In the Hebrew text of verses 28-32, “they” replaces “you [plural].” The pronoun refers to the people mentioned in verse 22. Some modern versions keep the “you” form in these verses, and this is recommended to translators.

“Then they will call upon me”: This line is the reverse of the first line of verse 24. “Then” means at the time they call in their trouble, that is, after the distress and anguish take hold of them. “Call upon me” means “to call on me to help them” or “ask me for help.” Note that Good News Translation has “call for wisdom.”

“But I will not answer”: “Answer” must be rendered in a way that is suitable for the way “call . . . me” is used. In some languages this will be, for example, “I will not listen,” “I will pay no attention to you,” “I will not hear you,” or “I will not come.”

“They will seek me diligently”: “Seek” matches “call” in the previous line. “Seek . . . diligently” translates a word meaning to look for intently and is used, for example, in Job 7.21 of God seeking Job after he has died. Good News Translation says “look for me everywhere.” The thought of verse 28 is expressed elsewhere in Jer 11.11; Micah 3.4; and John 7.34.

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 .