Proverbs

Proverbs front

Introduction to Proverbs

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Proverbs

1. Solomon introduces his proverbs (1:1–7)
2. Collection of teachings (1:8–9:18)
3. Proverbs of Solomon (10:1–22:16)
4. Words of wise men (22:17–24:22)
5. More words of wise men (24:23–34)
6. More proverbs of Solomon (25:1–29:27)
7. The words of Agur (30:1–33)
8. The words of Lemuel (31:1–9)
9. A good wife praised (31:10–31)

What is the book of Proverbs about?

A proverb is a short statement that expresses some wisdom or truth. Most societies have their own proverbs. People that speak a given language can readily understand proverbs in that language.

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of proverbs. It also includes teachings about how to live wisely. Scholars refer to Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs as wisdom literature. (See: Proverbs)

How should the title of this book be translated?

The title of this book is often translated as “Proverbs.” A more general translation would be “Words for Wise People,” “Words that Give Wisdom,” or something similar.

Who wrote the book of Proverbs?

Proverbs begins with the words, “The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David and King of Israel.” But Solomon did not write all of the proverbs. Unnamed wise men may have written some of them. Agur the son of Jakeh (30:1) and King Lemuel (31:1) identify themselves as writing some of the proverbs.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is meant by “wisdom” and “foolishness” in the Book of Proverbs?

“Wisdom” means the understanding and doing of what is true and morally right. A wise person understands and does what Yahweh would judge to be right. Anyone living in this way will also learn to live well with other people and to make good practical decisions in life. The book of Proverbs also acknowledges that it is important to maintain one’s honor or reputation in the opinion of other people. Those who fail to live in this way are called “foolish.” For this reason, it is possible for a person to be very intelligent and still be foolish. (See: wise, wisdom and fool, foolish, folly)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What form do the individual proverbs have?

Most proverbs have two parts or two lines that are “parallel” to each other. The second part may strengthen the first, may give more details about the first, or may even say what seems the opposite of the first. Translators should take into account that each proverb is also part of a larger group of proverbs. (See: Parallelism)

How should personification be represented in translation?

In Proverbs, certain qualities such as wisdom and understanding are often represented as if they were wise women, as in Proverbs 3:15-18, Proverbs 4:6-9, and elsewhere. In languages where it is possible for a woman figure to represent these qualities, the translator should translate in this way. However, in many languages this kind of direct translation is not possible. In such a case, the translator may be able to translate these personifications as similes instead. This means they would present wisdom or understanding as being like a wise woman whom people should obey. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

Parallelism

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. (See: Parallelism)

Proverbs 1:1

Verses 2-33 are poetry. (See: Poetry)

Proverbs 1:2

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “to help you understand wise teachings”

Proverbs 1:3

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” (See: Forms of You and Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word instruction, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “may be instructed how to live” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 1:4

This can be reworded so that If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you could express the same idea with an adjective such as “wise.” This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “also teach to those who are naive how to be wise” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

inexperienced or immature

The abstract nouns “knowledge” and “discretion” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “and to teach to young people what they need to know and how to discern the right thing to do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

knowing what should be done in a particular situation

Proverbs 1:5

Alternate translation: “Let those who are wise pay attention and learn even more”

Alternate translation: “let people who have understanding learn from these proverbs how to make good decisions”

Proverbs 1:6

sayings that one can understand only after thinking about them

Proverbs 1:7

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.

Alternate translation: “those who do not value what is wise and instructive are fools”

Proverbs 1:8

This is an idiom that means “do not ignore” or “do not reject” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 1:9

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” (See: Metaphor)

an woven circle made of leaves or flowers

jewelry that is worn around the neck

Proverbs 1:10

Alternate translation: “try to persuade you to sin as they do”

Alternate translation: “refuse them” or “do not listen to them”

Proverbs 1:11

Here the speaker gives an example of what sinners may try to entice someone to do. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Alternate translation: “hide and wait for the right time”

Proverbs 1:12

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. (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of the grave as if it were a person that swallows humans and takes them down to the place of the dead. (See: Personification)

The wicked expect to destroy their victims in the same way Sheol, the place of the dead, takes away even healthy people.

This could mean: (1) this refers to travelers who fall into a deep hole where no one will ever find them or (2) here “pit” is another word that means Sheol or the place where dead people go.

Proverbs 1:14

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Join us” (See: Idiom)

Here “purse” represents everything that they steal. Alternate translation: “we will equally share everything that we steal” (See: Metonymy)

a bag for carrying money

Proverbs 1:15

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 roads that sinners walk on. Alternate translation: “do not go with the sinners or do what they do” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 1:16

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” (See: Metaphor)

Here “feet” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “they run” (See: Synecdoche)

Here “blood” represents a person’s life. To “shed blood” means to murder someone. (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 1:17

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. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 1:18

This finishes the comparison started in Proverbs 1:17. The men destroying themselves by doing sinful things is spoken of as if they set a trap and kill themselves. Alternate translation: “But these men are more foolish than the birds. They kill themselves with their own traps” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Here “blood” is a metonym for a violent death. Alternate translation: “to kill themselves violently” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 1:19

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 1:20

In 1:20-1:33 Wisdom is spoken of as if it were a woman speaking to the people. (See: Personification)

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” (See: Personification)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “speaks with a loud voice” (See: Idiom)

This means places where there would be a lot of people. Alternate translation: “in the markets” or “in the town squares” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 1:21

This could mean: (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.

Proverbs 1:22

Wisdom uses this question to rebuke those who are not wise. Alternate translation: “You who are naive must stop loving being naive.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 1:23

Alternate translation: “Listen carefully”

Wisdom telling the people everything she thinks about them is spoken of as if her thoughts were a liquid that she would pour out. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I will tell you what I think”

Proverbs 1:24

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 1:26

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” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

Alternate translation: “when bad things happen to you”

Proverbs 1:27

Terrible things happening to the people is compared to a storm hitting them and causing fear and suffering. (See: Simile)

a very strong wind storm that causes damage

Proverbs 1:28

Wisdom continues speaking. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “Then those who ignored me will cry out to me for help”

Proverbs 1:29

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you could express the same idea with the verb “learn.” Alternate translation: “Because they refused to learn to be wise” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fear, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “did not fear Yahweh” or “did not honor and respect Yahweh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 1:30

Alternate translation: “would not accept my instruction” or “rejected my advice”

Proverbs 1:31

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” (See: Metaphor)

“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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 1:32

inexperienced or immature

A person rejecting wisdom is spoken of as if the person physically turns away from wisdom. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “die because they refuse to learn” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word indifference, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “fools will die because they do not care about what should be done” (See: Abstract Nouns)

a lack of interest about something

Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 2 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.

Special concepts in this chapter

My Son

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.

Proverbs 2:1

A father teaches his child using poetry. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:2

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “force yourself to listen carefully” (See: Idiom)

This abstract noun can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “to the wise things I am teaching you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Proverbs 2:3

Both of these phrases have the same meaning. It is implied that the person is strongly asking Yahweh for understanding. Alternate translation: “If you urgently ask God and plead for understanding” (See: Parallelism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This is an idiom that means to speak loudly or to shout. (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 2:4

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” (See: Parallelism and Simile)

Trying very hard to understand what is wise is spoken of as if understanding were an object for which a person must search. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:5

To succeed in knowing God is spoken of as if the knowledge of God were an object that a person finds after searching. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:6

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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 2:7

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 those who please him” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “dependable”

Yahweh being able to protect his people is spoken of as if he were a shield. Alternate translation: “God protects those” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:8

This could mean: (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” (See: Metaphor)

A person’s life is spoken of as if it were a way or road. Alternate translation: “protect those who are faithful to him” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:9

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:10

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Here “soul” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “pleasing to you” or “enjoyable to you” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 2:11

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” (See: Personification and Parallelism)

the quality of being careful in actions and speech

to guard, protect or take care of someone or something

Proverbs 2:12

“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” (See: Personification)

Evil behaviors are spoken of as if evil were a way or path on which a person walks. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:13

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. (See: Metaphor)

The word “who” refers to the people who speak perverse things.

to leave and never return to someone or something

Proverbs 2:14

“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” (See: Parallelism)

Proverbs 2:15

People who lie to others are spoken of as if they walk on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate translation: “They deceive other people” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:16

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” (See: Personification)

Proverbs 2:17

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.

Proverbs 2:18

This could mean: (1) “going to her house leads to death” or (2) “the road to her house is the road to death.”

This could mean: (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” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to the spirits of dead people and is a metonym for the place of the dead. Alternate translation: “to the grave” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 2:19

This means to go into her house to sleep with her, as one would with a prostitute. (See: Euphemism)

This could mean: (1) “they will not return to the land of the living” or (2) “they will never live a happy life again.”

Proverbs 2:20

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 2:22

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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will remove the wicked from the land” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

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” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will remove the faithless from it” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 3 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.

Special concepts in this chapter

My Son

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.

Wisdom is feminine

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, wisdom)

Proverbs 3:1

The writer speaks as a father teaching his child using poetry. (See: Parallelism)

The word “commands” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “do not forget what I command you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This phrase says in positive terms what the previous phrase says in negative terms. Here the word “heart” represents the mind. The word “teachings” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “always remember what I teach you” (See: Parallelism and Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 3:2

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” (See: Doublet and Idiom)

Proverbs 3:3

The writer speaks of “covenant faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” as if they were people who could leave someone. The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” And, the negative command can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Always be trustworthy and be faithful to the covenant” (See: Personification and Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:4

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in the judgment of God and man” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:5

Here the word “heart” represents the inner person. Alternate translation: “your whole being” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:6

The writer speaks of a person’s actions as if they were paths on which the person walks. Alternate translation: “in everything you do” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:7

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” (See: Metaphor)

The writer speaks of not committing evil actions as if it were turning away from evil. Alternate translation: “do not commit evil” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:8

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metonymy)

Proverbs 3:9

Alternate translation: “all the food you harvest”

Proverbs 3:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your storehouses will be full” (See: Active or Passive)

buildings or rooms where food is stored

your storage containers will be extremely full, as if ready to break open.

Proverbs 3:11

The writer writes as a father teaching his son.

Proverbs 3:12

“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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 3:13

The writer speaks of “wisdom” as if it were an object that one finds. Alternate translation: “The one who attains wisdom” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:14

This refers to the profit that one can make from trading or investing silver.

Proverbs 3:15

The author speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “more valuable”

Proverbs 3:16

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” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

This idiom refers to the duration of person’s life and may imply a long life. Alternate translation: “long life” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 3:17

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 path. Alternate translation: “Wisdom will always treat you kindly and give you peace” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:18

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” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “a tree that gives life” or “a tree whose fruit sustains life”

Alternate translation: “those who hold on to its fruit”

Proverbs 3:19

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:20

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

water that forms on the ground at night

Proverbs 3:21

The writer speaks of not forgetting something as if it were always being able to see it. Alternate translation: “do not forget them” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:22

Here the word “soul” represents the person. Alternate translation: “They will be life for you” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “a favorable adornment” or (2) “an adornment that displays Yahweh’s favor.”

Proverbs 3:23

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:24

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 3:25

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the wicked cause devastation” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 3:26

“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” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Proverbs 3:27

Alternate translation: “Do not withhold good things” or “Do not withhold good actions”

Alternate translation: “when you are able to help”

Proverbs 3:28

“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.

Proverbs 3:31

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 3:32

Alternate translation: “Yahweh detests 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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 3:33

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The word “home” represents the family. Alternate translation: “he blesses the families of righteous people” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 3:34

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 3:35

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” (See: Metaphor)

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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will cause everyone to see the shame of fools” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 4

Proverbs 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 4 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.

Special concepts in this chapter

My Son

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.

Wisdom is feminine

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, wisdom)

Proverbs 4:1

The writer speaks as a father teaching his children.

Alternate translation: “listen carefully”

Alternate translation: “you will know how to understand” or “you will gain understanding”

Proverbs 4:2

Alternate translation: “What I am teaching you is good”

Proverbs 4:3

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Hendiadys)

Proverbs 4:4

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:5

Alternate translation: “Work hard to gain for yourself wisdom” or “Get wisdom”

Alternate translation: “remember”

Alternate translation: “accept”

Here the word “mouth” represents the person who speaks. Alternate translation: “what I am saying” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 4:6

The writer speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman who protects the person who is faithful to her. (See: Personification and Metaphor)

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “hold tightly to wisdom” or “be faithful to wisdom”

Alternate translation: “love wisdom”

Proverbs 4:7

The father finishes teaching his children what his father taught him.

Alternate translation: “value understanding more than all you own”

Proverbs 4:8

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” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

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” (See: Personification and Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:9

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:10

Alternate translation: “listen carefully to what I teach you”

Alternate translation: “you will live many years”

Proverbs 4:11

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:12

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” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Proverbs 4:13

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 4:14

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:15

Alternate translation: “Avoid the path of the wicked”

Proverbs 4:16

They probably could literally sleep, but the writer uses an exaggeration to express how intensely they desire to commit evil actions. (See: Hyperbole)

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” (See: Hyperbole and Metaphor)

The writer speaks of causing harm to another person as if it were causing that person to stumble. Alternate translation: “until they harm someone” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:17

This could mean: (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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:18

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Simile)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 4:19

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Simile)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:20

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 4:21

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” (See: Metaphor)

The writer speaks of remembering something as if it were keeping it within one’s heart. Alternate translation: “always remember them” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:22

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” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Ellipsis)

Proverbs 4:23

Here the word “heart” represents a person’s mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “Keep your mind safe and guard your thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:24

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:25

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:26

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 4:27

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” (See: Merism)

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 5 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.

Special concepts in this chapter

My Son

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.

Adulteress

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, adulterous, adulterer, adulteress)

Proverbs 5:1

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. Alternate translation: “listen attentively” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:2

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:3

This could mean: (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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This could mean: (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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:4

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:5

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:6

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” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “She wanders about as if she were lost” or (2) “She walks along the wrong path.”

Proverbs 5:7

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. (See: Parallelism)

The writer speaks of stopping an action as if the person physically turned away from it. Alternate translation: “do not stop listening” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “mouth” represents the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “my words” or “what I am saying” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 5:8

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” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Synecdoche and Go and Come)

Proverbs 5:9

“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” (See: Ellipsis and Metaphor)

This may refer to the husband of the adulteress, who will deal cruelly with the person who sleeps with her.

Proverbs 5:10

The writer speaks of people taking and enjoying another person’s wealth as if they were feasting on the wealth. Alternate translation: “strangers will not take all of your wealth” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “house” represents the person’s family. Alternate translation: “the things that you have obtained will not end up belonging to the families of strangers” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 5:11

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” (See: Doublet)

Alternate translation: “physically wear down” or “become weak and unhealthy”

Proverbs 5:12

These two phrases express the same idea and emphasize how much this person disliked what the teacher had said. (See: Parallelism)

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” (See: Exclamations and Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Synecdoche and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 5:13

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. Alternate translation: “listen to those who instructed me” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:14

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. (See: Parallelism)

Proverbs 5:15

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. (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

The writer speaks of fresh or flowing water as if the water were running. Alternate translation: “fresh water” or “flowing water” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:16

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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. (See: Euphemism and Metaphor)

Open areas in a city or town where two or more streets meet. A common place for people to meet each other and talk.

Proverbs 5:17

The word “them” refers to the “springs” and “streams of water” and what they stand for.

Alternate translation: “do not share them with strangers”

Proverbs 5:18

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” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “the wife whom you married when you were young” or (2) “your young wife.”

Proverbs 5:19

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” (See: Metaphor)

This word does not mean “full of grace,” but “beautiful while moving.”

This could mean: (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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Intense excitement and joy from the romantic love of one’s wife is spoken of as if he was drunk from that love. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let her love control you as alcohol controls someone who is drunk” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) “by your love for her” or (2) “by her love for you.”

Proverbs 5:20

The writer asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that his son must not do these things. Alternate translation: “My son, do not be captivated by an adulteress! Do not embrace the breasts of an immoral woman!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Intense excitement that arises from the desire for a woman is spoken of as if he were being held captive by that woman. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “allow an adulteress to captivate you” or “allow an adulteress to fascinate you” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “breasts” represents the immoral woman and her sexual attractiveness. Alternate translation: “why should you embrace an immoral woman” (See: Synecdoche)

This could mean: (1) “a woman who is not your wife” or (2) “a woman who is another man’s wife.”

Proverbs 5:21

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God knows everything that everyone does. (See: Parallelism)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:22

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. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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” (See: Personification and Metaphor and Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 5:23

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his great foolishness leads him astray” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “because he is very foolish”

Proverbs 6

Proverbs 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 6 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.

Special concepts in this chapter

My Son

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.

Adulteress

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, adulterous, adulterer, adulteress)

Numbers

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.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

The author will use rhetorical questions to draw the reader’s attention to important points. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Animals used as types

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, wisdom)

Proverbs 6:1

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (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.”

Proverbs 6:2

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” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “what you said” or “what you promised to do”

Proverbs 6:3

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “friend”

Proverbs 6:4

“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” (See: Parallelism and Litotes)

This is a figure of speech using parts of your face to mean your whole body. Alternate translation: “yourself … yourself” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 6:5

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “and escape like a bird that flies away from a bird-hunter”

Proverbs 6:6

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 6:7

These three words mean basically the same thing and are used to emphasized that no one has formal authority over an individual ant. (See: Doublet)

Proverbs 6:8

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are repeated to show how responsible the ant is. (See: Parallelism)

Summer is the time of the year when some trees bear their fruit.

Proverbs 6:9

The teacher uses these questions to scold the lazy person for sleeping too much. Alternate translation: “Wake up, you lazy person! Get out of your bed!” (See: Parallelism and Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 6:10

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” (See: Parallelism and Ellipsis)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 6:11

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Simile)

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” (See: Simile and Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “a soldier who is holding a weapon” or “a man with a weapon”

Proverbs 6:12

These two words have the same meaning and emphasize how bad this person is. Alternate translation: “A person with no value—an evil man” (See: Doublet)

Here lies are spoken of as speech that is crooked. Alternate translation: “constantly tells lies” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 6:13

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.

Proverbs 6:14

Alternate translation: “He plans evil” or “He prepares to do evil deeds”

Alternate translation: “he always causes discord” or “he is constantly looking for conflict and escalating it”

Proverbs 6:15

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Personification)

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.”

Proverbs 6:16

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” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “that make him feel disgust” or “that make you disgusting according to him”

Proverbs 6:17

This is 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.” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “kill” or “murder”

Proverbs 6:18

All of these body parts refer to a whole person. You can translate each of these with “people.” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “evil plans”

Proverbs 6:19

This figure of speech uses “breathes” to refer to lying constantly. Alternate translation: “constantly lies” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 6:20

These two phrases on the one hand mean the same thing. On the other hand, the repeated emphasis on both “father” and “mother” explicitly includes women in the whole teaching-learning process. (See: Parallelism)

This figure of speech is using the negative “forsake” to mean the positive “obey.” Alternate translation: “obey the teaching of your mother” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 6:21

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. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “love them” or “think about them”

Proverbs 6:22

These three phrases are used together to emphasize that the lessons are valuable all the time. (See: Parallelism)

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. (See: Parallelism and Personification)

Proverbs 6:23

These three phrases mean basically the same thing, and together they show the various types of lessons a father and a mother teach. (See: Parallelism)

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” (See: Metaphor and Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “the way that leads to life” or “the way of living that God approves of”

Proverbs 6:24

Here the word “it” refers to the lessons taught by the father and mother in Proverbs 6:20. Alternate translation: “It saves you from” or “It protects you from” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

These two words mean basically the same thing. See how you translated the word “adulteress” in Proverbs 5:3.

Alternate translation: “morally evil”

Proverbs 6:25

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” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Here “heart” represents the mind. Alternate translation: “in your thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

“what is beautiful about her.” This can also be a metonym for the woman. Alternate translation: “her” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 6:26

This is talking about the material cost, not the spiritual cost or the moral cost. Alternate translation: “a little bit”

This could mean: (1) the wife of another man will destroy your life because she always wants more or (2) the husband of the other woman will hunt you down and kill you.

Proverbs 6:27

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “without destroying” or “and not destroy”

His clothes stand for him as a whole person. (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 6:28

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This stands for committing adultery. (See: Metaphor)

That is to slowly walk a long distance, without using tricks or magic.

Alternate translation: “burning”

Proverbs 6:29

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “the man who has sexual relations with his neighbor’s wife” (See: Euphemism)

Proverbs 6:30

Alternate translation: “do not regard a thief with contempt” or “do not think a thief is evil”

Proverbs 6:31

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if someone catches him” (See: Active or Passive)

This figure of speech is saying that everything in his house is all that he owns. Alternate translation: “that he owns” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 6:32

Alternate translation: “The person” or “The man”

Proverbs 6:33

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

This figure of speech is using the negative “will not be wiped away” to refer to it always being there. Alternate translation: “will always remain” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 6:34

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” (See: Litotes)

Alternate translation: “in the moment of his revenge” or “when the moment arrives when he can take his revenge”

If a person takes revenge, it is to cause hurt to the person who hurt him first.

Proverbs 6:35

payment by one who does wrong to the person to whom he has done wrong

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you cannot pay him enough money to change his mind” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “off. This will be true even if”

Proverbs 7

Proverbs 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 7 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine.

Special concepts in this chapter

Parallelism

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. (See: Parallelism)

Many of the proverbs are stated as promises or commands, but they are intended to be advice.

My Son

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.

Adulteress

This chapter continues the theme about the adulteress and warns the young man to avoid her.

Proverbs 7:1

Here keeping represents obeying. Alternate translation: “obey my words” (See: Metaphor)

Here God’s commands are spoken of as if they were objects that someone could put into a storeroom. Alternate translation: “memorize my commands” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 7:2

Here keeping represents obeying. Alternate translation: “obey my instructions” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 7:3

This could mean: (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. (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 7:4

Here wisdom is spoken of as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “Value wisdom as you would love your sister” (See: Personification)

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” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “relative” or “family member”

Proverbs 7:5

This refers to any woman to whom a man is not married. Alternate translation: “the woman whom you should have nothing to do with”

This refers to any woman who is not known to a man.

Words intended to deceive are spoken of as if they were smooth objects. Alternate translation: “who says pleasant things, but wants to deceive you”

Proverbs 7:6

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

Proverbs 7:7

inexperienced or immature

Proverbs 7:8

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.

Proverbs 7:9

the time of day when it is getting darker and about to become night

Proverbs 7:10

Here “heart” represents intentions or plans. Alternate translation: “she planned to deceive someone” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 7:11

Alternate translation: “She talked loudly and acted in the ways she wished to”

The phrase “her feet” represent the woman. Alternate translation: “she did not stay at home” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 7:12

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 7:13

the woman who was introduced in Proverbs 7:10

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Idiom and Metonymy)

Proverbs 7:14

Here “vows” represents what the person promised to sacrifice to God. Alternate translation: “I made the sacrifices I promised to God” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 7:15

Here “face” represents the person and especially the person’s presence. Alternate translation: “look for you” or “find out where you are” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 7:17

Alternate translation: “scattered on my bed”

A type of wood from a tree that smells good.

This is a spice made from the bark of a tree that smells and tastes good.

Proverbs 7:18

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 7:19

Alternate translation: “is not at home”

Proverbs 7:20

The moon is said to be full when it is a perfectly round disk, shining at its brightest.

Proverbs 7:21

To persuade someone to act in a certain way is spoken of as if it were changing the direction that person was walking. Alternate translation: “she persuaded him” (See: Metaphor)

The female is the married woman who wants to sleep with “him,” the young man.

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “she convinced him to sin with her”

Proverbs 7:22

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The naive and unsuspecting way the young man follows the adulteress is compared to the way two animals are unaware of the danger they are in. (See: Simile)

This refers to killing an animal in order to eat its meat.

See how you translated this word in Proverbs 5:19.

Proverbs 7:23

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. (See: Simile)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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 soon” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 7:24

This is to focus the attention of the speaker’s sons on the conclusion of this lesson.

Proverbs 7:25

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” (See: Metaphor)

Here “heart” represents a person, emphasizing his desires. Alternate translation: “you” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Parallelism)

Proverbs 7:26

Being pierced by spears or arrows represents being killed. Alternate translation: “She has caused many people to fall dead” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 7:27

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. (See: Parallelism)

This expression pictures the dead as sleeping in many different rooms in Sheol. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 8 continues a collection of proverbs that ends in chapter nine. These chapters operate more as a unit then many of the following chapters in this book.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom calls out

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, wisdom)

Proverbs 8:1

In chapter 8 wisdom is spoken of as a woman who teaches people how to be wise. Many verses in chapter 8 have parallelisms. (See: Personification and Parallelism)

This question is used to remind the readers of something they should already know. Alternate translation: “Wisdom calls out” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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?” (See: Personification)

Here “Understanding” means the same as “Wisdom.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “speak”

Proverbs 8:3

In ancient times, cities usually had outer walls with gates in them.

This continues to refer to Wisdom, personified as a woman. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 8:4

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” (See: Metonymy)

This is metonymy representing all human beings. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 8:5

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “you must begin to understand things with your mind”

Proverbs 8:6

Here “lips” represents a person’s mouth, with which he speaks. Alternate translation: “when I open my mouth to speak” (See: Synecdoche)

proper or just

Proverbs 8:7

Here “mouth” represents a person who speaks. Alternate translation: “I speak” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “what people should believe”

Here “lips” represents a person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “wickedness is disgusting to me” or “saying wicked things would be disgusting to me” (See: Synecdoche)

Here, wickedness represents wicked speech. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wickedness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 8:8

The “mouth” stands for the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “The things I teach” (See: Synecdoche)

Twisting a message is a metaphor for changing a true message into a false one. Alternate translation: “nothing false” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 8:9

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” (See: Metonymy)

true and honest

Proverbs 8:10

Alternate translation: “You should try much harder to understand my instructions than to get silver”

Proverbs 8:11

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 treasure is equal to me” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Proverbs 8:12

Prudence is also represented here as a person. (See: Personification)

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

being careful about what we say and do; being cautious not to cause hurt or harm to others

Proverbs 8:13

Alternate translation: “wicked talk”

turned from what is right

Proverbs 8:14

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Personification)

Proverbs 8:16

noblemen, leading members of important families in the nation

Proverbs 8:17

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

Proverbs 8:18

Alternate translation: “I have riches and honor”

This explains what is meant by “riches and honor.” This can be made clear with the connecting statement “therefore.” Alternate translation: “therefore, I will give lasting wealth and righteousness to those who find me” (See: Connecting Words and Phrases)

Alternate translation: “the ability to live in a right way”

Proverbs 8:19

what wisdom produces or causes

the benefit or gain that wisdom causes

Proverbs 8:20

Living the right way is spoken of as walking on the right road. Alternate translation: “I live right” or “I do what is right” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 8:21

storehouses for valuable things. Wisdom is spoken of as a woman who fills the storehouses of her followers with valuable things. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 8:22

Alternate translation: “I was the first of the things he created then”

Proverbs 8:23

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 8:25

“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” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 8:26

This is wisdom speaking about herself. (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “I was alive”

Proverbs 8:27

This is wisdom speaking about herself. (See: Personification)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “the ocean”

Proverbs 8:28

brought into permanent being

This can be put into active form. Alternate translation: “when God fixed the springs in the deep” (See: Active or Passive)

The ancient Hebrews thought that the ocean got its water from springs at the bottom of the sea.

Proverbs 8:29

“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” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 8:30

This is still wisdom speaking. Wisdom now says she was right next to Yahweh, implying that she was his assistant in creating the world. (See: Personification)

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is a way to express the idea of a habitual action or of a continuous condition. Alternate translation: “continually” or “the whole time” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 8:31

Alternate translation: “the whole world he created” or “everything he created”

This refers to human beings in general. Alternate translation: “the people he brought into existence” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 8:32

This is to focus the attention of the children to the conclusion of this lesson.

This is still wisdom talking about herself. (See: Personification)

Here “my ways” represents wisdom’s behavior. Alternate translation: “those who do what I teach” or “the people who follow my example” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 8:33

“do not disregard” Alternate translation: “be sure to pay attention to” or “be sure to follow” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 8:34

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. (See: Parallelism)

Proverbs 8:35

This is still wisdom talking about herself. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 8:36

This is still wisdom talking about herself. (See: Personification)

The complete thought is, “he who fails to find me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “life” represents the person’s self. (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 9 concludes a collection of proverbs that operate as a unit about wisdom. (See: wise, wisdom)

Special concepts in this chapter

Wisdom calls out

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.

Proverbs 9:1

These verses begin a parable in which wisdom is imagined to be a woman who is giving good advice to people. (See: Personification)

The writer speaks about wisdom as if it were a woman who has built her own house. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 9:2

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” (See: Metonymy and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

In ancient Israel, people often mixed wine with water. Alternate translation: “prepared her wine by mixing it with water” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “she has prepared her table”

Proverbs 9:3

These verses begin to give the message of Wisdom, who is personified as a woman. (See: Personification)

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.

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.

Proverbs 9:4

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”

Alternate translation: “is inexperienced or immature”

Alternate translation: “leave his path and come into my house”

Proverbs 9:5

These verses continue the message of Wisdom.

All of these commands are plural; Wisdom is addressing many people at the same time. (See: Forms of You)

In ancient Israel, people often mixed wine with water. Alternate translation: “prepared her wine by mixing it with water” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 9:6

All of these commands are plural; Wisdom is addressing many people at the same time. (See: Forms of You)

Here naive actions are spoken of as if they were a place that a person could leave. Alternate translation: “Stop your naive behavior” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 9:7

These verses continue the message of Wisdom.

These two phrases basically say the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

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”

Alternate translation: “receives harsh treatment”

Alternate translation: “whoever corrects”

Proverbs 9:8

Alternate translation: “Do not correct”

Proverbs 9:9

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. (See: Parallelism)

This refers to giving instruction to a wise person. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 9:10

These verses finish the message of Wisdom.

See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 1:7.

Proverbs 9:11

This may be put into active form. Alternate translation: “I will multiply your days” or “I will cause you to live many more days” (See: Active or Passive)

Wisdom, personified as a woman, continues to speak here. (See: Personification)

These two phrases basically mean the same thing and are used to emphasize the great benefits wisdom has. (See: Parallelism)

Wisdom speaks of years of life as if they were physical objects. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 9:12

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. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 9:13

These verses begin to describe foolishness, which is also personified as a woman. (See: Personification)

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” (See: Personification)

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” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “she has not learned from experience” or “she is young and naive”

Proverbs 9:15

This seems to be an idiom for “thinking only of their own affairs” or “minding their own business.” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 9:16

Alternate translation: “is inexperienced or immature”

Alternate translation: “leave his path and come here”

This is the foolish woman who was introduced in Proverbs 9:13.

Alternate translation: “those who do not have wisdom” or “those who are not wise”

Proverbs 9:17

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 9:18

Alternate translation: “that the men who have gone to her are now dead”

“Sheol” refers to the world of the dead.

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 10 starts a new section of the book, which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 10:1

Many verses in Chapter 10 are contrasting parallelisms (See: Parallelism)

After the introduction of Chapters 1-9, Chapter 10 begins the collection of the proverbs; short sayings that teach wisdom.

Proverbs 10:2

acquired over time

Proverbs 10:3

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” (See: Synecdoche and Litotes)

Proverbs 10:4

“Hand” represents the strength and ability of a person. Alternate translation: “A person unwilling to work” (See: Metonymy)

“Hand” represents the strength and ability of a person. Alternate translation: “person who works hard” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 10:6

The “head” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “are given to” (See: Idiom and Synecdoche)

The “mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “words the wicked speak” (See: Metonymy)

hides the truth

Proverbs 10:7

The word “name” represents a person’s reputation. Alternate translation: “memory” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 10:8

Alternate translation: “be destroyed” or “be made useless”

Proverbs 10:9

not straight; deformed; dishonest; deceitful

Proverbs 10:10

“Winking the eye” represents a secretive sign for being cruel to someone else. Alternate translation: “He who makes a signal with a gesture” (See: Symbolic Action)

A person who is ruined is spoken of as if he were thrown down. Alternate translation: “others will ruin him” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 10:11

Here “mouth” represents what a persons says. Alternate translation: “The speech of a righteous person” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to righteous people in general. Alternate translation: “righteous people” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

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. (See: Metaphor)

That is, the wicked person appears to say harmless things, but plans to violent things against other people. (See: Metaphor)

Here “mouth” represents what a persons says. Alternate translation: “the speech of a wicked person” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: “wicked people” (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

Proverbs 10:12

Love acts like a person who quiets trouble between people instead of stirring it up. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 10:13

“Lips” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “in what a sensible person says” (See: Metonymy)

“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” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

Proverbs 10:14

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “the words from a foolish person” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 10:15

This represents wealth as a safe place. Alternate translation: “his safety” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:16

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. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:17

Alternate translation: “The person who obeys wise instruction will have a long and happy life”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but the one who does not obey wise instruction will not have a good life” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 10:18

“Lips” represent what a person says. Alternate translation: “tells lies” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 10:19

This phrase uses a negative to emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: “there is much sin” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 10:20

“Tongue” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “Whatever a righteous person says” (See: Metonymy)

“Silver” represents valuable sayings. Alternate translation: “is extremely valuable” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:21

“Lips” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “The sayings of a righteous man” (See: Metonymy)

cause them to develop or grow stronger

Proverbs 10:23

A game is an activity people do for pleasure. Alternate translation: “Fools find pleasure in wickedness” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:24

overcome someone

Proverbs 10:25

Just as storm comes and sweeps everything away so wicked people will disappear. (See: Simile)

“Foundation” represents the base or a beginning of something that people build over. Alternate translation: “is a start for something that lasts forever” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:26

“Vinegar” and “smoke” represent things that hurt a person’s teeth and eyes. Alternate translation: “Sending a lazy person to accomplish a task is irritating and unpleasant” (See: Simile)

a sour liquid used to flavor or preserve foods

Proverbs 10:27

“Years” represent the time a person lives. Alternate translation: “the lifetime of the evil person” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:28

Here “years” represent the time a person lives. Alternate translation: “the lifetime of the evil person” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 10:30

This can be stated as active and positive: Alternate translation: “will be secure” (See: Litotes and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 10:31

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “From the righteous man’s words” (See: Metonymy)

“Tongue” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “God will shut the mouths of people who say what is false” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 10:32

“Lips” represent what a person says. Alternate translation: “righteous person knows how to speak acceptably” (See: Metonymy)

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “the words of the wicked” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 11

Proverbs 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 11 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 11:1

Many verses in Chapter 11 are contrasting parallelisms (See: Parallelism)

“Scales” represent measuring accurately in negotiating. Alternate translation: “God hates deceiving scales” or “God hates it when people are deceitful” (See: Metaphor)

Here, precise weight represents accuracy in negotiating. Alternate translation: “but he delights in honest ways” or “but he is happy when people are honest”

Proverbs 11:3

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “treacherous people” or “those who are treacherous” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 11:4

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 11:5

Alternate translation: “has clear direction”

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are wicked” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 11:6

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “those who are treacherous” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “those who do evil are captured by their passions”

ready to betray trust; traitorous; deceptive

Proverbs 11:7

Alternate translation: “the confidence he has in his own power”

Alternate translation: “disappears”

Proverbs 11:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God keeps away from trouble the person who does what is right” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “trouble comes”

Proverbs 11:9

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “The words of the godless” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 11:11

“City” represents the community or people group. Alternate translation: “the people group prospers” or “the community becomes prosperous” (See: Metonymy)

“Mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “the words of evil people” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 11:13

“Covered” represents keeping things concealed as much as possible. Alternate translation: “does not tell” or “does not speak about the matter” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 11:14

those who give recommendations as a guide to action; counselors

Proverbs 11:15

Alternate translation: “one who refuses to give”

Proverbs 11:16

people without pity or compassion; cruel people

Alternate translation: “are greedy for wealth”

Proverbs 11:17

Alternate translation: “a person who”

Proverbs 11:18

To “sow” represents spreading out to gain more. Alternate translation: “spreads out what is right” (See: Metaphor)

To “reap” represents acquiring or gathering in” Alternate translation: “will surely be rewarded” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 11:19

Alternate translation: “the person who”

Alternate translation: “chases after evil” or “seeks to do evil”

Proverbs 11:20

“Heart” represents the feelings, attitudes and motivations of a person. Alternate translation: “who have wicked thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 11:21

This phrase uses a negative to emphasize a positive idea. Alternate translation: “will certainly be punished” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 11:22

A beautiful woman without discretion is compared to a useless and unsuitable golden ring in a pig’s nose. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “without common sense” or “who is foolish”

Proverbs 11:24

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” (See: Metaphor)

You may need to make explicit that the person scatters seeds for crops to grow. Alternate translation: “one who scatters much seed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will gain even more”

This refers to a person who thinks that he can become rich by refusing to be generous.

Proverbs 11:25

Alternate translation: “will gain more”

Alternate translation: “the generous person who” or “anyone who”

Proverbs 11:26

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 11:27

the one who seeks with careful and continued effort

Proverbs 11:28

This is an idiom. Here “fall” represents destruction or failure. Alternate translation: “will be destroyed” or “awaits a bad future” (See: Idiom)

“Leaf” represents growth and prosperity. Alternate translation: “righteous people will prosper in the same way a healthy green leaf grows” (See: Simile)

This means that righteous people will thrive or prosper.

Proverbs 11:29

The “wind” is a metaphor for something that cannot be grasped or has no value. Alternate translation: “inherit nothing” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

Proverbs 11:30

A person who does what is right is compared to a tree that produces life as its fruit. Alternate translation: “Those who do right will bring life to themselves and others” (See: Simile)

See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:18.

Proverbs 11:31

Alternate translation: “even more so”

Proverbs 12

Proverbs 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 12 continues the section of the book (Chapter 10-22) which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 12:1

The author uses Parallelism throughout this chapter. Verses 1-15 contrast wisdom and foolishness.

Alternate translation: “Any person who”

Alternate translation: “the person who does not want to be told what to do”

Alternate translation: “is foolish” or “is unwise”

Proverbs 12:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one can become safe and secure by doing what is wicked” (See: Active or Passive)

“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” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 12:4

A crown represents the greatest honor a person can receive. Alternate translation: “A good wife is a sign of great honor for her husband” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Simile)

Proverbs 12:6

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 who waits to kill someone by surprise” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the advice from an upright person keeps people safe”

Alternate translation: “the righteous person” or “the honest person” or “the just person”

Proverbs 12:7

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will overthrow the wicked people” or “People will remove the wicked people from power” (See: Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 12:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People will praise those who have wisdom” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will hate the one who always thinks evil thoughts” or “people will hate the one who takes good things and twists them into bad” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 12:10

Alternate translation: “causes suffering”

Proverbs 12:11

Alternate translation: “worthless plans” or “worthless tasks”

Proverbs 12:12

This refers to a person’s actions and thoughts. Just as fruit on a tree shows what kind of tree it is, in the same way a person’s words and actions reveal what his character is like.

Proverbs 12:13

“Trapped” represents being caught in a snare or being tricked. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The wicked things an evil person says will trap him” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 12:14

The phrase, “the work of his hands” represents work done by physical labor. Alternate translation: “just as the good work he does rewards him” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 12:15

This phrase represents the idea he has from his own observation, imagination or memory. Alternate translation: “in his own opinion” (See: Idiom)

wise suggestions

Proverbs 12:16

Alternate translation: “is wise” or “has good sense.”

Proverbs 12:18

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” (See: Simile)

“Tongue” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “what wise people say” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “comforts and heals”

Proverbs 12:19

“Lips” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “A truthful person endures forever” (See: Metonymy)

“Tongue” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “the one who lies lasts only for a moment” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 12:20

those who give recommendations as a guide to action; counselors

Proverbs 12:21

The negative, “No” cancels out the idea of “ill” (bad things that happen). Alternate translation: “Good things come” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 12:22

“Lips” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “Yahweh detests those who tell lies” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 12:23

Alternate translation: “does not tell everything he knows”

Proverbs 12:24

“Hand” represents what a person does -- his works. Alternate translation: “Diligent people” (See: Metonymy)

“Forced labor” describes what a person must do who is not free to do what he wants. Alternate translation: “will become a slave” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 12:25

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” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word word, you could express the same idea with the verb “speak.” Alternate translation: “but when others speak kindly to him, he is cheerful again” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 12:27

“Game” means animals caught and killed while hunting. And “roast” is a way of cooking food.

Alternate translation: “valuable treasure”

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 13 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 13:1

Here “hears” represents listening in order to do it. Alternate translation: “A wise son obeys” (See: Metonymy)

Here “listen” represents paying attention in order to do it. Alternate translation: “will not learn from rebuke” or “will not obey, despite rebuke” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 13:2

Here “fruit” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “From the words of his mouth” or “From what he says” (See: Metonymy)

the desire or liking for something

This nominal adjective can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the treacherous person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 13:3

Here “mouth” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “what he says” (See: Metonymy)

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: Metaphor)

Proverbs 13:4

See how you translated this in Proverbs 13:2.

Alternate translation: “strongly desires but gets nothing”

Here “appetite” represents desire. Alternate translation: “diligent people will have a richly satisfied life” or “being diligent will make people richly satisfied” (See: Active or Passive)

people who work with careful and continued effort

Proverbs 13:5

causing a strong feeling of disgust

Proverbs 13:6

“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” (See: Personification)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Here “wickedness” represents an evil conduct of life. This quality acts like a person who turns away those who commit sin. Alternate translation: “wickedness turns sinners away from a successful path” or “wickedness ruins sinners’ lives” (See: Personification)

Proverbs 13:7

Alternate translation: “who makes himself rich”

Proverbs 13:8

This could mean: (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”

Proverbs 13:9

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor and Idiom)

Proverbs 13:10

Alternate translation: “Pride always causes conflict”

Alternate translation: “heed” or “follow”

suggestions that are helpful and profitable

Proverbs 13:11

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

Money is compared to a tree that grows. Alternate translation: “make his money increase” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 13:12

Here “hope” represents the thing a person hopes for. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When a person hopes for something but does not receive it for a very long time” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Breaking a person’s heart represents overwhelming that person with sadness. Alternate translation: “it causes intense sadness” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Metaphor)

“a tree that gives life” or “a tree whose fruit sustains life.” See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:18.

Proverbs 13:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will reward the one who respects the command” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 13:14

A fountain is a good source of water and here represents a source of life. Alternate translation: “a bountiful source of life” (See: Metaphor)

Here “snares” represent dangers that will kill. Alternate translation: “traps that lead to death” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 13:15

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” (See: Metaphor)

This nominal adjective can be stated as an adjective. Alternate translation: “the treacherous person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 13:16

To “parade” means to display in front of everyone. Alternate translation: “a fool displays his foolishness to everyone” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 13:17

Alternate translation: “is unreliable” or “does something evil”

Alternate translation: “a faithful messenger” or “a faithful diplomat”

Proverbs 13:18

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word correction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “learns when someone corrects him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 13:19

Alternate translation: “is a delight” or “brings joy”

the desire or liking for something

Proverbs 13:20

Alternate translation: “will experience harm” or “will be ruined”

Proverbs 13:21

“Disaster” is given human characteristics like the ability to run. Alternate translation: “Sinners have trouble wherever they go” (See: Personification)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God rewards righteous people with good” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 13:22

Alternate translation: “the sons of his sons” or “the children of his children” or “his descendants”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one who does right will receive the wealth that a sinner has stored up” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 13:23

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 13:24

Alternate translation: “makes sure to instruct him”

Proverbs 13:25

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 14

Proverbs 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 14 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 14:1

Alternate translation: “builds up her house” or “makes her house better”

This could mean: (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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 14:2

Alternate translation: “The person who … the person who”

“Walks” represents the conduct of life. Alternate translation: “conducts his life in a just and honest way” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “grossly disrespects him” or “shows that he hates him”

The word “his” refers to the dishonest man and “him” refers to Yahweh.

Proverbs 14:3

The mouth and the lips both refer to what a person says. (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metonymy)

This word is plural. “wise men” or “wise people”

Alternate translation: “will keep them from harm” or “will keep them safe”

Proverbs 14:4

A “trough” is a container in which you put the food for animals.

Alternate translation: “a good harvest”

“Strength” represents the strong work an ox can do. Alternate translation: “because of the work an ox does” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 14:5

This figure of speech uses “breathes” to refer to lying constantly. Alternate translation: “constantly lies” (See: Idiom) See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 6:19.

Proverbs 14:6

Alternate translation: “and wisdom is not there” or “but he will not find wisdom”

Alternate translation: “is easily found by” or “acquires without difficulty”

Alternate translation: “the one who is wise” or “a person who has understanding”

Proverbs 14:7

The word “lips” represents what a person says. Alternate translation: “from his speech” or “with his comments” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 14:8

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” (See: Metonymy)

The foolishness of fools is that they think they are wise, when they are not.

Proverbs 14:9

“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.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but the upright enjoy favor together” or “but God’s favor is experienced together among the upright” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 14:10

Alternate translation: “its own sorrow” or “its own sadness”

Alternate translation: “those who do not know him”

Proverbs 14:11

The word “tent” represents everything that happens within it. Alternate translation: “the household” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 14:12

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 14:13

The word “heart” represents a person’s feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate translation: “A person’s feelings can show laughter” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “experience pain” or “hurt”

Proverbs 14:14

Alternate translation: “The person who”

The word “ways” represents a person’s conduct of life. Alternate translation: “what he deserves, based on how he lived” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “what belongs to him” or “what he has a right to”

Proverbs 14:15

inexperienced or immature

Here the idea of footsteps represents a person’s behavior. Alternate translation: “his actions” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 14:16

Here evil is spoken of as if it were a place. Alternate translation: “avoids doing evil” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “boldly ignores”

Proverbs 14:17

Alternate translation: “becomes angry quickly”

Proverbs 14:18

inexperienced or immature

Here “inherit” represents having permanent possession of something. (See: Metonymy)

The word “foolishness” is an abstract noun that represents foolish thinking and foolish actions.

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 14:19

This means to bend over to humbly express respect and submission toward someone. (See: Symbolic Action)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 14:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone hates the poor person even his own neighbors” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 14:21

Alternate translation: “The person … the person”

Alternate translation: “poor people”

Proverbs 14:22

The assumed answer to this question is “yes.” Alternate translation: “Those who plot evil will go astray.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “who make evil plans” or “who make plans to do evil things”

The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” Alternate translation: “God will show himself to be trustworthy and faithful to his covenant to those who plan to do what is good” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 14:23

Alternate translation: “but if you only talk” or “but when all a person does is talking”

Proverbs 14:24

The word “crown” represents the highest achievement possible and visible to all. Alternate translation: “The reward of wise people” (See: Metaphor)

See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 14:8.

Proverbs 14:25

This figure of speech uses “breathes” to refer to lying constantly. See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 6:19. Alternate translation: “constantly lies” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 14:27

A “fountain” is a bountiful source of water and represents here the source of life. Alternate translation: “source of life” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 14:28

Alternate translation: “how many people he rules”

Alternate translation: “the prince has nothing and his kingdom will fall”

Proverbs 14:29

a person who is quick to become angry

Proverbs 14:30

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 14:31

Alternate translation: “The person who … the person who”

This means to express a desire that bad things will happen to someone.

Alternate translation: “a poor person … a needy person”

Alternate translation: “is kind to” or “helps”

Proverbs 14:32

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “evil actions push over” or “evil actions destroy” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 14:33

The word “heart” represents the feelings, attitudes and motivations of a person. Alternate translation: “Wisdom is in the attitude” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “a discerning person”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she makes sure people know her” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “she” refers to wisdom. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 14:34

Alternate translation: “brings shame upon to any people” or “should cause any people to be ashamed”

Proverbs 14:35

Alternate translation: “who acts wisely” or “who makes sure bad things do not happen”

Alternate translation: “the servant who”

Proverbs 15

Proverbs 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 15 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 15:1

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:2

Here the word “tongue” refers to the person who speaks. Alternate translation: “Wise people compliment knowledge when they speak” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “makes knowledge attractive” or “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” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Proverbs 15:3

Here the word “eyes” represents Yahweh and emphasizes his ability to see everything. Alternate translation: “Yahweh sees everything” (See: Synecdoche)

The words “evil” and “good” refer to people. Alternate translation: “evil people and good people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 15:4

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:5

The word “correction” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “he who learns when someone corrects him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “is wise”

Proverbs 15:6

The word “earnings” can be translated as a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “the wealth that a wicked person earns gives” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 15:7

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

This could mean: (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” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Proverbs 15:8

Alternate translation: “people who live rightly”

Alternate translation: “pleases him”

Proverbs 15:9

The lifestyles of wicked people are spoken of as if they are paths on which those people walk. Alternate translation: “Yahweh hates the way that wicked people live” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:10

Here “the way” refers to the way of righteousness. A person who stops doing what is right is spoken of as if he has stopped walking on the correct path. Alternate translation: “anyone who stops living rightly” (See: Metaphor)

The word “correction” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “the person who hates it when others correct him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 15:11

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” (See: Doublet and Metaphor)

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!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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” (See: Metonymy and Idiom)

Proverbs 15:12

The word “correction” can be translated with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The mocker hates when others correct him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 15:13

Here the word “heart” represents the person. Alternate translation: “When a person is joyful, his face is cheerful” (See: Synecdoche)

The writer speaks of a person being discouraged as if that person’s spirit were an object that is crushed. See how you translated this in Proverbs 15:4. Alternate translation: “makes a person discouraged” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:14

Here the word “heart” represents the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “The mind of the discerning person” or “The discerning person” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:15

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “a feast that never ends”

Proverbs 15:16

Alternate translation: “with anxiety”

Proverbs 15:17

The vegetables represent a small meal with very little food. Alternate translation: “a small meal” or “very little food” (See: Metonymy)

The word “love” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “where people love one another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a fatted calf that someone serves with hatred” (See: Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metonymy)

The word “hatred” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “where people hate one another” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 15:18

Causing people to argue more is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening arguments. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word arguments, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “argue.” Alternate translation: “causes people to argue more” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 15:19

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 sluggard … the life of the upright” (See: Metaphor)

The writer compares the lifestyle of the sluggard with trying to walk through a hedge of thorns. Both cause the person to suffer pain. Alternate translation: “The life of the sluggard is like a person trying to walk through a hedge of thorns” (See: Simile)

The writer speaks of the blessings that upright people experience in life as if they were walking on a smooth road. (See: Metaphor)

This is a road that is wide, flat, and without obstacles or potholes.

Proverbs 15:21

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:22

Alternate translation: “Plans fail”

Alternate translation: “when there is no one to give advice”

people who give recommendations as a guide to action

Alternate translation: “plans succeed”

Proverbs 15:23

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Exclamations)

Proverbs 15:24

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. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:25

This is a synecdoche for the person’s household, property, and wealth. (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 15:26

Alternate translation: “kind words are pure” or “pleasant words are pure”

Proverbs 15:28

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” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

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”

Proverbs 15:29

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 15:30

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” (See: Metaphor)

The word “heart” represents the person. This could mean: (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” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the word “body” represents the person. Alternate translation: “receiving good news makes a person feel good” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 15:31

This could mean: (1) people will continue to consider you to be a wise person or (2) you will continue to enjoy the company of wise people.

Proverbs 15:32

The word “correction” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “listens when others correct him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 15:33

The words “fear” and “wisdom” can be translated with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “When one fears Yahweh, he will learn to be wise” (See: Abstract Nouns)

See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 1:7.

This means that a person must first learn humility before Yahweh will honor him.

Proverbs 16

Proverbs 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 16 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

King and royalty

Some of these proverbs mention a king. As in other cases, this is intended to apply to all rulers.

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 16:1

Here the word “heart” represents the person’s mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “A person makes plans in his mind” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (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. (See: Metaphor)

The person is represented by his “tongue” to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: “the answer that he speaks” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 16:2

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:4

The verbal phrase may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “he has made even the wicked for the day of trouble” (See: Ellipsis)

Proverbs 16:5

Here the word “heart” represents the person. Alternate translation: “everyone who is arrogant” (See: Synecdoche)

The two negatives in this phrase strongly emphasize the positive. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will certainly punish them” (See: Litotes and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 16:6

The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh is faithful to his covenant and trustworthy he forgives people’s sins” or (2) Alternate translation: “Yahweh will forgive the sins of those who are faithful to the covenant and trustworthy” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:7

Alternate translation: “Yahweh makes”

Proverbs 16:8

Alternate translation: “earning a lot of money”

Alternate translation: “with wrongdoing”

Proverbs 16:9

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The writer speaks of Yahweh determining the outcome of a person’s plans as if Yahweh were telling that person where to walk. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:10

Here the word “lips” is a metonym for what the king says. Alternate translation: “What a king says are insightful decisions” (See: Metonymy)

The word “mouth” represents the king himself. Alternate translation: “he should not speak deceitfully when he judges” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 16:11

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. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Merchants carried their weights in bags. This could mean: (1) Yahweh has determined how much every weight must weigh or (2) Yahweh is concerned with every weight that a merchant uses.

Proverbs 16:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that is something that people despise” or “that is something that Yahweh despises” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the word “throne” represents the king’s rule. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for the king establishes his reign by doing what is right” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 16:13

Here the word “lips” represents the person who speaks. Alternate translation: “a person who speaks the truth” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 16:14

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:15

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” (See: Metaphor)

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. (See: Simile)

Proverbs 16:16

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” (See: Exclamations)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A person should choose to get understanding more than to get silver” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 16:17

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:18

Here the word “spirit” represents the person’s attitude and temperament. Alternate translation: “an arrogant attitude” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “ruin” or “failure”

Proverbs 16:19

goods taken in battle

Proverbs 16:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “what someone has taught them” or “what they have learned” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 16:21

This person will have a reputation of being a discerning person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. 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” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the heart represents the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “The one who is wise” or “The one who is wise in his thinking” (See: Metonymy)

The writer speaks of kind or pleasant speech as if it were something that tastes sweet. Alternate translation: “kind speech” or “pleasant speech” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:22

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:23

Here the word “heart” represents the mind and thoughts. Alternate translation: “The thoughts of a wise person gives” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “mouth” is a metonym for speech. Alternate translation: “makes his speech wise” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “lips” is a metonym for speech. Alternate translation: “to what he says” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 16:24

Here, soul could mean: (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” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “bones” represent a person’s body. Alternate translation: “healing to the body” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 16:25

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” (See: Metonymy)

The word “its” refers to “way” in the previous line. This “way” is the road that leads to death.

Proverbs 16:26

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” (See: Personification)

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” (See: Personification)

Proverbs 16:27

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” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Simile)

Proverbs 16:28

a person who gossips or spreads rumors

Proverbs 16:29

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

The writer uses an understatement to emphasize how bad this path is. Alternate translation: “a very bad path” or “a terrible path” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 16:30

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.

Alternate translation: “will do evil things”

Proverbs 16:31

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a person gains it” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 16:32

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 16:33

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A person throws the lots into his lap” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) Yahweh decides how the lots will land or (2) it is not the lots, but Yahweh who determines what will happen.

Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 17 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 17:1

Here “quiet” refers to “peace.” Alternate translation: “to have peace” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Ellipsis)

Proverbs 17:3

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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 peoples’ hearts” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 17:4

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

This idiom means “listens.” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metonymy)

Proverbs 17:5

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “those who are poor” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This refers to the misfortune of others. Alternate translation: “at others’ misfortune” or “at other peoples’ troubles” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 17:6

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” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to older people. Alternate translation: “those who are older” or “older people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 17:7

Alternate translation: “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 royalty to lie” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 17:8

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” (See: Simile)

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” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 17:9

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “causes people to stop being close friends” or “causes close friends to stop liking each other”

Proverbs 17:10

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” (See: Metaphor)

“a person who has good judgment.” The word “understand” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “a person who understands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “a beating of a hundred blows goes”

Proverbs 17:11

The word “rebellion” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “seeks to rebel” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a cruel messenger will come against him” (See: Active or Passive)

To be “sent against” someone means to be sent to harm them. Alternate translation: “will be sent to harm him” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 17:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a bear who has just lost her cubs” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “foolishness” can be expressed as an adjective. Alternate translation: “who is acting foolish” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 17:13

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” (See: Personification and Metonymy)

Proverbs 17:14

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” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “starts”or “begins”

Proverbs 17:15

justifies, declares someone not guilty

Proverbs 17:16

This rhetorical question emphasizes that the fool should not do this. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A fool should not pay money to learn about wisdom because he does not have the ability to learn it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 17:17

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 17:18

Alternate translation: “no good judgement”

This refers to promises that must be kept and are often a burden on the person who made them.

Proverbs 17:19

This means that someone will trip on the threshold and break bones, probably in their foot. Alternate translation: “is sure to cause someone trip and break their the bones in their foot” or “is sure to cause someone to trip and injure himself” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 17:20

The “heart” represents a person’s feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate translation: “who is deceptive” or “who is dishonest” (See: Metonymy)

The “tongue” represents a person’s speech. Alternate translation: “speaks perversely” or “speaks wickedly” (See: Metonymy)

“falls into trouble” To “fall into” something means to get into that situation. Alternate translation: “will have calamity” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 17:22

This speaks of a cheerful heart as being good medicine because it makes you feel better. Alternate translation: “A cheerful heart is like medicine that makes you feel better” (See: Metaphor)

The “heart” represents a person’s feelings, attitudes and motivations. Alternate translation: “Being cheerful” (See: Metonymy)

Here the “spirit” represents a person’s feelings and emotional state. A broken spirit refers to a poor emotional state. Alternate translation: “depression” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 17:23

Alternate translation: “to prevent justice from being rendered” or “to pervert justice”

Proverbs 17:24

This speaks of a person’s focus on acting wisely as if he were looking at wisdom. Alternate translation: “focuses on acting wisely” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to a fool by his eyes to emphasize what he is focusing on. Alternate translation: “the fool is” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 17:25

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”

Alternate translation: “who gave birth to him”

emotional pain, sorrow

Proverbs 17:26

These statements can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “it is always wrong … and it is evil” (See: Litotes)

Another possible meaning is “the innocent person,” anyone whom others have accused of a crime that he did not commit.

whip severely

The word “integrity” can be expressed with the adjective “honest.” Alternate translation: “who are honest” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 17:27

This refers to the way he speaks. Alternate translation: “speaks with few words” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 17:28

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “People even think a fool is wise” (See: Active or Passive)

This means that he does not speak. Alternate translation: “does not speak” (See: Idiom)

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “people consider him to be intelligent” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 18 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 18:1

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “good judgment” or “wise choices”

Proverbs 18:2

“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” (See: Litotes)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The contents of a person’s heart refers to the person’s thoughts and feelings. Alternate translation: “what he thinks” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 18:3

Here “contempt,” “shame,” and “reproach” are spoken of as if they are people who accompany a wicked man. This could mean: (1) people show contempt towards the wicked man and cause him to feel shame and reproach. Alternate translation: “people feel contempt for him along with shame and reproach” or (2) the wicked man shows contempt for others and causes them to feel shame and reproach. Alternate translation: “he shows his contempt for other people and causes them to feel shame and reproach” (See: Personification)

These two words have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize the “shame” felt by either the wicked man or other people. (See: Doublet)

Proverbs 18:4

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” (See: Parallelism and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Here the man is referred to by his mouth to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: “of a man” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 18:5

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” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 18:6

Here the fool is referred to by his “lips” to emphasize what he says. Alternate translation: “what a fool says brings” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Here what the fool says is referred to as his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “what he says” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 18:7

Both of these phrases refer to what a fool says. Alternate translation: “What a fool says … by what he says” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 18:8

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 (See: Simile)

This refers to what a gossiping person says. Alternate translation: “The words that a gossiping person speaks” (See: Possession)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 18:9

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” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “is lazy” or “is not interested”

Alternate translation: “the one who destroys everything” or “the one who is always destructive”

Proverbs 18:10

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” (See: Metaphor)

Here Yahweh is referred to by his name. Alternate translation: “Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to righteous people. Alternate translation: “those who are righteous” or “righteous people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 18:11

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” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to people who are rich. Alternate translation: “the rich person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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” (See: Simile)

Proverbs 18:12

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 18:13

The abstract nouns “folly” and “shame” may be expressed as adjectives. Alternate translation: “it is foolish of him, and he should be ashamed” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 18:14

Here a person is referred to by his spirit to emphasize his attitude. Alternate translation: “A person who is hopeful will survive sickness” or “If a person is full of hope in his inner being, he will survive being sick” (See: Synecdoche)

This is a rhetorical question, expecting the answer that few can bear it. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “but it is very hard to bear a broken spirit.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This refers to being depressed. Alternate translation: “being depressed” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 18:15

Here the intelligent person is referred to by his heart to emphasize his desires. Alternate translation: “The intelligent desire to acquire” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to people who are intelligent. Alternate translation: “those who are intelligent” or “intelligent people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to people who are wise. Alternate translation: “those who are wise” or “wise people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Here the word “it” refers to “knowledge”

Proverbs 18:16

Here to “open the way” means to create an opportunity. Alternate translation: “may create an opportunity for him” (See: Idiom)

This means to be allowed to see someone. Alternate translation: “let him meet” or “let him be introduced to” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 18:17

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” (See: Ordinal Numbers and Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 18:18

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 18:19

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” (See: Metaphor)

This speaks of the difficulty of resolving quarreling by comparing it to the difficulty of breaking down the bars of a castle. Alternate translation: “resolving quarreling is as difficult as breaking down the bars of a castle” (See: Simile)

a fortified palace

Proverbs 18:20

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” (See: Parallelism)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “he is pleased”

Proverbs 18:21

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” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the “tongue” refers to speech. Alternate translation: “by what people say … love speaking” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 18:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many friends--they will bring him to ruin” or “many friends--his friends will destroy him” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “is more faithful than” or “stays more loyal than”

Proverbs 19

Proverbs 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 19 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 19:1

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Idiom)

The word “speech” may be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “speaks perversely” or “speaks in an evil way” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 19:2

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 19:3

Here a person is referred to by his “heart” to emphasize his emotions. Alternate translation: “he rages” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 19:4

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 19:5

This can be written in positive and active form. Alternate translation: “They will certainly punish a false witness” (See: Double Negatives and Active or Passive)

This means that he will be captured. Alternate translation: “they will capture the one who breathes out lies” (See: Litotes)

This is an idiom. Here “breathes” refers to lying constantly. See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 6:19. Alternate translation: “constantly lies” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:6

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” (See: Hyperbole)

Proverbs 19:7

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!” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 19:8

Here the person is referred to by his “life” to emphasize himself being alive. Alternate translation: “loves himself” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “has understanding”

Proverbs 19:9

This can be written in positive and active form. See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 19:5. Alternate translation: “They will certainly punish a false witness” (See: Double Negatives and Active or Passive)

This figure of speech uses “breathes” to refer to lying constantly. See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 6:19. Alternate translation: “constantly lies” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:10

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Ellipsis)

Proverbs 19:11

Alternate translation: “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.

Alternate translation: “it will bring him glory to overlook” or “others will consider it honorable if he overlooks”

to forget on purpose

Proverbs 19:12

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” (See: Simile and Metonymy)

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” (See: Simile)

Proverbs 19:13

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “an arguing wife” or “a disagreeing wife”

Proverbs 19:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Children inherit a house and wealth from their parents” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this word in Proverbs 12:23.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh gives a prudent wife” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 19:15

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” (See: Personification)

This is an idiom which means to not eat. Alternate translation: “not eat” or “be hungry” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:16

Alternate translation: “the command that he was taught”

Alternate translation: “protects his life”

This is an idiom which refers to how he lives. Alternate translation: “the way that he lives” or “how he lives” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:17

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” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to poor people. Alternate translation: “those who are poor” or “poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 19:18

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This idiom means to be determined to cause something to happen. Alternate translation: “be determined to put him” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:19

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” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“another time” or “again” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Proverbs 19:20

These two phrases mean basically the same and are repeated to emphasize how important it is. (See: Parallelism)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:21

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” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh’s purpose” or “Yahweh’s plans”

This idiom means to “happen.” Alternate translation: “that will happen” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 19:23

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 be satisfied” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “it” refers to “honor for Yahweh.”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “satisfied; nothing will harm him” or “satisfied; he will be safe” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 19:24

See how you translated this word in Proverbs 10:26.

“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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 19:25

Alternate translation: “If you strike a mocker, the naive person”

Alternate translation: “Punish a mocker”

Alternate translation: “inexperienced person” or “immature person”

See how you translated this word in Proverbs 12:23.

Alternate translation: “if you discipline one who is discerning,”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “know.” Alternate translation: “he will know more” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 19:26

This could mean: (1) he brings it to himself. Alternate translation: “brings shame and reproach to himself” or (2) he brings it to his family. Alternate translation: “brings shame and reproach to his family” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 19:27

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” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “you will abandon” or “you will turn your back on”

Alternate translation: “knowledge”

Proverbs 19:28

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” (See: Metaphor)

The phrase “the mouth of the wicked” represents wicked people. Alternate translation: “wicked people swallow” or “the wicked swallow” (See: Synecdoche)

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “the wicked person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 19:29

The words “condemnation” and “flogging” may be expressed as verbs. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is ready to condemn mockers and to flog” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Ellipsis)

beating with a whip or stick

Proverbs 20

Proverbs 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 20 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 20:1

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize the danger of too much alcohol. (See: Parallelism)

Here “wine” refers to the person who is drunk with wine. Alternate translation: “A person who is drunk with wine mocks” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metonymy)

a person who fights noisily, usually in a public place

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whoever drinks until they can no longer think clearly” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “drink” refers to alcoholic drinks

This means the opposite of “wise” which is “foolish.” Alternate translation: “is foolish” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 20:2

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” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “makes the king angry”

This refers to being killed. “Life” here refers to physical life. Alternate translation: “will die” (See: Euphemism)

Proverbs 20:3

“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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 20:4

to prepare land for planting

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 20:5

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” (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 20:6

Alternate translation: “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!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 20:7

Here walking refers to living. See how you translated this phrase in Proverbs 19:1. Alternate translation: “lives by his integrity” or “lives an honest life” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 20:8

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 20:9

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” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here a person’s “heart” refers to his thoughts and desires. Alternate translation: “my thoughts” (See: Metonymy)

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person where physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “I am without sin” or “I have not sinned”

Proverbs 20:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People know a young man by his actions” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “whether his conduct is pure and upright or not”

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Doublet)

Proverbs 20:13

The phrase “come to” here means to transition into a new situation; to become. Alternate translation: “become poor” (See: Idiom)

Here “opening one’s eyes” is spoken of as “being awake.” Alternate translation: “stay awake” or “be alert” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 20:14

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 20:15

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” (See: Metaphor)

Here “words” are referred to as “lips.” Alternate translation: “wise words” or “words of knowledge” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 20:16

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 20:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Bread that someone gained by deceit” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “deceit” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “by deceiving others” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “Food” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

small pieces of rock

Proverbs 20:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People establish plans based on advice” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 20:19

This means someone who gossips a lot.

Alternate translation: “you should not be friends with”

Proverbs 20:20

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 snuffed out in the dark. Alternate translation: “his life will end as suddenly as the light of a lamp that is snuffed out in the dark” or “he will die suddenly” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his lamp will go out” (See: Active or Passive)

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” (See: Synecdoche)

to cause a flame to go out

Proverbs 20:21

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 20:22

This means to do wrong to someone because they have done wrong to you. Alternate translation: “I will punish you” (See: Idiom)

This means to have faith that Yahweh will deal with the situation. Alternate translation: “Have faith in Yahweh” or “Hope in Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 20:23

These two phrases basically mean the same thing and are combined to emphasize how bad this is. (See: Parallelism)

Proverbs 20:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh directs a person’s steps” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to the various things a person does. Alternate translation: “A person’s actions” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This is an idiom. The phrase “his way” refers to the person’s life. Alternate translation: “understand why some things happen in his life” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 20:25

This speaks of something being dangerous as if it were a trap or a snare. Alternate translation: “It is dangerous” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 20:26

This speaks of the king separating the wicked people as if they were grain that he was winnowing. Alternate translation: “separates the wicked” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “those who are wicked” or “the wicked people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This speaks of the king punishing the wicked as if he were driving a threshing wheel over them. Alternate translation: “he severely punishes them” (See: Metaphor)

“threshing cart.” This is a tool used to crush grain and help separate it from the chaff.

Proverbs 20:27

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 20:28

The abstract nouns “faithfulness” and “trustworthiness” can be stated as “faithful” and “trustworthy.” This can also be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The king preserves himself by being trustworthy and faithful to the covenant” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

keep the king safe from harm

Here “throne” represents the king’s power to rule. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a king ensures that he will rule for a long time by loving others” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 20:30

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” (See: Parallelism and Metaphor)

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 21 continues the section of the book which is attributed to Solomon and is filled mainly with short, individual proverbs.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 21:1

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 21:2

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Proverbs 21:3

Alternate translation: “To do what Yahweh thinks is right”

Alternate translation: “To treat people the way Yahweh wants people to treat other people”

Alternate translation: “just—Yahweh wants this more”

Proverbs 21:4

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” (See: Synecdoche and Doublet)

This is a synecdoche for a person who wants others to know that he thinks he is better than they are. (See: Synecdoche)

This is a synecdoche for a person who thinks he is better than others. (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:5

This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “a diligent man” or “a man who works hard” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “only becomes poor” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 21:6

Alternate translation: “Gaining wealth”

The tongue is a metonym for the words a person uses the tongue to speak. Alternate translation: “speaking lies” (See: Metonymy)

The writer likens the riches a person gains by lying to a mist that quickly goes away in the morning. Alternate translation: “a disappearing mist” (See: Metaphor)

The writer speaks of the riches that a person gains by lying as if it were the bait in a hunter’s trap; the word “snare” is a metonym for the bait that attracts the animal into the snare. (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Proverbs 21:7

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. (See: Personification)

Here, violence refers to violent deeds or things people do to harm their innocent neighbors. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word violence, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. The word wicked is a nominal adjective that refers to wicked people. Alternate translation: “The violent actions of wicked people” (See: Abstract Nouns and Nominal Adjectives)

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. AT “drag them away like fish” or “destroy them as easily as one catches fish in a net” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:8

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” (See: Idiom and Metaphor)

Here “crooked” means bent or not straight. This is a metaphor for morally wrong. Alternate translation: “wrong” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:9

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. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “wife who often argues and complains”

Proverbs 21:10

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” (See: Personification and Nominal Adjectives)

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” (See: Idiom and Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:11

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “When someone punishes the mocker” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “those who have no experience” or “those who are not mature”

Alternate translation: “the person who mocks others”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “when someone instructs the wise person” (See: Active or Passive)

Here knowledge is spoken of as if it were an object that someone could grasp and keep for himself. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:12

This could mean: (1) any righteous person or (2) “Yahweh the one who is righteous.”

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:13

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The one who will not listen when poor people ask for help” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 21:14

Alternate translation: “makes an angry person feel better so he is no longer angry”

Proverbs 21:15

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a noun phrase. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “When rulers do what is just” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 21:16

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “no longer lives wisely” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “he will remain in the assembly of dead spirits”

Proverbs 21:18

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. (See: Metaphor)

a person who harms those who trust him by lying and otherwise dealing falsely

Alternate translation: “righteous people” or “honest people” or “just people”

Proverbs 21:20

This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “wise person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “uses it all for no good purpose” or “wastes it”

Proverbs 21:22

Alternate translation: “climbs up and over the wall that surrounds the city”

Alternate translation: “a city in which mighty men are living” or “a city of mighty warriors”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he destroys” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “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”

Proverbs 21:23

Both “mouth” and “tongue” refer to what a person says. Alternate translation: “Whoever is careful in what he says” (See: Doublet and Metonymy)

Proverbs 21:24

Alternate translation: “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. (See: Doublet)

The word “name” is a metonym for what people would call him. Alternate translation: “a mocker is what you should call him” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 21:25

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” (See: Personification and Nominal Adjectives)

The hand is a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “he refuses” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 21:26

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” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 21:27

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” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “Yahweh detests the sacrifice even more”

Proverbs 21:28

This is because people will never forget what he said.

Proverbs 21:29

This could mean: (1) “pretends to be courageous” or (2) “will not listen to correction.” (See: Idiom)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 21:30

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “defeat Yahweh” or “work against what Yahweh wants to do” or “show that he is right and Yahweh is wrong”

Proverbs 21:31

These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Soldiers prepare horses for the day of battle” (See: Active or Passive)

The word “day” refers to time that may be longer or shorter than a day. Alternate translation: “when there is a battle” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

With this new section of proverbs, the author begins to use many rhetorical questions. The obvious answers should convince the reader. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 22:1

These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “A person should choose a good name rather than great riches” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “To have others think that one is a good person”

Proverbs 22:3

“A man who is wise” or “A man who has good sense.” See how you translated “prudent” in Proverbs 12:16.

Alternate translation: “the inexperienced and immature”

Proverbs 22:5

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.” (See: Metaphor)

traps to catch animals

This nominal adjective can be translated as a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “perverse people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 22:6

How a person lives is spoken of as if it were a path on which he walks. Alternate translation: “how he should live” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 22:7

You may need to make explicit what it is that is borrowed or lent. Alternate translation: “borrows money … lends money” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 22:8

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” (See: Metaphor)

The word “rod” is a metonym for power over other people. This could mean: (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” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metonymy)

The word translated “fade away” is also used of plants drying up.

Proverbs 22:9

These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless the one who has a generous eye” (See: Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metonymy and Synecdoche)

Since bread was the main food for many people in biblical times, it is often used to refer to food in general. (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 22:10

The abstract nouns “disputes” and “insults” can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “people will no longer argue with each other or say things to hurt each other” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 22:11

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” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “is kind”

Proverbs 22:12

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” (See: Synecdoche and Personification)

Keeping watch is s metonym for protecting. Alternate translation: “protect knowledge” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “he destroys”

The nominal adjective treacherous can be translated as a noun phrase. Translate “treacherous” as in Proverbs 11:3. Alternate translation: “a treacherous person” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 22:13

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.

Proverbs 22:14

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: Metonymy and Metaphor)

See how you translated this in Proverbs 5:3.

Here “stirred up” means that his anger increased. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is angry” (See: Idiom)

Adultery is spoken of as if it is something that a person can fall into. Alternate translation: “sins because of the adulteress” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 22:15

Alternate translation: “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. (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 22:16

Alternate translation: “to become richer” or “to gain more money”

Alternate translation: “gives money to rich people”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will become poor” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 22:17

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. Alternate translation: “Pay attention and listen” or “Listen attentively” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “what wise people say”

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “do your best to understand and remember” (See: Idiom)

The person speaking is probably the same as the father from Proverbs 1:8. He may be speaking of “the words of the wise” as “my knowledge.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “know.” Alternate translation: “the knowledge I have, which I am sharing with you” or “what I know” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 22:18

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 22:19

“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.

Proverbs 22:20

These verses continue and end the introduction that began in Proverbs 22:17.

Some translations read, “excellent sayings.” (See: Textual Variants)

Proverbs 22:21

These words end the rhetorical question that began with the words “Have I not written” in Proverbs 22:20. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. “You need to know that I have written … to teach you … who sent you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This implies that the hearer is or will be one whom others send to gain and bring back information.

Proverbs 22:22

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” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

grind into powder. This is a metaphor for “treat unjustly.” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 22:23

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 22:24

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

someone who is unable to control his anger (See: Metaphor)

shows violent anger

Proverbs 22:25

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 the bait that closes a trap and is unable to escape” (See: Metaphor)

The soul is a metonym for the person’s life. Alternate translation: “bait that someone has put out so he can kill you” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 22:26

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.

Alternate translation: “and agree to pay what someone owes to another person”

Proverbs 22:28

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

Proverbs 22:29

This rhetorical question is actually a command. Alternate translation: “Think of someone you know who is skilled at his work” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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. (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 23

Proverbs 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 23:1

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Proverbs 23:2

Possible meanings of this exaggeration are: (1) “be very careful not to eat too much” or (2) “do not eat anything at all” (See: Hyperbole and Idiom)

Proverbs 23:3

“Do not strongly desire.” See how you translated “craves” in Proverbs 21:9.

Alternate translation: “his special and expensive food”

This is an idiom. “he is giving it to you so he can deceive you” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 23:4

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Alternate translation: “Do not work so much that you are always tired”

Proverbs 23:5

land like a bird upon the wealth (verse 4). This is a metaphor for looking at the wealth for a short time. (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

wings like an eagle’s wings

Proverbs 23:6

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.

Proverbs 23:7

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he really does not want you to enjoy the meal” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 23:8

This is an exaggeration for wishing one had not eaten anything. Alternate translation: “You will wish that you had not eaten anything” (See: Hyperbole)

Compliments are spoken of as if they were valuable objects. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word compliments, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “he will not be happy even if you say good things about him and the food” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 23:9

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hearing, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “where a fool can hear you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 23:10

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

Proverbs 23:11

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 23:12

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

This is an idiom. See how you translated this in Proverbs 22:17. Alternate translation: “Do your best to understand and remember” (See: Idiom)

This could mean: (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” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “to me when I tell you what I know”

Proverbs 23:13

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word instruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Do not neglect to instruct a child” or “Do not refuse to instruct a child” (See: Abstract Nouns)

refuse to give something that one knows another person needs

Proverbs 23:14

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” (See: Metonymy and Euphemism)

Proverbs 23:15

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Proverbs 23:16

“Your lips” means the whole person. Alternate translation: “when you speak” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 23:17

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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 23:18

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” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 23:19

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 23:20

This could mean: (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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 23:21

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” (See: Personification and Hyperbole)

Proverbs 23:22

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “show respect for” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 23:23

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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

Proverbs 23:24

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”

Alternate translation: “will be glad because of him”

Proverbs 23:26

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

The word “heart” is a metonym for what a person thinks and decides to do. This could mean: (1) “pay careful attention” or (2) “trust me completely.” (See: Metonymy)

The eyes are a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “observe” or “look carefully at” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 23:27

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. (See: Merism)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

a hole in the ground that people have dug to get to water

Proverbs 23:28

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” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Proverbs 23:29

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “eyes red, like the color of blood”

Proverbs 23:30

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 (See: Euphemism)

This could mean: (1) different wines mixed together or (2) other drinks that are stronger than wine.

Proverbs 23:31

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Proverbs 23:32

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

a type of poisonous snake

Proverbs 23:33

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” (See: Synecdoche)

things that God says are morally wrong and bad; things that are wicked

Proverbs 23:34

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 in the basket near the top of a mast” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

the long wooden pole to which are attached the sails of a sailing ship

Proverbs 23:35

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.

Proverbs 24

Proverbs 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

Lazy man story

Unlike much of Proverbs, verses 30-34 tell a short story about a lazy man, which ends in a very memorable proverb.

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 24:1

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Proverbs 24:2

The words “their hearts” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “they” (See: Synecdoche)

The words “their lips” refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “they” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “talk about causing harm” or “talk about creating problems”

Proverbs 24:3

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you could express the same idea with 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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. 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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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. (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

Proverbs 24:4

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. 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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 24:5

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “wise warrior” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 24:6

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word direction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “if you have wise people telling you what to do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “fight your war”

those who tell government officials what those officials should do

Proverbs 24:7

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

This is an idiom. “too difficult for a fool to understand” (See: Idiom)

The mouth is a metonym for the words that come from the mouth. Alternate translation: “speak” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 24:8

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”

Proverbs 24:10

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 24:11

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” (See: Active or Passive)

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.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word slaughter, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. 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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

Proverbs 24:12

The writer is answering something that the reader may wrongly be thinking. Alternate translation: “You may say, ‘Behold,…this,’ but does”

Alternate translation: “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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The writer expects the reader to know that “the one” is Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, who” (See: Euphemism)

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate translation: “The one who guards your life knows it.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate translation: “God will give to each one what he deserves.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 24:13

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Proverbs 24:14

This could mean: (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” (See: Active or Passive and Litotes)

Proverbs 24:15

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. Alternate translation: “Do not hide and wait for the right time” (See: Idiom)

the home of the righteous person

Proverbs 24:16

Alternate translation: “gets back on his feet” or “stands up again”

The writer speaks as if “calamity” were a person who could do bad things to other people. These words can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will use calamity to bring down the wicked people” (See: Personification and Active or Passive)

This is a metaphor of a person who was standing but someone has brought him down to the ground or made him fall. (See: Metaphor)

times when bad things happen to people and their property

Proverbs 24:17

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 24:18

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” (See: Idiom and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 24:19

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

Proverbs 24:20

The lamp is used as a metaphor for life. The life of wicked people will end just as a lamp goes out. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 24:21

These verses continue the “thirty sayings” (Proverbs 22:20).

a deep respect and awe for a person in authority

Proverbs 24:22

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

these words refer to Yahweh and the king

Proverbs 24:23

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

Proverbs 24:24

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 hate him”

This could mean: (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”

Proverbs 24:25

Alternate translation: “will be very happy”

Gifts are spoken of as if they were people who could move by themselves. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word goodness, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “people will give them good gifts” (See: Personification andAbstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “good things” or “blessings”

Proverbs 24:26

A kiss was a sign of respect and devotion in that culture. Alternate translation: “shows true friendship” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 24:28

The lips are a metonym for the words a person speaks. Alternate translation: “by what you say” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 24:29

This is an idiom. “take revenge against him” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 24:31

useless plants with sharp spines

plants that are covered with stinging leaves and hairs

Alternate translation: “had fallen down”

Proverbs 24:32

Alternate translation: “learned a lesson”

Proverbs 24:34

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). You may need to fill in the omitted words. “You may say to yourself, ‘A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,’ but then poverty will come” (See: Ellipsis)

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. (See: Personification)

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” (See: Simile and Personification)

Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 25 begins the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 25:2

Alternate translation: “to keep some things secret”

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “but it is the glory” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “search that matter out” or “search for those things that God has concealed”

Proverbs 25:3

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” (See: Simile)

This refers to everything we see above the earth, including the sun, moon, and stars.

Proverbs 25:4

the material in a metal that people do not want and they remove by heating the metal

Proverbs 25:5

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” (See: Metonymy and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 25:7

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “in front of a nobleman”

Proverbs 25:8

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 25:9

Alternate translation: “your disagreement”

Alternate translation: “do not share your neighbor’s secret with other people”

Proverbs 25:10

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” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 25:11

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” (See: Metaphor)

The ancient Israelites did not know the apples that most people know today. This could mean: (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”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “is a message that someone speaks” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 25:12

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” (See: Metaphor)

The ear is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “person who is willing to listen” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 25:13

Here a faithful messenger is being compared to the cold of snow, because both are pleasant. (See: Simile)

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.” (See: Metaphor)

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.

Proverbs 25:14

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” (See: Metaphor and Simile)

Proverbs 25:15

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” (See: Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 25:16

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. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 25:18

A false witness is compared to three weapons that can hurt or kill people. (See: Simile)

Proverbs 25:19

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” (See: Simile)

Proverbs 25:20

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The heart is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “a sad person” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 25:22

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “cause him to have a guilty conscience and be ashamed of what he has done” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 25:23

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 versions 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” (See: Synecdoche)

Proverbs 25:24

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. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

a wife who often argues or complains

Proverbs 25:25

Cold water is compared to good news that is both refreshing and delightful. (See: Simile)

Proverbs 25:26

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. (See: Simile)

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” (See: Metaphor)

This is a metaphor for being unable to continue to do good. Alternate translation: “unable to stand” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “when wicked people attack him” or (2) “when wicked people urge him to do evil.” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 25:27

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. (See: Simile)

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “It is a bad thing” (See: Litotes)

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.” Alternate translation: “that is like always thinking about how others should honor you”

Proverbs 25:28

Both a person without self-control and a city without walls are weak and vulnerable. (See: Simile)

Alternate translation: “whose walls an army has knocked down and destroyed”

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 26 continues the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 26:1

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” (See: Simile and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 26:2

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” (See: Simile)

This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: “a curse on a person who does not deserve it” (See: Active or Passive)

land on someone or something

Proverbs 26:3

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.

Proverbs 26:5

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:6

Here the hand represents the fool’s responsibility to deliver the message. Alternate translation: “Whoever sends a fool to deliver a message” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Metaphor and Hyperbole)

Violence is spoken of as if it were a poisonous liquid that someone might drink. Alternate translation: “harms himself by being violent” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:7

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” (See: Simile)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 26:8

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “honoring a fool”

Proverbs 26:9

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” (See: Simile)

This could mean: (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. (See: Synecdoche)

Here “mouth” is a metonym for speaking. Alternate translation: “in the speech of fools” or “that fools say” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 26:10

Alternate translation: “gives a job to a fool”

Proverbs 26:11

Alternate translation: “As a dog eats its own vomit”

Proverbs 26:12

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “A fool can become wise more easily than he can”

Proverbs 26:13

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”

Proverbs 26:14

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. (See: Simile)

Proverbs 26:15

Alternate translation: “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. (See: Hyperbole)

Proverbs 26:16

The phrase “his own eyes” represents his thoughts. Alternate translation: “The lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven men” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:17

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” (See: Simile)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The implied information is that the passerby will start arguing, and the people who were fighting will get angry with him and hurt him. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 26:19

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 26:20

a person who gossips a lot

Proverbs 26:21

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:22

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 (See: Simile)

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. Alternate translation: “and they enter a person’s mind and affect his thoughts” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:23

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” (See: Simile)

“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” (See: Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

The heart represents a person’s thoughts, attitudes, desires, or feelings. Alternate translation: “evil thoughts” or “evil desires” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 26:24

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” (See: Metaphor and Metonymy)

Being deceitful is spoken of as if he were storing deceit within himself. Possible meanings are that “deceit” refers to lies. Alternate translation: (1) “he likes his many lies” or (2) deceit refers secret plans to harm people. Alternate translation: “he secretly plans to harm people” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:25

Alternate translation: “but do not believe what he says”

The number seven represents completeness. This could mean: (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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 26:26

This can be stated actively. Alternate translation: “Though deception covers his hatred” or “Though he covers his hatred with deception” (See: Active or Passive)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the community of Israel”

Proverbs 26:27

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 26:28

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” (See: Synecdoche and Metaphor)

The phrase “a flattering mouth” represents a person who flatters people. This could mean: (1) a person who flatters others causes trouble or (2) a person who flatters others ruins them (See: Synecdoche)

praising someone in a manner that is not sincere, or praising someone about things that are not true

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 27 continues the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 27:1

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 27:2

The words “let praise you” are understood from the first phrase. They can be repeated. 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” (See: Ellipsis and Synecdoche)

The words “let praise you” are understood from the first phrase. The words can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “let a stranger praise you” (See: Ellipsis)

Proverbs 27:3

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” (See: Metaphor)

“the trouble caused by a fool.” “Provocation” means actions or words that cause anger or irritation.

Proverbs 27:4

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?” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “harshness”

“the destructiveness of anger.” Anger is spoken of here as if it were a powerful flood. (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 27:5

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebuke, you could express the same idea with the verb “rebuke.” Alternate translation: “It is better to be openly rebuked” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“than love that is not openly shown.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word love, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “than to be loved secretly” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 27:6

“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. (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metonymy)

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 profusely” or (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “abundantly” or “too many times”

Proverbs 27:7

Alternate translation: “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.

Alternate translation: “everything that is bitter tastes sweet”

Proverbs 27:8

The words “wanders” and “strays” mean the same thing in this verse. (See: Simile)

Proverbs 27:9

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” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 27:10

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

Proverbs 27:11

Here the “heart” represents the person’s feelings or emotions. Alternate translation: “make me feel joyful” or “make me glad” (See: Metonymy)

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. AT “then I will reply to the one who mocks me by telling him about you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

makes fun of someone, especially in a cruel way

Proverbs 27:12

See how you translated a similar phrase in Proverbs 22:3.

Alternate translation: “A man who is wise” or “A man who has good sense”

Alternate translation: “the inexperienced and immature people”

experience something very unpleasant, such as illness, pain, or other hardships

Proverbs 27:13

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. Alternate translation: “Take a garment as security from the one who guarantees that what a stranger has borrowed will be paid back” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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. Alternate translation: “who has guaranteed that what has been borrowed will be paid back” or “who has promised to pay a loan” (See: 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. See how you translated this in Proverbs 20:16. Alternate translation: “hold onto his coat as a guarantee of repayment” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 27:14

Alternate translation: “If anyone gives his neighbor a blessing”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the neighbor will consider that blessing to be a curse” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 27:15

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “a day of continual rain”

Proverbs 27:16

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 (See: Simile and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

“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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “holding back the wind” or “keeping the wind under control”

Proverbs 27:17

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” (See: Simile)

Proverbs 27:18

Alternate translation: “who takes care of”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a master will honor the one who protects him” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 27:19

Here this means a person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “what a person thinks” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 27:20

This is a name that means “destroyer.” Alternate translation: “the Destroyer” (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “are never filled up”

Here the “eyes” represent a man’s desires. Alternate translation: “a man’s desires” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 27:21

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. Alternate translation: “A crucible is used to refine silver and a furnace is used to refine gold” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

a container used for heating substances to very high temperatures (See: Translate Unknowns)

an oven that can be made extremely hot (See: Translate Unknowns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when one praises a person, they are also testing that person” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 27:22

This means that even if a fool is made to suffer hardship or pain (being crushed is often a metaphor for suffering in Hebrew), he will remain foolish. (See: Metaphor)

a hard tool with a rounded end, used for crushing things in a bowl (See: Translate Unknowns)

Proverbs 27:23

These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “flocks of sheep”

Alternate translation: “herds of goats”

Proverbs 27:24

This question expects a negative answer to make the point that the reign of earthly rulers does not last forever. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “A crown does not endure for all generations” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “crown” is a metonym for a king’s rule over his kingdom. Alternate translation: “a king’s rule” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 27:25

Alternate translation: “the new sprouts appear” or “the new grass starts to grow”

Proverbs 27:26

Verses 26 and 27 go together with verses 23 to 25 as one proverb.

The implied information is that the wool (hair) from the lambs can be used to make clothing. Alternate translation: “The lambs’ wool will provide you with clothing” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 27:27

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “food”

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 28 continues the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 28:2

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word transgression, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “Because of how a land transgresses” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is a metonym for the sins of the people living in a land. Alternate translation: “the transgression of the people of a land” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 28:3

Alternate translation: “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. (See: Simile)

This is a metaphor for a rain coming down hard enough to cause crops to be driven down. Alternate translation: “damaging rain” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 28:4

Alternate translation: “forsake God’s law”

To “keep the law” means to do what God’s law requires. Alternate translation: “those who obey God’s law” (See: Metaphor)

“struggle against them.” This means to strongly oppose or resist them. (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 28:5

Here “men” means people in general. Alternate translation: “People who do evil things” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “do not understand what is just” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Those who want to know Yahweh and please him are spoken of as if they are literally seeking to find Yahweh. (See: Metaphor)

The implied information is that those who seek Yahweh understand all about justice. Alternate translation: “completely understand what is just” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 28:6

Alternate translation: “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. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word integrity, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “walks honestly” or “lives honestly” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 28:7

To “keep the law” means to do what God’s law requires. Alternate translation: “He who obeys God’s law” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “a son who understands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

“of people who eat too much.” A “glutton” is a person who often eats and drinks excessively.

Alternate translation: “puts his father to shame” or “dishonors his father”

Proverbs 28:8

Alternate translation: “increases his wealth”

Alternate translation: “charging extra money to borrow”

money paid by a borrower for the use of someone else’s money

Alternate translation: “brings his wealth together”

Alternate translation: “for another person”

a strong feeling of sadness or sympathy for someone

Proverbs 28:9

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Synecdoche)

“even his prayer is offensive to God.” This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “God detests even his prayer” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:32.

Proverbs 28:10

This is a metaphor for leading upright people in an evil direction. Alternate translation: “Whoever causes the upright to go in an evil direction” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “If anyone misleads … evil way, he will fall”

This refers to upright persons in general. Alternate translation: “upright persons” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

“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” (See: Metaphor)

This refers to blameless persons in general. Alternate translation: “blameless persons” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

Alternate translation: “will inherit what is good”

Proverbs 28:11

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “be wise in his own thoughts” or “think he is wise” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “who understands” (See: Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 28:12

Alternate translation: “When 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” (See: Idiom)

This refers to wicked people in general. Alternate translation: “wicked people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

You may need to make explicit that those who “are sought out” have hidden themselves to escape from the wicked. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they seek people out” or “they seek out the people who hide from them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Active or Passive)

Proverbs 28:13

“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 (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “will not succeed” or “will not advance”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will show mercy to the one who confesses and forsakes them” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 28:14

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless the one who always lives with reverence” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word reverence, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “lives a reverent life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This refers to deeply respecting Yahweh and showing that respect by obeying him.

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Idiom)

This represents ending up in misery and distress. Alternate translation: “will end up in trouble” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 28:15

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. (See: Simile)

A bear is a large, furry, dangerous animal that walks on four legs and has sharp claws and teeth. (See: Translate Unknowns)

Proverbs 28:16

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “The ruler who does not understand” (See: Abstract Nouns)

a person who treats people harshly and makes their lives very difficult

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word dishonesty, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the one who hates being dishonest” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This could mean: (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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 28:17

Here “blood” represents a person’s life. To “shed blood” means to murder someone. Alternate translation: “he has killed someone” or “he has murdered someone” (See: Metonymy)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 28:18

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “God will keep safe anyone who walks with integrity” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “Anyone who”

This represents a person living a life of integrity. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word integrity, you could express the same idea with an adverb. Alternate translation: “walks honestly” or “lives honestly” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

A dishonest person is spoken of as if he walks on crooked or twisted paths. Alternate translation: “the one who does not live honestly” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 28:19

This means to till, sow, and care for his crops.

Alternate translation: “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. (See: Idiom)

The person following worthless pursuits is spoken of as getting the opposite of plenty of food. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “will be very poor” (See: Irony and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 28:20

The double negative “will not go unpunished” is used for emphasis. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will certainly punish the one who gets rich quickly” (See: Litotes and Active or Passive)

The implied information is that this person gains wealth by unfaithful or dishonest means. Alternate translation: “the one who tries to get rich quickly” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 28:21

“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” (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “sin”

Proverbs 28:22

“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” (See: Idiom)

The result of being stingy is spoken of as if poverty was overtaking the stingy person. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “he will suddenly become poor” (See: Idiom and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 28:23

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word favor, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “A person will favor the one who disciplines him more than he favors the person who flatters him with his tongue” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “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” (See: Metonymy)

praises someone in a manner that is not sincere, or praises someone about things that are not true

Proverbs 28:24

Alternate translation: “The one who robs”

This can be expressed as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “says that it is not a sin, he” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 28:25

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 28:26

Depending on one’s self is spoken of as trusting in one’s own heart. Alternate translation: “The person who relies on himself” (See: Synecdoche)

Alternate translation: “any person who walks”

This could mean: (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” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 28:27

Alternate translation: “The person”

This refers to poor people in general. Alternate translation: “poor people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

This double negative is used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “have everything they need” (See: Litotes)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (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” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “anyone who closes”

Closing the eyes represents not responding to the needs of the poor. Alternate translation: “ignores” or “chooses not to help” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 28:28

This is an idiom that means when wicked people gain power or start to rule. Alternate translation: “When wicked people rise to power” (See: Idiom)

This is an exaggeration for doing everything they can to avoid having wicked people harm them. Alternate translation: “people go into hiding” (See: Hyperbole and Reflexive Pronouns)

This could mean: (1) “go away” or (2) “fall from power” or (3) “are destroyed.”

This could mean: (1) “multiply” or (2) “rise to power.”

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 29 concludes the second section of the book (Chapter 25-29) which is attributed to Solomon.

Special concepts in this chapter

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 29:1

A person becoming stubborn is spoken of as if he stiffens his neck. Alternate translation: “who becomes stubborn” or “who refuses to listen” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will suddenly break him” (See: Active or Passive)

“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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 29:2

The people let out long, loud breaths that show that they are weary and sad. Alternate translation: “the people will be weary and sad” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 29:4

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “by doing what is just” or “by making just laws” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 29:5

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 29:6

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. (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 29:8

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” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)

This idiom means to cause angry people no longer to be angry. Alternate translation: “calm the wrath of angry people” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 29:9

Another possible meaning is “goes to court against.”

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. This is a negative word.

Alternate translation: “they will not be able to settle the problem”

Proverbs 29:10

This idiom means to “want to kill.” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 29:12

“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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 29:13

a person who treats people harshly and makes their lives very difficult

This idiom means “Yahweh makes both of them alive.” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 29:14

The throne is a metonym for the kingdom he rules from his throne. Alternate translation: “his kingdom” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 29:15

The writer speaks as if a rod and reproof were people who could give wisdom as a physical gift. Alternate translation: “If a parent uses the rod on his child and reproves 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” (See: Personification)

Parents in Israel used wooden rods as instruments to discipline children by striking them. Alternate translation: “discipline” (See: Metonymy)

When a person gives reproof to another person, or reproves that person, he tells that person that he does not approve of what that other person is doing.

Proverbs 29:16

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word transgression, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “more people will transgress and their sins will become worse” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word downfall, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metaphor)

Proverbs 29:18

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will bless the one who keeps the law” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 29:19

This can be translated in active form.”You will not be able to correct a slave simply by talking to him” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 29:20

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Proverbs 29:21

Alternate translation: “who allows his slave to avoid work and who treats his slave better than he treats other slaves”

Alternate translation: “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.

Proverbs 29:22

Causing people to argue more is spoken of as if it were stirring up or awakening arguments. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strife, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “argue.” See how you translated similar words in Proverbs 15:18. Alternate translation: “causes people to argue more” or “causes people to argue and fight” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

This idiom means “a person who becomes angry easily.” (See: Idiom)

Proverbs 29:23

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” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 29:24

Alternate translation: “becomes his own enemy”

This could mean: (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” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 29:25

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” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 29:26

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” (See: Metonymy)

It is Yahweh, not human rulers, who will see that people treat a person justly. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you could express the same idea with a verbal form such as “just.” Alternate translation: “it is Yahweh who is truly just towards a person” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 29:27

a person who should be hated. See how you translated this in Proverbs 3:32.

Proverbs 30

Proverbs 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 30 is a chapter in Proverbs attributed to Agur, who is a person otherwise unknown.

Special concepts in this chapter

Agur

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.

Three things and four

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, wisdom)

Themes

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: fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 30:1

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the literal son of Jakeh, not a grandchild.

Alternate translation: “the message”

Alternate translation: “to Ithiel—that is, to Ithiel and Ucal”

Proverbs 30:2

Alternate translation: “Certainly” or “There is no doubt that”

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “I do not understand anything the way human beings are supposed to understand them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 30:3

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “nor do I really know anything about the Holy One” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 30:4

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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” (See: Metaphor)

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

Alternate translation: “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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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.” (See: Irony)

Proverbs 30:5

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” (See: Metaphor and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

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” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 30:6

say more than he has said

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “he will prove that you are” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 30:8

This could mean: (1) “Do not allow people to speak vanity and lies to me” or (2) “Do not allow me to speak vanity and lies” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 30:9

This describes a hypothetical situation that has not happened but is possible if the writer becomes rich. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

This describes a hypothetical situation that has not happened but is possible if the writer becomes poor. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Alternate translation: “I might make people who know that I have stolen things think that there is no God” or “I might harm God’s reputation by stealing”

Proverbs 30:10

speak falsely about another person with the desire to harm him

Alternate translation: “the servant will curse”

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will hold you guilty” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 30:11

Alternate translation: “a generation of people who curse … and do not bless”

type or class or group

Proverbs 30:12

Alternate translation: “a generation of people that are”

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “considers themselves pure” or “believes they are pure” (See: Metaphor)

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” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)

This should be translated with a polite term that includes human or animal vomit and waste.

Proverbs 30:13

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. (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 30:14

The people of the generation who speak very harmful things is spoken of as if they were wild animals with teeth and jawbones made of swords and knives, and they eat the poor and needy. (See: Metaphor)

the bones of the face where teeth grow

Proverbs 30:15

This is an example of something that always wants more. Alternate translation: “Greed has two daughters” (See: Metaphor)

a type of worm that attaches itself to the skin and sucks blood

Another possible meaning is “and they are both named Give Me.” Alternate translation: “Give and give”

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’” (See: Poetry)

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “always want more” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 30:16

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. (See: Personification)

Proverbs 30:17

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” (See: Abstract Nouns and Metonymy)

The writer says that the person will die by giving two pictures of what happens to people who die away from where people live.

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the ravens of the valley will peck out his eyes” (See: Active or Passive)

large, shiny, black birds that eat plants and dead animals

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the vultures will eat him” (See: Active or Passive)

any one of several large birds that eat dead animals and have small, featherless heads

Proverbs 30:18

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:”

Proverbs 30:19

The “heart” refers to the middle. Alternate translation: “in the middle of the sea” or “on the open sea” (See: Metaphor)

Proverbs 30:20

This seems to be both a euphemism and a metaphor for committing adultery and then taking a bath. (See: Euphemism and Metaphor)

Proverbs 30:21

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:”

Proverbs 30:22

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “a fool who has had enough to eat” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 30:23

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” (See: Active or Passive)

rules the household

Proverbs 30:26

an animal with small, rounded ears, short legs, and no tail

Proverbs 30:28

a small reptile that has four legs, a long, slender body, and a tail

Proverbs 30:29

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

Proverbs 30:31

an adult male chicken that walks proudly

Proverbs 30:33

strongly stirring

Animal milk that someone has stirred and made thick.

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 31 begins with 9 verses from King Lemuel. The last portion of this chapter is a poem about a godly wife. (See: godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness)

King Lemuel

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.

Special concepts in this chapter

An acrostic poem

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.

Themes

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, wisdom, fool, foolish, folly and evil, wicked, unpleasant and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)

Proverbs 31:2

The rhetorical question What could mean: (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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

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.

Here, vows could mean: (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.

Proverbs 31:3

“Do not work hard trying to have sex with women,” either outside of marriage or with concubines.

Alternate translation: “or allow those who destroy kings to advise you”

This could mean: (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

Proverbs 31:4

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Proverbs 31:1.

Proverbs 31:5

This can be translated in active form. This could mean: (1) “what God has decreed” or (2) “what the kings themselves have decreed” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “deny afflicted people their legal rights”

exchange good for evil

Alternate translation: “all those people whom others wrongfully harm”

Proverbs 31:6

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “and give wine” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “who’s souls are bitter” or “who are in misery”

Proverbs 31:7

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “how poor he is” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word trouble, you could express the same idea with a clause. Alternate translation: “the bad things that are happening to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Proverbs 31:8

Speaking is a metonym for using words to defend innocent people. Alternate translation: “Defend those who cannot defend themselves” (See: Idiom)

The cause represents the person whose cause it is. Alternate translation: “so that people will treat all who are perishing justly” (See: Metonymy)

The ellipsis can be filled in. Alternate translation: “speak for the causes” or “speak out for” (See: Ellipsis)

Proverbs 31:9

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” (See: Doublet)

Proverbs 31:10

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.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “She is more precious than jewels”

Proverbs 31:11

This litotes can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “he will always have what he needs” (See: Litotes)

Proverbs 31:13

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”

Proverbs 31:14

someone who buys and sells

Proverbs 31:15

Alternate translation: “tells her female servants what work each of them is to do that day”

Proverbs 31:16

The money she has earned from the work she did with wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13) is spoken of as if it were fruit growing off a tree. The hands are a synecdoche for the person. Alternate translation: “the money she has earned” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

Proverbs 31:17

Putting on clothes is a metonym for preparing for work. Alternate translation: “She prepares herself for hard physical work” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “she strengthens her arms by doing her work”

Proverbs 31:18

sees by looking carefully

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” (See: Hyperbole and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Proverbs 31:19

a thin rod or stick with pointed ends that is used in making thread

Proverbs 31:20

The hand is a metonym for the help the woman uses her hand to give. Alternate translation: “helps poor” (See: Metonymy)

These words translate the same words translated “puts her hands on” in Proverbs 31:19.

Proverbs 31:21

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” (See: Metonymy)

The color red, but with a hint of orange.

Proverbs 31:22

cloth made of flax yarn

Proverbs 31:23

This can be translated in active form. The verb “know” is a metonym for respect. Alternate translation: “People respect her husband” (See: Active or Passive and Metonymy)

to make laws and settle arguments

Proverbs 31:24

cloth made from flax yarn

long pieces of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder

Proverbs 31:25

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” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)

This is probably an exaggeration to show that she is not afraid. Alternate translation: “is not afraid of what will happen in the future” (See: Hyperbole)

Proverbs 31:26

The act of opening her mouth is a metonym for speaking. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you could express the same idea with an adverb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “she speaks wisely” or “she speaks wise words” (See: Metonymy and Abstract Nouns)

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” (See: Metonymy)

Proverbs 31:27

The word “ways” refers to the way people live. Alternate translation: “makes sure her whole family lives in a way that pleases God” (See: Metaphor)

To “eat the bread of” something means to do something. Alternate translation: “she is not idle” (See: Idiom)

doing nothing and being lazy

Proverbs 31:28

This could mean: (1) literally “stand up and” or (2) as a metonym, “actively.” (See: Metonymy)

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!’” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Proverbs 31:29

Alternate translation: “you have done better than”

Proverbs 31:30

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word elegance, you could express the same idea with 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. (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word beauty, you could express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “a woman who is beautiful now will not always be beautiful” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will praise her” (See: Active or Passive)

Proverbs 31:31

The money she has earned from the work she did with wool and flax (Proverbs 31:13) is spoken of as if it were fruit growing off a tree. The hands are a synecdoche for the person. See how you translated this in Proverbs 31:16. Alternate translation: “the money she has earned” (See: Metaphor and Synecdoche)

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” (See: Metonymy)