14:2

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

2a
He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD,

2b but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.

In each line, the underlined parts describe a person’s conduct. The parts in bold print describe the person’s attitude or relationship toward the LORD. It is implied that the person’s conduct shows his attitude toward the LORD.

14:2a

He who walks in uprightness: The word uprightness is translated as “straight” when it refers to a path. Here it refers to conduct that is good, upright, or honest. See the note on 2:13a–b, where a different form of the same word is used.

fears the LORD: For fears the LORD, see the note on 10:27a. Fearing the LORD involves a combination of fear, awe, respect, and obedience.

14:2b

but the one who is devious in his ways: This line introduces a contrast to the good/honest conduct that is described in 14:2a. Other ways to describe the conduct of a person who is devious in his ways are:

deceitful (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
dishonest (Good News Translation)

See the note on 2:15a–b.

You may have idioms in your language that express this idea appropriately. For example:

a double-dealer (Revised English Bible)

despises Him: A dishonest person despises the LORD. That is, he shows scorn or contempt toward him. See the note on 11:12a.

General Comment on 14:2a–b

The metaphors “walks” and “ways” both refer to conduct. Some ways to translate these metaphors are:

• Use metaphors in both lines. For example:

2a Those who follow the right path fear the Lord,

2b those who take the wrong path despise him. (New Living Translation (2004))

• Translate the meaning of both lines without a metaphor. For example:

2a People who live good lives respect the Lord,

2b but those who live evil lives don’t. (New Century Version)

• Translate the meaning in one line without a metaphor. Use a metaphor in the other line. For example:

2a Whoever lives right fears the Lord,

2b but a person who is devious in his ways despises him. (God’s Word)

Translate in a way that will be effective and natural in your language.

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