up.
17 Do not set your foot in your neighbor's house too often;
he may become tired of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
is like a club used in war, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 An unfaithful man in whom you trust in a time of trouble
is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
20 Like a person who takes off a garment in cold weather,
or like vinegar poured upon carbonate of soda,
is the one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will shovel coals of fire on his head
and Yahweh will reward you.
23 As surely as the north wind brings rain,
so a tongue that tells secrets will result in angry faces.
24 It is better to live on a corner of the roof
than in a house shared with a quarreling wife.
25 Like cold waters to one who is thirsty,
so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a fouled spring or a ruined fountain
is a righteous person tottering before wicked people.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey;
that is like searching for honor after honor. [1]
28 A person without self-control
is like a city breached and without walls.
Chapter 25 begins the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
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"to keep some things secret"
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "but it is the glory"
"search that matter out" or "search for those things that God has concealed"
The hearts of kings are compared to the size of the heavens and the earth. Alternate translation: "Just as no one can measure the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth, even so no one can understand the heart of kings"
This refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.
the material in a metal that people do not want and they remove by heating the metal
The throne is a metonym for the power to rule. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "the king will establish his throne by doing" or "he will have the power to rule because he does"
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Here "up" means to move to a place at the table that is closer to the king. It is a great honor for a person to sit closer to the king. Alternate translation: "It is better for someone to invite you to sit closer to the king than"
"in front of a nobleman"
This question is asked to make the reader consider the possibility that he may have misunderstood the situation. The way in which the neighbor might put the reader to shame can be stated plainly. Alternate translation: "For you will not know what to do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame." or "For if your neighbor has an explanation, he will put you to shame, and you will have nothing to say to defend yourself."
"your disagreement"
"do not share your neighbor's secret with other people"
Here "evil report" refers to harmful things that the person will tell others. The phrase "cannot be silenced" can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you will not be able to stop him from telling other people harmful things about you" or "he will tell people evil things about you and you will never have a good reputation again"
The goodness of "a word spoken at the right time" is spoken of as if it were the physical beauty of "apples of gold in settings of silver." Most translations translate this metaphor as a simile and change the order of the phrases. Alternate translation: "A word spoken at the right time is beautiful like apples of gold in settings of silver"
The ancient Israelites did not know the apples that most people know today. Possible meanings are 1) "apples" should be translated as "design." Alternate translation: "a golden design carved into a silver bowl" or 2) "apples" refers to another type of fruit with a golden color that someone has placed on a silver plate or bowl. Alternate translation: "Golden colored fruit placed in a silver bowl"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "is a message that someone speaks"
The value and importance of "a wise rebuke" is spoken of as if it had the beauty and value of gold. Most translations translate this metaphor as a simile and change the order of the phrases. Alternate translation: "A wise rebuke to a listening ear is beautiful and valuable like a golden ring or golden jewelry"
The ear is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "person who is willing to listen"
Here a faithful messenger is being compared to the cold of snow, because both are pleasant.
Snow only fell on the tops of mountains, and the harvest took place in hot weather, so this is probably a metaphor for cool, fresh water from a clean stream. If your language has no word for snow, consider "cool, fresh, clean water."
white flakes of ice that fall from the sky like rain
This means he makes his masters, who are weak and tired, to be strong and rested again.
Most translations translate this metaphor as a simile and change the order of the phrases. Rain was important to the Israelites because only small amounts of it fell, so a cloud without rain was useless and brought disappointment to the Israelites. Alternate translation: "The one who boasts ... not give is like clouds and wind without rain" or "The one who boasts ... not give is useless and a disappointment, like clouds and wind without rain"
These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone who is patient can persuade a ruler" or "Someone who is patient can speak to a ruler and change his mind"
The word "tongue" is a metonym for the words the person speaks using the tongue. The word "bone" is a metaphor for strong opposition. Alternate translation: "gentle speech can overcome strong opposition"
Verse 16 states a general principle, and verse 17 gives one specific example. The idea of eating too much honey and then vomiting it up is a metaphor for taking too much of any good thing and regretting it later.
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A false witness is compared to three weapons that can hurt or kill people.
A foolish man is compared to a part of the body that causes trouble for a person. Alternate translation: "Trusting in an unfaithful man in time of trouble will bring you pain like a bad tooth or a foot that slips"
This is a kind of mineral that hisses and bubbles violently when it comes into contact with acids like vinegar. Many translations translate this phrase as "a wound."
You may need to make explicit what kind of songs the singer sings. Alternate translation: "sings happy songs"
The heart is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: "a sad person"
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This is an idiom. Alternate translation: "cause him to have a guilty conscience and be ashamed of what he has done"
In Israel, wind from the north often brought rain. Translators are free to substitute different kinds of wind for the same effect, for example, "a cold wind."
Some modern translations read "someone who tells secrets."
The face is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: "makes other people so angry you can see it in their faces"
Houses in those days had flat roofs. Ancient Israelites spent much time on their roofs, where it was often cooler than inside the house, and sometimes people would build a shelter large enough for a person to sleep in on one corner of the roof.
a wife who often argues or complains
Cold water is compared to good news that is both refreshing and delightful.
One expects a spring or fountain to have clear water, just as one expects a righteous man to stand for what he believes. A polluted spring or fountain is compared to a righteous man who falls.
Tottering is a metaphor for either 1) refusing to fight wicked people or 2) joining in their wickedness. Alternate translation: "who allows wicked people to do wickedness" or "who starts to do what wicked people do"
Swaying and about to fall down. This is a metaphor for being unable to continue to do good. Alternate translation: "unable to stand"
Possible meanings are 1) "when wicked people attack him" or 2) "when wicked people urge him to do evil."
Both wanting others to honor you and eating honey are good, but you can eat too much honey, and you can try too hard to have people honor you.
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "It is a bad thing"
"that is like always thinking about how others should honor you." The meaning of the original language is uncertain. Some versions of the Bible translate this as "that is like speaking too many compliments to people."
Both a person without self-control and a city without walls are weak and vulnerable.
"whose walls an army has knocked down and destroyed"
1 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
so a fool does not deserve honor.
2 As the sparrow flutters and the swallow darts when they fly,
so an undeserved curse does not alight.
3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle is for the donkey
and a rod is for the back of fools.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you will become like him.
5 Answer a fool and join in on his folly,
so he will not become wise in his own eyes.
6 Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool
cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
7 Like the legs of a paralytic which hang down
is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
8 Like tying a stone in a sling
is giving honor to a fool.
9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard
is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
10 Like an archer who wounds all those around him
is one who hires a fool or hires anyone who passes by.
11 As a dog returns to his own vomit,
so is a fool who repeats his folly.
12 Do you see someone who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The lazy person says, "There is a lion on the road!
There is a lion between the open places!"
14 As the door turns on its hinges,
so is the lazy person upon his bed.
15 The lazy person puts his hand into the dish
and yet he has no strength to lift it up to his mouth.
16 The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes
than seven men who respond with good judgment.
17 Like one who takes hold of the ears of a dog
is a passerby who becomes angry at a dispute that is not his own.
18 Like a madman who throws
firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the one who deceives his neighbor
and says, "Was I not telling a joke?"
20 For lack of wood, the fire goes out;
and where there is no gossiper, quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal is to burning coals and wood is to fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
23 Like the glaze overlaying an earthen vessel,
so are burning lips and an evil heart.
24 One who hates others disguises his feelings with his lips
and he lays up deceit within himself.
25 He will speak graciously, but do not believe him,
for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 Though his hatred is covered with deception,
his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly.
27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it
and the stone will roll back on the one who pushed it.
28 A lying tongue hates the people it crushes
and a flattering mouth brings about ruin.
Chapter 26 continues the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. Wisdom and folly are particularly prominent in this chapter.(See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
Normally snow does not fall during the summer and rain does not fall during the harvest. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Just as it would be very strange to have snow in summer or rain during the harvest"
A curse that does not harm a person is spoken of as if it were a bird that does not land. Alternate translation: "so an undeserved curse does not land on its mark"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "a curse on a person who does not deserve it"
land on someone or something
A whip, a bridle, and a rod are things that people use to make the horse, donkey, and fool do what they want.
A bridle is made of straps. People put it on a donkey's head and hold one of the straps to make the donkey go the way they want it to go.
In the Bible, people would hit their children or their slaves with a wooden rod in order to discipline them.
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Joining in on a fool's folly when answering him represents answering him in a foolish way. Alternate translation: "Answer a fool according to his folly" or "Answer a fool foolishly"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "so that he will not become wise according to his judgement" or "so that he does not consider himself to be wise"
Here the hand represents the fool's responsibility to deliver the message. Alternate translation: "Whoever sends a fool to deliver a message"
Cutting off one's own feet is an exaggeration for harming one's self. Alternate translation: "harms himself like a person who cuts off his own feet and drinks violence"
Violence is spoken of as if it were a poisonous liquid that someone might drink. Alternate translation: "harms himself by being violent"
The phrases can be reordered. Alternate translation: "A proverb in the mouth of fools is like the legs of a paralytic which hang down" or "A proverb in the mouth of fools is as useless as the legs of a paralytic which hang down"
a person who is unable to move or feel all or part of his body
Here "mouth" is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: "in the speech of fools" or "that fools say"
In order to throw a stone very far, people put it into a sling and swing the sling so that the stone will fly from it very quickly. The result of tying a stone in a sling can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "tying a stone in a sling so that it cannot be thrown"
"honoring a fool"
How the two are alike can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "A proverb in the mouth of fools is as dangerous as a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard"
Possible meanings are 1) if a drunk person holds a thornbush, a thorn will prick his hand, or 2) if a drunk person is angry, he will pick up a thornbush and swing it at people. For the second meaning, the word "thorn" represents a thornbush.
Here "mouth" is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: "in the speech of fools" or "that fools say"
"gives a job to a fool"
"As a dog eats its own vomit"
This question is used to lead the reader to think about someone who is wise in his own eyes. The phrase "is wise in his own eyes" means "thinks he is wise," and here it implies that the person is not truly wise. Alternate translation: "Consider the person who thinks he is wise but is not."
"A fool can become wise more easily than he can"
The lazy person lies and says that he cannot go outside and work because there is a lion on the road or between the open places.
See how you translated this in Proverbs 22:13.
This refers to the places in town where there is a lot of room for people to walk around or where people gather. Alternate translation: "the town plazas" or "the streets"
metal pieces that attach a door to something and allow it to open and close
Both the door and the lazy person move, but they do not go anywhere.
"puts his hand into the dish to get food" or "reaches for food"
This is an exaggeration for doing necessary work that would clearly do him good.
The phrase "his own eyes" represents his thoughts. Alternate translation: "The lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven men"
This can be reordered. Alternate translation: "A passerby who becomes angry at some other people's dispute is like a person who grabs hold of a dog's ears"
The implied information is that the dog will get angry and bite the person. Alternate translation: "Like a person who angers a dog by grabbing its ears" or "Like a person who grabs a dog's ears and is bitten by the dog"
The implied information is that the passerby will start arguing, and the people who were fighting will get angry with him and hurt him.
If your language cannot have "firebrands," "arrows," and "death" as objects of "throws," you may need to supply different verbs, or you may need to treat this as a hendiadys. Alternate translation: "throws firebrands, shoots arrows, and tries to kill people" or "shoots flaming arrows that can kill people"
burning pieces of wood
Both the "madman" (Proverbs 26:18) and the one who deceives hurt people but do not take responsibility for it.
The deceiver uses this question to imply that since he his joke was only for fun, he should not be blamed for any harm he has caused. Alternate translation: "I did nothing wrong. I was only telling a joke."
a person who gossips a lot
What charcoal does to coals and what wood does to fire can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "As charcoal helps coals burn and as wood helps fire burn"
To kindle something means to set it on fire. Setting strife on fire is a metaphor for causing people to fight or argue. Alternate translation: "causing people to fight" or "causing people to argue"
This speaks of gossip being desirable to listen to as if it were delicious food to eat. Alternate translation: "The words of a gossip are desirable to listen to" or
This speaks of the words that a gossip says going into a person's mind and affecting his thoughts as if they were food that was going into his stomach. This sentence is equivalent to [Proverbs 18:8]
This simile means that a person who says things to hide the evil in their heart are like a earthen vessel covered in glaze to make it look good. These phrases can be reordered. Alternate translation: "People who have burning lips and an evil heart are like an earthen vessel covered with glaze"
"the shiny glaze that covers a clay pot." A clay pot is cheap and common. So people covered it was a glaze to make it shiny and appear more expensive.
This represents a person who has burning lips and an evil heart. Alternate translation: "so is a person who has burning lips and an evil heart" or "so is a person who says nice things but whose heart is evil"
The word "burning" is a metaphor for "strongly emotional" and the word "lips" is a metonym for "speech." Alternate translation: "emotional speech" or "saying nice things"
The heart represents a person's thoughts, attitudes, desires, or feelings. Alternate translation: "evil thoughts" or "evil desires"
Disguising his feelings represents keeping people from knowing what his feelings are. The phrase "his lips" is a metonym for what he says. Alternate translation: "hides his feelings with what he says" or "speaks in such a way that people cannot know his true feelings"
Being deceitful is spoken of as if he were storing deceit within himself. Possible meanings are that "deceit" refers to lies. Alternate translation: "he likes his many lies" or 2) deceit refers secret plans to harm people. Alternate translation: "he secretly plans to harm people"
"but do not believe what he says"
The number seven represents completeness. Possible meanings are 1) "abominations" refers to attitudes that God hates. Alternate translation: "for his heart is completely filled with hateful things" or 2) "abominations" refers to his hatred for people. Alternate translation: "for his heart is completely filled with hatred"
This can be stated actively. Alternate translation: "Though deception covers his hatred" or "Though he covers his hatred with deception"
Keeping people from knowing that he hates them is spoken of as covering his hatred. Alternate translation: "Though he lies to keep people from knowing that he hates them" or "Though he lies so that people will not know that he hates them"
Being exposed represents being discovered or becoming known. Alternate translation: "his wickedness will become known in the assembly" or "the assembly will discover his wickedness"
"the community of Israel"
It is implied that the person digs the pit as a trap so that someone will fall into it. Alternate translation: "Whoever digs a pit to trap someone will fall into it" or "If someone digs a pit in order to trap someone, the one who dug it will fall into it"
It is implied that the person pushed a large stone so that it would roll downhill and crush someone there. Alternate translation: "if someone pushed a stone so that it would roll downhill and crush someone, the stone will roll back on him instead" or "if someone maked a stone roll so that it would hurt someone, the stone will crush him instead"
The phrase "a lying tongue" represents a person who tells lies. Crushing people represents causing them trouble. Alternate translation: "A liar hates those he hurts by his lies"
The phrase "a flattering mouth" represents a person who flatters people. Possible meanings are 1) a person who flatters others causes trouble or 2) a person who flatters others ruins them
praising someone in a manner that is not sincere, or praising someone about things that are not true
1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring.
2 Let someone else praise you and not your own mouth;
a stranger and not your own lips.
3 Consider the heaviness of a stone and the weight of sand—
the provocation of a fool is heavier than both.
4 There is the cruelty of rage and the flood of anger,
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
5 Better is a rebuke that is clearly seen
than hidden love.
6 Faithful are the wounds caused by a friend,
but many are the kisses of an enemy.
7 A person who has eaten to the full rejects even a honeycomb,
but to the hungry person, every bitter thing is sweet.
8 Like a bird that wanders from its nest
is a man who strays from where he lives.
9 Perfume and incense make the heart rejoice,
but the sweetness of a friend comes from his sincere counsel. [1]
10 Do not abandon your friend and your friend's father,
and do not go to your brother's house on the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is nearby
than a brother who is far away.
11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice;
then I will give back an answer to the one who mocks me.
12 The prudent sees trouble and hides himself,
but the naive go on and suffer for it.
13 Take a garment of one who has put up security for a stranger,
and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an immoral woman.
14 Whoever gives his neighbor a blessing with a loud voice early in the morning,
that blessing will be considered to be a curse!
15 A quarreling wife is like
the constant dripping on a rainy day;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind,
or trying to catch oil in your right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron;
in the same way, a man sharpens his friend.
18 The one who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and the one who protects his master will be honored.
19 Just as water reflects a person's face,
so a person's heart reflects the person.
20 Just as Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
so a man's eyes are never satisfied.
21 A crucible is for silver and a furnace is for gold;
and a person is tested when he is praised.
22 Even if you crush a fool
with the pestle—along with the grain—
yet his foolishness will not leave him.
23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks
and be concerned about your herds,
24 for wealth is not forever.
Does a crown endure for all generations?
25 You should know when the hay is gone and the new growth appears,
and the time when the grass from the hills is gathered in.
26 Those lambs will provide your clothing
and the goats will provide the price of the field.
27 There will be goats' milk for your food
—the food for your household—
and nourishment for your servant girls.
Chapter 27 continues the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
This is a warning not to brag about what you expect to happen tomorrow. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "Do not speak proudly about your plans for tomorrow"
Something happening on a certain day is spoken of as if the day were to bring that event. Alternate translation: "what will happen on a day" or "what will happen tomorrow"
Here a person is represented by his "mouth" and "lips" because those are the parts of the body used to speak. Alternate translation: "and do not let your own mouth praise you ... and do not let your own lips praise you" or "and do not praise yourself ... and do not praise yourself"
The words "let ... praise you" are understood from the first phrase. The words can be repeated here. Alternate translation: "let a stranger praise you"
The difficulty of being patient with a fool who provokes you is spoken of as if that difficulty were heavy. Alternate translation: "the provocation of a fool is harder to tolerate than either of them" or "It is harder to be patient when a fool provokes you than it is to be patient while carrying them"
"the trouble caused by a fool." "Provocation" means actions or words that cause anger or irritation.
The abstract nouns "rage", "anger" and "jealousy" can be translated as adjectives. Alternate translation: "A raging person is cruel and an angry person is overwhelming, but who can stand before a jealous person?"
"harshness"
"the destructiveness of anger." Anger is spoken of here as if it were a powerful flood.
This question implies that no one can stand before jealousy. It can be reworded as a statement. Alternate translation: "but no one is able to stand before jealousy"
Here standing represents being strong and resisting being harmed by a jealous person who attacks. Alternate translation: "to resist a jealous person" or "to remain strong when a jealous person attacks him"
The abstract noun "rebuke" can be expressed with the verb "rebuke." Alternate translation: "It is better to be openly rebuked"
"than love that is not openly shown." The abstract noun "love" can be translated as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: "than to be loved secretly"
"The wounds that a friend causes are trustworthy." The word "wounds" here represents the pain and sadness that a person feels when a friend rebukes or corrects him.
The trustworthiness of a friend's rebuke is spoken of as if the sadness that his rebuke causes is trustworthy. Alternate translation: "Though it causes sadness, a friend's rebuke is trustworthy"
It can be stated clearly that the enemy's kisses are not trustworthy. Alternate translation: "but the enemy's many kisses are not trustworthy" or "but an enemy may try to deceive you by kissing you may times" or
"A person who is satisfied" or "A person who has eaten enough to be full"
A honeycomb would normally be desirable, but not to the person who has already eaten enough to be satisfied.
"everything that is bitter tastes sweet"
The words "wanders" and "strays" mean the same thing in this verse.
The word "perfume" here means a desirable oil or ointment.
Here "the heart" represents the feelings or emotions of a person. Alternate translation: "make a person feel joyful" or "make a person glad"
Possible meanings are 1) "sweetness" represents kindness. Alternate translation: "we recognize our friend's kindness by his counsel" or 2) "sweetness" represents what we appreciate about a person. Alternate translation: "what we appreciate about a friend is his advice"
Here the word "brother" is a general reference to relatives, such as members of the same tribe, clan, or people group.
extreme troubles and misfortune
Here the "heart" represents the person's feelings or emotions. Alternate translation: "make me feel joyful" or "make me glad"
Here "answer" does not mean to answer a question. It means to respond or to reply to someone who is mocking. How this relates to the clause before it can be made clear. Alternate translation: "then I will reply to the one who mocks me by telling him about you"
makes fun of someone, especially in a cruel way
See how you translated a similar phrase in Proverbs 22:3.
This nominal adjective refers to any prudent person. See how you translated "prudent" in [Proverbs 12:16]
This nominal adjective refers to any naive person. To be naive is to lack experience and to not be mature.
When lending money, a lender would take something from the borrower, such as a garment, as a guarantee of repayment. He would return it after the money was repaid. If the borrower was too poor, someone else could give something to the lender as a guarantee for him. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 20:16]
This means for someone to give something to a lender as a guarantee that what was borrowed will be paid. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 20:16]
To "hold something in pledge" means to hold on to something that someone has given as a pledge, or promise, that he will pay a debt. See how you translated this in [Proverbs 20:16]
"If anyone gives his neighbor a blessing"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the neighbor will consider that blessing to be a curse"
This means making people angry with each other or causing strong disagreements between people.
The implied information is that it is rain that is constantly dripping. Alternate translation: "the constant dripping of rain"
"a day of continual rain"
The implied information is that it is as difficult or useless to try and restrain her as it is to try to restrain the wind or catch oil in your hand
"holding her back" or "keeping her under control." The implied information is that it is trying to stop her from quarreling. Alternate translation: "restraining her from quarreling"
"holding back the wind" or "keeping the wind under control"
These two phrases are comparing how iron and a man can be improved. Alternate translation: "As iron can sharpen another piece of iron, so a man's character is improved by contact with his friend"
"who takes care of"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a master will honor the one who protects him"
Here this means a person's thoughts. Alternate translation: "what a person thinks"
This is a name that means "destroyer." Alternate translation: "the Destroyer"
"are never filled up"
Here the "eyes" represent a man's desires. Alternate translation: "a man's desires"
This refers to how gold and silver are refined. A metal is refined by heating it to a high temperature so that it melts and the impurities may be removed. See how you translated the very similar phrase in [Proverbs 17:3]
a container used for heating substances to very high temperatures
an oven that can be made extremely hot
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "when one praises a person, they are also testing that person"
This means that even if a fool is made to suffer hardship or pain
a hard tool with a rounded end, used for crushing things in a bowl
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis.
"flocks of sheep"
"herds of goats"
This question expects a negative answer to make the point that the reign of earthly rulers does not last forever. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: "A crown does not endure for all generations"
Here "crown" is a metonym for a king's rule over his kingdom. Alternate translation: "a king's rule"
"the new sprouts appear" or "the new grass starts to grow"
Verses 26 and 27 go together with verses 23 to 25 as one proverb.
The implied information is that the wool
The implied information is that the money received by selling the goats will be enough to buy a field. Alternate translation: "selling your goats will provide the price of the field"
The implied information is that there will also be enough goats' milk to feed the servant girls. Alternate translation: "there will be goat's milk to nourish your servant girls"
"food"
1 The wicked people run away when no one chases them,
but righteous people are as bold as a young lion.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, it has many rulers,
but with a man of understanding and knowledge, it will last a long time.
3 A poor person who oppresses other poor people
is like a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who abandon the law praise wicked people,
but those who keep the law fight against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice,
but those who seek Yahweh understand everything.
6 It is better for a poor person who walks in his integrity
than for a rich person who is crooked in his ways.
7 He who keeps the law is a son who has understanding,
but one who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 The one who makes his fortune by usury and interest
gathers his wealth for another who will be gracious to the poor.
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a good inheritance.
11 The rich person may be wise in his own eyes,
but a poor person who has understanding will find him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory;
but when the wicked arise, people are sought out.
13 The one who hides his sins will not prosper,
but the one who confesses them and abandons them will be shown mercy.
14 The one who always lives with reverence is blessed,
but whoever hardens his heart will fall into trouble.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
is a wicked ruler over poor people.
16 The ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
but the one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 If a man is burdened with a person's blood,
he will be a fugitive until death
and no one will help him.
18 Whoever walks with integrity will be kept safe,
but the one whose way is crooked will suddenly fall.
19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food,
but whoever follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man will have great blessings,
but the one who gets rich quickly will not go unpunished.
21 It is not good to show partiality,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A stingy man hurries after riches,
but he does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 Whoever disciplines someone, afterward will find more favor from him
than from the one who flatters him with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father and his mother and says, "That is no sin,"
he is the companion of the one who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up conflict,
but the one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
26 One who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
but whoever walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27 The one who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but whoever closes his eyes to them will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked arise, people hide themselves;
but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Chapter 28 continues the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
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The abstract noun "transgression" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "Because of how a land transgresses"
This is a metonym for the sins of the people living in a land. Alternate translation: "the transgression of the people of a land"
The implied information is that this man is a ruler or leader. The abstract nouns "understanding" and "knowledge" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "with a man who understands and knows how to rule"
"who severely mistreats"
The poor man who oppresses other poor people is compared to a rain that falls so hard that it leaves no crop to harvest.
This is a metaphor for a rain coming down hard enough to cause crops to be driven down. Alternate translation: "damaging rain"
"reject God's law" or "refuse to obey the law"
To "keep the law" means to do what God's law requires. Alternate translation: "those who obey God's law"
"struggle against them." This means to strongly oppose or resist them.
Here "men" means people in general. Alternate translation: "People who do evil things"
The abstract noun "justice" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "do not understand what is just"
Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh.
The implied information is that those who seek Yahweh understand all about justice. Alternate translation: "completely understand what is just"
"It is better to be a poor person ... than it is to be a rich person"
This represents a person living a life of integrity. The abstract noun "integrity" can be expressed as an adverb. Alternate translation: "walks honestly" or "lives honestly"
Rich people who are dishonest are spoken of as if they walk on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate translation: "who is not honest in what he does"
To "keep the law" means to do what God's law requires. Alternate translation: "He who obeys God's law"
The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "a son who understands"
"of people who eat too much." A "glutton" is a person who often eats and drinks excessively.
"puts his father to shame" or "dishonors his father"
"increases his wealth"
"forcing people who have borrowed money from him to pay back more than they borrowed"
money that a borrower pays for the use of someone else's money
"brings his wealth together"
"for another person"
"If a person"
This represents the whole person turning away from and rejecting God's law. Alternate translation: "turns away from hearing and obeying the law"
"even his prayer is offensive to God." This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: "God detests even his prayer"
See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:32.
This is a metaphor for leading upright people in an evil direction. Alternate translation: "Whoever causes the upright to go in an evil direction"
"If anyone misleads ... evil way, he will fall"
This refers to upright persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "upright people" or "righteous people" or "honest people"
"will fall into the trap that he has dug." This is a metaphor for ending up in the same bad place as others had been led toward. Alternate translation: "will end up in the same evil place toward which he guided other people"
This refers to blameless persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "blameless persons"
"will inherit what is good"
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "be wise in his own thoughts" or "think he is wise"
The abstract noun "understanding" can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "who understands"
This is an idiom that means the poor person will be able to determine whether or not the rich person is really wise. Alternate translation: "will see his true nature" or "will see what he is truly like"
This refers to righteous persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "righteous people"
"succeed"
This is an idiom that means when the wicked gain power or start to rule. Alternate translation: "when the wicked rise to power"
This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: "wicked people"
You may need to make explicit that those who "are sought out" have hidden themselves to escape from the wicked. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they seek people out" or "they seek out the people who hide from them"
"covers his sins." This is the opposite of confessing and forsaking sins, and is spoken of as covering sins rather than bringing them into the open
"will not succeed" or "will not advance"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will show mercy to the one who confesses and forsakes them"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless the one who always lives with reverence"
The abstract noun "reverence" can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: "lives a reverent life"
This refers to deeply respecting Yahweh and showing that respect by obeying him.
"the one who hardens his heart"
This is an idiom that means to be stubborn or unwilling to obey God. Alternate translation: "refuses to obey God"
This represents ending up in misery and distress. Alternate translation: "will end up in trouble"
Poor people who are helpless against an evil ruler are compared to people who have a lion roaring at them or a bear attacking them.
A bear is a large, furry, dangerous animal that walks on four legs and has sharp claws and teeth.
The abstract noun "understanding" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "The ruler who does not understand"
a person who treats people harshly and makes their lives very difficult
The abstract noun "unjust gain" can be translated as a verb. Possible meanings are that this person 1) hates other people's unjust gain. Alternate translation: "the one who becomes angry when other people gain dishonestly" Or 2)he would never want to be dishonest. Alternate translation: "the one who hates gaining dishonestly"
This phrase can refer to 1) the "ruler" or 2) any person.
Possible meanings are 1) this is an idiom that means his living for more time. Alternate translation: "live longer" or 2) this is an idiom that means extending the length of his reign. Alternate translation: "rule for a longer time"
Here "blood" is a metonym for the murder or violent death of an innocent person in which blood is shed. Alternate translation: "is guilty because he has murdered someone"
a person who is running away to avoid being captured
"until he dies." This means for the rest of his life. Alternate translation: "all of his life"
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "God will keep safe anyone who walks with integrity"
"Anyone who"
This represents a person living a life of integrity. The abstract noun "integrity" can be expressed as an adverb. Alternate translation: "walks honestly" or "lives honestly"
A dishonest person is spoken of as if he walks on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate translation: "the one who does not live honestly"
What will happen to a dishonest person is spoken of as if he suddenly fell down. Alternate translation: "will suddenly be ruined" or "will suddenly perish"
This means to till, sow, and care for his crops.
"anyone who follows"
"chases after worthless projects." The person who is busy doing things that do not produce anything is spoken of as chasing after useless things.
The person following worthless pursuits is spoken of as getting the opposite of plenty of food. The abstract noun "poverty" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "will be very poor"
The double negative "will not go unpunished" is used for emphasis. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will certainly punish the one who gets rich quickly"
The implied information is that this person gains wealth by unfaithful or dishonest means. Alternate translation: "the one who tries to get rich quickly"
"A piece of bread" here is an exaggeration for a very small bribe or reward. Alternate translation: "a man will sin for very little gain"
"sin"
"A selfish man." This is a person who does not like to share his possessions or spend money.
The stingy man is spoken of as if he was chasing after wealth. Alternate translation: "is greedy for riches"
The result of being stingy is spoken of as if poverty was overtaking the stingy person. The abstract noun "poverty" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "he will suddenly become poor"
This can be stated in active form, with the abstract noun "favor" being expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: "A person will favor the one who disciplines him more than he favors the person who flatters him with his tongue"
"If a person disciplines"
trains people to obey a set of guidelines for moral behavior
The tongue here represents speaking. Alternate translation: "flatters him with words"
praises someone in a manner that is not sincere, or praises someone about things that are not true
"The one who robs"
This can be expressed as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: "says that it is not a sin, he"
Possible meanings are: 1) "the friend of" or 2) an idiom that means having the same character as. Alternate translation: "the same kind of person as"
a person who selfishly wants more things, money or food than what he needs
The action of the greedy man is spoken of as if he were stirring up or awakening conflict. Alternate translation: "causes conflict"
Depending on one's self is spoken of as trusting in one's own heart. Alternate translation: "The person who relies on himself"
"any person who walks"
Possible meanings are 1) this is an idiom that means to live wisely. Alternate translation: "lives wisely" or 2) this is an idiom that means to follow the teachings of wise people. Alternate translation: "follows wise teachings"
"The person"
This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: "poor people"
This double negative is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "have everything they need"
This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) they will receive many curses from the poor. Alternate translation: "the poor will give many curses to whoever closes his eyes to them" or 2) they will receive many curses from people in general. Alternate translation: "people will give many curses to whoever closes his eyes to the poor" or 3) they will receive many curses from God. Alternate translation: "God will give many curses to whoever closes his eyes to the poor"
"anyone who closes"
Closing the eyes represents not responding to the needs of the poor. Alternate translation: "ignores" or "chooses not to help"
This is an idiom that means when wicked people gain power or start to rule. Alternate translation: "When the wicked rise to power"
This refers to wicked persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "wicked people"
This is an exaggeration for doing everything they can to avoid having wicked people harm them. Alternate translation: "people go into hiding"
Possible meanings are 1) "go away" or 2) "fall from power" or 3) "are destroyed."
This refers to righteous persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "righteous people"
Possible meanings are 1) "multiply" or 2) "rise to power."
1 A person who has received many rebukes but who stiffens his neck
will be broken in a moment beyond healing.
2 When righteous people increase, the people rejoice,
but when a wicked person is the ruler, the people sigh.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice,
but he who keeps company with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice,
but the one who demands bribes throws it down.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor
is spreading a net for his feet.
6 In the sin of an evil person is a trap,
but the righteous person sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor;
the wicked person does not understand such knowledge.
8 Mockers set a city on fire,
but those who are wise turn away wrath.
9 When a wise person has a legal dispute with a fool,
he rages and laughs, and there will be no rest.
10 Men of bloodshed hate the one who is blameless
and seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool brings forth all his spirit,
but a wise man soothes it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies,
all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor person and the oppressor are similar,
for Yahweh gives light to the eyes of them both.
14 If a king judges the poor by the truth,
his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and correction give wisdom,
but a child freed from discipline puts his mother to shame.
16 When wicked people are in power, transgression increases,
but righteous people will see the downfall of those wicked people.
17 Discipline your son and he will give you rest;
he will bring delight into your life.
18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people run wild,
but the one who keeps the law is blessed.
19 A slave will not be corrected by words,
for though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 One who pampers his slave from youth,
at the end of it there will be trouble.
22 An angry person stirs up strife
and a master of rage commits many sins.
23 A person's pride brings him low,
but one who has a humble spirit will be given honor.
24 One who shares with a thief hates his own life;
he hears the curse and says nothing.
25 The fear of man makes a snare,
but the one who trusts in Yahweh will be protected.
26 Many are those who seek the face of the ruler,
but from Yahweh is justice for a person.
27 An unjust man is an abomination to righteous people,
but the one whose way is upright is an abomination to the wicked person.
Chapter 29 concludes the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.
There are individual proverbs that run along common themes, often including contrasting elements: wise/foolish, money, lazy/diligent, truth telling, wicked/righteous, sluggard, pride/humility, integrity/crookedness. (See: wise, foolish and evil and righteous)
A person becoming stubborn is spoken of as if he stiffens his neck. Alternate translation: "who becomes stubborn" or "who refuses to listen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will suddenly break him"
"and no one will be able to heal him." Sickness is a metaphor for any kind of bad situation. Alternate translation: "and no one will be able to help him"
The people let out long, loud breaths that show that they are weary and sad. Alternate translation: "the people will be weary and sad"
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makes the land peaceful so the king can rule for a long time
The abstract noun "justice" can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: "by doing what is just" or "by making just laws"
knowingly tells his neighbor things that are not true so that the neighbor will do what the speaker wants him to do
The writer compares the flattery of a person to setting that person up to being caught in a trap. Alternate translation: "setting a trap to catch that person"
When an evil person sins, it is as if he is stepping into a trap. He desires to do evil to other people, but God will use what he does to punish him.
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Here the word "city" represents the people who live in the city. Mockers causing the people to experience turmoil and possibly to become violent is spoken of as if they set the city on fire. Alternate translation: "create turmoil for the people of a city"
This idiom means to cause angry people no longer to be angry. Alternate translation: "calm the wrath of angry people"
A "legal dispute" is where two people or groups go to a judge so he can make a decision that the government will enforce. Alternate translation: "goes to court with a fool" or "sues a fool"
The fool becomes very angry and tries to keep the wise person from speaking or the court judge from judging.
This means to be loud and excited and to move with powerful movements like a strong storm. Alternate translation: "yells angrily"
"they will not be able to settle the problem"
"Bloodshed" here is a metonym for murder, and it describes "men." Alternate translation: "Murderous men" or "People who are happy when they commit murder"
This idiom means to "want to kill."
This refers to upright persons in general. This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "upright people" or "righteous people" or "honest people"
He has no self-control. He lets everyone know what he is thinking and feeling, especially when he is angry.
This line is not clear, but the idea is clearly that the wise man does the opposite of what the fool does: he quiets and holds back his anger and calms himself down so that he can control what he says and does.
"listens." See how you translated this in Proverbs 17:4.
The actions of the ruler are spoken of by stating the result they will cause. Alternate translation: "it is as if he is teaching his officials to be wicked"
a person who treats people harshly and makes their lives very difficult
This idiom means "Yahweh makes both of them alive."
The throne is a metonym for the kingdom he rules from his throne. Alternate translation: "his kingdom"
The writer speaks as if a rod and correction were people who could give wisdom as a physical gift. Alternate translation: "If a parent uses the rod on his child and corrects him, the child will become wise" or "If parents discipline their child and tell him when he has done wrong, the child will learn to live wisely"
Parents in Israel used wooden rods as instruments to discipline children by striking them. Alternate translation: "discipline"
When a person gives correction to another person, he tells that person that he does not approve of what that other person is doing and he expects the person to change his behavior.
The abstract noun "transgression" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "more people will transgress and their sins will become worse"
The abstract noun "downfall" can be translated with the verb "fall," which is a metaphor for losing the power to rule. Alternate translation: "those wicked people fall" or "those wicked people lose their power to rule"
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This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will bless the one who keeps the law"
This can be translated in active form."You will not be able to correct a slave simply by talking to him"
The writer is using a question to get the reader's attention. Alternate translation: "You should notice what happens to a man who is hasty in his words."
"who allows his slave to avoid work and who treats his slave better than he treats other slaves"
"at the end of the slave's youth" or "when the slave is grown"
These words translate a Hebrew word whose meaning no one knows for sure. Some understand it to mean that the slave will be weak, others that the slave will rule the household.
Causing people to argue more is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening arguments. The abstract noun "strife" can be stated as "argue." See how you translated similar words in [Proverbs 15:18]
This idiom means "a person who becomes angry easily."
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "men will give honor to a person who has a humble spirit" or "a person who has a humble spirit will receive honor from men" or "Yahweh will cause men to honor a person who has a humble spirit"
"becomes his own enemy"
Possible meanings are 1) people have put the "one who shares with a thief" under oath to tell the truth about what he knows about what the thief stole, and he knows he will be punished if he tells the truth. Alternate translation: "he does not dare to testify under oath" or 2) people do not know who the thief is but they call on God to curse the thief, and the "one who shares" is afraid to confess and so come out from under the curse because he is afraid of the thief. Alternate translation: "he says nothing even after people have cursed him"
Being afraid of what other people might do is spoken of as stepping into a trap. Alternate translation: "Anyone who is afraid of what other people might do to him is like a person who has become snared in a trap"
a trap that catches animals with ropes
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "Yahweh will protect the one who trusts in him"
The word "face" is a metonym for the ruler listening to people telling him what they want him to do and then doing it. Alternate translation: "Many people want their ruler to pay attention to them"
It is Yahweh, not human rulers, who will see that people treat a person justly. The abstract noun "justice" can be stated as "just." Alternate translation: "it is Yahweh who is truly just towards a person"
a person whom others should hate. See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:32.
1 The words of Agur son of Jakeh—the burden.
This man declares to Ithiel,
to Ithiel and Ucal: [1]
2 Surely I am more like an animal than any human,
and I do not have the understanding of a human being.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
nor do I have knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is the name of his son?
Surely you know!
5 Every word of God is tested;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words,
or he will discipline you,
and you will be proved to be a liar.
7 Two things I ask of you;
do not withhold them from me before I die:
8 Put vanity and lies far away from me.
Give me neither poverty nor riches,
just let me eat the food that is my portion.
9 For if I have too much, I might deny you
and say, "Who is Yahweh?"
Or if I become poor, I might steal
and profane the name of my God.
10 Do not slander a slave before his master,
or he will curse you and you will be held guilty.
11 There is a generation that curses their father
and does not bless their mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes,
and yet they are not washed of their filth.
13 There is a generation whose eyes are raised up,
and how high are their eyelids lifted up!
14 There is a generation whose teeth are swords
and whose jawbones are knives,
so they may devour the poor from the earth
and the needy from among humanity.
15 The leech has two daughters:
"Give and give," they cry.
There are three things that are never satisfied,
four that never say, "Enough":
16 Sheol; the barren womb;
land that is never satisfied with water;
and the fire that never says, "Enough!"
17 The eye that mocks a father
and scorns obedience to a mother
will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley
and will be eaten by the vultures.
18 There are three things that are too wonderful for me,
four that I do not understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky;
the way of a snake on a rock;
the way of a ship in the heart of the sea;
and the way of a man with a young woman.
20 This is the way of an adulteress:
she eats and she wipes her mouth
and says, "I have not behaved wickedly."
21 Under three things the earth trembles,
and under four it cannot bear up:
22 a slave when he becomes king;
a fool when he is filled with food;
23 a hated woman when she marries;
and a slave girl when she takes the place of her mistress.
24 Four things on earth are small
and yet they are very wise:
25 the ants are creatures that are not strong,
but they prepare their food in the summer;
26 the rock badgers are not mighty creatures,
but they make their homes in the rocks.
27 Locusts have no king,
but all of them march in rank.
28 As for the lizard, you can hold it in your two hands,
yet it is found in kings' palaces.
29 There are three things that are stately in their stride
and four that are stately in how they walk:
30 a lion, strongest among wild animals—
it does not turn away from anything;
31 a strutting rooster; a goat;
and a king whose soldiers are beside him.
32 If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,
or if you have been devising evil—
put your hand over your mouth.
33 As churning milk makes butter
and as one's nose will produce blood if it is twisted,
so deeds done in anger produce conflict.
Chapter 30 is a chapter in Proverbs attributed to Agur, who is a person otherwise unknown.
His full title is Agur, Son of Jakeh. Agur comes from a Hebrew word that means "gatherer" and so some scholars believe this is not a real name, but possibly a way of referring to Solomon as a gatherer of proverbs. However, it is still prudent to simply use this as a name.
From verses 15 through 32, the author uses a specific technique to explain some things. He says there are three things and even four and lists items that exemplify a feature like "small and yet wise." The numbering is not meant to be so literal, but as a memory device that introduces the items. (See: wise)
The sayings of Agur address several themes including the wisdom of God compared to human wisdom (30:1-6), wicked people (30:11-14), things that are never satisfied (30:15-16), things too amazing for Agur to understand (30:18-19), things that are small but wise (30:24-28), and things that walk in a strong and proud way (30:29-31).
These are the names of men.
This is the literal son of Jakeh, not a grandchild.
This is a metaphor for a message that is very important because it comes from God. Alternate translation: "the important message"
"to Ithiel—that is, to Ithiel and Ucal"
"Certainly" or "There is no doubt that"
The abstract noun "understanding" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I do not understand anything the way human beings are supposed to understand them"
The abstract noun "knowledge" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "nor do I really know anything about the Holy One"
The writer asks these questions to get the reader thinking about how much greater Yahweh is than people. Alternate translation: "No person has ever ... down. No person has ever ... hands. No person has ever ... cloak. No person has ever ... earth." or "Who has ... down? Who has ... hands? Who has ... cloak? Who has ... earth? No one has ever done any of these things."
where God lives
The writer speaks of the wind as if it were something that a person could catch and hold in his hand. Alternate translation: "has caught the wind in his hands"
the way his hands are shaped when he is scooping up, for example, water or sand. "his cupped hands"
brought small scattered objects into a pile so they can be lifted
"has set up the limits for where the earth ends" or "has marked the boundaries for the ends of the earth"
The writer uses these questions to command the reader to give an answer. Alternate translation: "Tell me his name and the name of his son, if you know them."
The writer uses irony to show that neither he nor the reader know any person who can do what the "who" in the earlier questions can do. Alternate translation: "I do not think you really know anyone who can do those things."
Words are spoken of as if they were metals that need someone to clean the bad parts out of them. Alternate translation: "is like a precious metal from which someone has removed all the useless material"
The word "shield" is a metaphor for something that protects a person. Alternate translation: "he protects those who come and ask him to protect them"
say more than he has said
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "he will prove that you are"
Many translations understand this to be the beginning of a prayer.
"of you, Yahweh"
Possible meanings are 1) "Do not allow people to speak vanity and lies to me" or 2) "Do not allow me to speak vanity and lies"
false, useless words
The writer speaks as if "poverty" and "riches" were physical objects that someone could give to another. They are also abstract nouns that can be stated as "poor" and "rich." Alternate translation: "Do not allow me to be either very poor or very rich"
"the food that is properly mine" or "the food that you, Yahweh, have assigned to me"
This describes a situation that has not happened but is possible if the writer becomes rich.
This describes a situation that has not happened but is possible if the writer becomes poor.
"I might steal things and that would cause people to think badly about God" or "I might harm God's reputation by stealing"
speak falsely about another person with the desire to harm him
"the servant will curse"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will hold you guilty"
"Some people curse" or "Stay away from people who curse"
"a generation of people who curse ... and do not bless"
"Some people are" or "Stay away from people who are." See how you translated similar words in Proverbs 30:11.
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: "considers themselves pure" or "believes they are pure"
The words "washed" and "filth" speak of God forgiving people who sin as if he were washing physical filth off of the people. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has not forgiven them of their sins"
This should be translated with a polite term that includes human or animal vomit and waste.
"Some people's eyes are" or "Stay away from people whose eyes are." See how you translated similar words in Proverbs 30:11.
This describes people who think that they are better than other people. Their eyes show that they are proud, and the way they look at others shows that they think they are better than those other people.
This is a metaphor for being cruel and treating poor and needy people cruelly, like an animal with sharp teeth that tears apart other animals and eats them. The sharp teeth may be a metaphor specifically for cruel words. Devouring the poor and needy may be specifically about taking poor people's possessions, leaving them even poorer.
"Some people's teeth" or "Stay away from people whose teeth." See how you translated similar words in Proverbs 30:11.
the bones of the face where teeth grow
This is an example of something that always wants more. Alternate translation: "Greed has two daughters"
a type of worm that attaches itself to the skin and sucks blood
Another possible meaning is "and they are both named Give Me."
This use of the numbers "three" and "four" together here is likely a poetic device. Alternate translation: "There are four things that are never satisfied, who never say, 'Enough'"
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "always want more"
Land that is no longer producing food because there has been no rain is spoken of as if it were a person who does not have enough water to drink.
The eye is a synecdoche for the whole person. The writer is saying that a person who mocks his parents will die alone in a wilderness and not be buried, a metaphor for dying with no friends or family to care. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "The ravens of the valley will peck out the eyes of the person who mocks ... mother, and the vultures will eat them" or "A person who mocks ... mother will die alone, and no one will mourn their death"
The word "obedience" is a metonym for the mother herself. It is also an abstract noun that can be stated as "obey." Alternate translation: "considers his mother worthless and will not obey her"
large, shiny, black birds that eat plants and dead animals
any one of several large birds that eat dead animals and have small, featherless heads
The use of the numbers "three" and "four" here is likely a poetic device. Alternate translation: "There are some things that are too wonderful for me that I do not understand—four of them are:"
The "heart" refers to the middle. Alternate translation: "in the middle of the sea" or "on the open sea"
This seems to be both a euphemism and a metaphor for committing adultery and then taking a bath.
The use of the numbers "three" and "four" here is likely a poetic device. "There are some things that make the earth tremble, that it cannot endure. Four of these are:"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a fool who has had enough to eat"
That is, people rightly hated her before she married; once she marries, she will be worse than she was before she married. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "a woman whom good people have hated when she marries" or "an outcast woman when she marries"
Possible meanings are 1) the slave girl is able to rule over the wife and children or 2) the man loves the slave girl more than he loves his wife.
This is the female form of "master," so it refers to the wife of the man of the house.
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an animal with small, rounded ears, short legs, and no tail
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a small reptile that has four legs, a long, slender body, and a tail
The use of the numbers "three" and "four" here is likely a poetic device. Alternate translation: "There are some things that walk stately. Four of these are"
majestic or dignified, like a king
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an adult male chicken that walks proudly
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strongly stirring
Animal milk that someone has stirred and made thick.
1 The words of King Lemuel—a burden his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? What is it, son of my womb?
What do you want, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women,
or your ways to those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to crave strong drink,
5 because when they drink they forget what has been decreed,
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to a person who is perishing
and wine to those in bitter distress.
7 He will drink and he will forget his poverty
and he will not remember his trouble.
8 Speak for those who cannot speak,
for the causes of all who are perishing.
9 Speak out and judge by the measure of what is right
and plead the cause of poor and needy people.
10 Who can find a capable wife?
Her value is far more than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will never be poor.
12 She does good things for him and not evil
all the days of her life.
13 She searches for wool and flax
and works with the delight of her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships;
she brings her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is night
and gives food to her household,
and she distributes portions to her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She knows what will make a good profit for her;
all night long her lamp is not extinguished.
19 She puts her hands on the spindle,
and her hands grasp the twisting thread.
20 She reaches out with her hand to poor people;
she reaches out with her hands to needy people.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed,
and she wears clothes of fine purple linen.
23 Her husband is known at the gates,
when he sits with the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and she supplies sashes to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and honor,
and she laughs at the future.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom
and the law of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed,
and her husband praises her, saying,
29 "Many women have done well,
but you surpassed them all."
30 Elegance is deceptive, beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears Yahweh, she will be praised.
31 Give her the fruit of her hands
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Chapter 31 begins with 9 verses from King Lemuel. The last portion of this chapter is a poem about a godly wife. (See: godly)
This person is unknown in Scripture, other than here. It is important to recognize that the words in this chapter are words of his mother addressed to him. They are formed like advice of a mother to her son.
Verse 10 through 31 is tightly formed as a poem in the original language. There are 22 lines in the Hebrew language that each begin with a successive letter of the alphabet. However, each language will have a different set of letters. Therefore, it is important to realize this was a single composition with a single theme of a noble or godly wife.
King Lemuel advice to his son addresses themes of avoiding drinks with alcohol and of being fair and righteous (31:1-9). The final section about the godly wife addresses several themes, including the great value of a godly wife (30:10-12), her hard work (31:13-19), her generosity (31:20), her care for her family (31:21-23), and her dignity, wisdom, and fear of the Lord (31:25-31).
This phrase is a metaphor for an important message. Alternate translation: "an important message"
Possible meanings of the rhetorical question "What" are 1) "What are you doing?" or "You should not be doing what you are doing" or 2) "What shall I tell you?" or "Listen to what I am telling you" or 3) "Do not do the things I am about to warn you against."
The speaker wants the hearer to notice carefully and to respect the one who is talking to him.
The womb is a synecdoche for the person. It is best to use a polite term for the body part in which babies grow before they are born.
The "vows" could be 1) the mother's marriage vows or 2) a vow after she married that if God allowed her to have a child she would dedicate him to God.
"Do not work hard trying to have sex with women," either outside of marriage or with concubines.
"or allow those who destroy kings to advise you"
Possible meanings are 1) "the way you live your life" or 2) "the work you do"
probably the immoral "women" to whom he is not to give his strength
This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Proverbs 31:1.
This can be translated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "what God has decreed" or 2) "what the kings themselves have decreed"
"deny afflicted people their legal rights"
exchange good for evil
"all those people whom others wrongfully harm"
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "and give wine"
"who's souls are bitter" or "who are in misery"
The abstract noun "poverty" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "how poor he is"
The abstract noun "trouble" can be translated as a clause. Alternate translation: "the bad things that are happening to him"
Speaking is a metonym for using words to defend innocent people. Alternate translation: "Defend those who cannot defend themselves"
The cause represents the person whose cause it is. Alternate translation: "so that people will treat all who are perishing justly"
The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: "speak for the causes" or "speak out for"
These two words have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: "people who are poor and cannot get the things that they need"
The writer asks a question to show that he is beginning a new section. Alternate translation: "Not many men can find a capable wife." or "Not many men can find a wife who is able to do many things well."
"She is more precious than jewels"
This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: "he will always have what he needs"
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sheep's hair that is used to make cloth
a plant whose fiber is used to make linen
Possible meanings are that the word "delight" describes 1) how she feels as she works, "gladly with her hands," or 2) how she feels about the wool and flax, "with her hands on things that she enjoys working with"
someone who buys and sells
Possible meanings are 1) "gives the right amount of food to her female servants" or 2) "tells her female servants what work each of them is to do that day."
The money she has earned from the work she did with wool and flax
Putting on clothes is a metonym for preparing for work. Alternate translation: "She prepares herself for hard physical work"
"she strengthens her arms by doing her work"
This is probably an exaggeration: she works late into the night, but not from dusk to dawn. Alternate translation: "She burns a lamp through the night as she works"
a thin rod or stick with pointed ends that is used in making thread
The hand is a metonym for the help the woman uses her hand to give. Alternate translation: "helps poor"
These words translate the same words translated "puts her hands on" in Proverbs 31:19.
Here "scarlet" does not refer to the color of the cloth, but that the clothing is expensive and warm. Alternate translation: "have expensive, warm clothing"
The color red, but with a hint of orange.
cloth made of flax yarn
This can be translated in active form. The verb "know" is a metonym for respect. Alternate translation: "People respect her husband"
to make laws and settle arguments
cloth made from flax yarn
long pieces of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder
Having strength and honor is spoken of as if the woman were wearing them. This can be translated in active form. The abstract nouns "strength" and "honor" can be translated by an adjective and a verb, respectively. Alternate translation: "Everyone can see that she is strong, and so they honor her"
This is probably an exaggeration to show that she is not afraid. Alternate translation: "is not afraid of what will happen in the future"
The act of opening her mouth is a metonym for speaking. The abstract noun "wisdom" can be translated as an adverb or an adjective. Alternate translation: "she speaks wisely" or "she speaks wise words"
The phrase "on her tongue" refers to her speaking, as the tongue is part of the mouth. The phrase "the law of kindness" refers to her teaching people to be kind. Alternate translation: "she teaches people to be kind"
The word "ways" refers to the way people live. Alternate translation: "makes sure her whole family lives in a way that pleases God"
To "eat the bread of" something means to do something. Alternate translation: "she is not idle"
doing nothing and being lazy
Possible meanings are 1) literally "stand up and" or 2) as a metonym, "actively."
saying that good things have happened to her because she has done good things. This can be translated as a direct quote. Alternate translation: "congratulate her" or "say, 'Yay, Mom!'"
"you have done better than"
The abstract noun "elegance" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "A gracious woman can deceive people" or "A woman with good manners could really be evil" See how you translated this in [Proverbs 11:16]
The abstract noun "beauty" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "a woman who is beautiful now will not always be beautiful"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "people will praise her"
The money she has earned from the work she did with wool and flax
She will be praised for her works, not by her works. Those "in the gates" are the important people of the city who conduct business and legal affairs near the gates of the city. Alternate translation: "may the important people of the city praise her because of the works she has done"