“A good man obtains favor from the Lord“: “A good man” translates the Hebrew “the good.” Revised Standard Version supplies “man” because the second line has “man”. Others like Good News Translation and New Revised Standard Version use a plural form in both lines. If it is natural in your language, it is best to use a plural inclusive form in both lines. “Obtains favor” is used in 8.35. See there for comments. As in 11.1 where “delight” is used, “favor” refers to what is pleasing or acceptable to the Lord. In this line the Lord accepts or is pleased with good people.

“But a man of evil devices he condemns”: “A man of evil devices” contrasts with the good kind of people in line 1. “Evil devices”, as used in Psa 37.7, refers to evil schemes or plans to harm others. Note Good News Translation “who plan evil.” Bible en français courant says “the one who has evil intentions.” New English Bible/Revised English Bible calls such people “schemers.” “Condemns” may refer to strong disapproval, but in the context of this verse, it probably has a legal sense, that is, “judges someone as guilty.” Contemporary English Version expresses the legal sense as “but he punishes everyone who makes evil plans.” Some translations put “condemns” in direct speech: “the Lord says, ‘He must be punished.'”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .