1:23

This verse consists of an exhortation followed by two parallel consequences that have similar meaning. The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line, because it follows the recommended interpretation.

23a Give heed to my reproof; (New Revised Standard Version)

23b
I will pour out my thoughts to you ; (New Revised Standard Version)

23c
I will make my words known to you. (New Revised Standard Version)

1:23a–c

(New Revised Standard Version) Give heed to my reproof; I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you: There are two ways to interpret this verse:

(1) Wisdom invites her audience to respond to her warning. If they respond, there will be good consequences. For example:

Pay attention to my warning. To you I will pour out my heart and tell you what I have to say. (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) Wisdom tells her audience what the good consequences would have been if they had responded (but they had not responded). For example:

If only you had listened when I corrected you, I would have told you what’s in my heart; I would have told you what I am thinking. (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions. It is clear from the context that Wisdom is still willing to give advice and knowledge if the people will listen to her.

1:23a

(New Revised Standard Version) Give heed: In Hebrew, this verb is literally “turn/return.” In this context, it means “respond,” “listen” or “pay attention.”

(New Revised Standard Version) to my reproof: The word reproof usually indicates verbal correction or rebuke. In many languages, it may be more natural to express these ideas as verbs. For example:

Listen when I reprimand you (Good News Translation)

1:23b

(New Revised Standard Version) I will pour out my thoughts to you: The Hebrew word ruaḥ that the New Revised Standard Version translates as thoughts is literally “spirit.” But the verb that the New Revised Standard Version translates here as pour out usually means to communicate or express a person’s thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

I let you know how I feel
-or-
I will tell you what is in my heart.

1:23c

(New Revised Standard Version) I will make my words known to you: The phrase my words refers here to the thoughts or decisions that Wisdom intends to tell them. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

what I think (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
my knowledge (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 1:23a–c

In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder the parts of this verse so that the exhortation comes last. For example:

23b How I long to express my feelings to you 23c and make known to you what is in my thoughts. 23a So listen to my rebuke/reprimand to you.

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