SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 2020

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:1

Division 1:1–9:18

A father teaches his son the value of wisdom

This division begins with a brief introduction (1:1–7). The introduction states the main purpose of the book of Proverbs: to provide moral instruction for naive young people. The final verse of the introduction states the basis for obtaining knowledge. It also cautions the readers that some people will choose to be fools.

Following this introduction are ten well-organized lessons. Each lesson begins with the words “my son” or “my sons” and contains instruction on a particular topic. Most of the lessons end with a summary or a conclusion. The author writes to his readers as a father who is advising his son or sons. The mention of the mother’s teaching in 1:8 along with that of the father suggests that the setting for this instruction is the home.

In between these lessons are five additional discourses. These discourses contrast the claims of personified Wisdom and Folly. They are not addressed specifically to the son. The final discourse contains parallel invitations by Wisdom and Folly to attend the feasts that they have each prepared. This reminds the readers that they must make a choice between wise and foolish behavior.

Section 1:1–7

This is the purpose of Proverbs

This section is the writer’s introduction to the book of Proverbs. It contains an overall title for the book (1:1), a statement of purpose (1:2–6), and a motto or key verse (1:7). In Hebrew, the first six verses form a single sentence that gives related goals or functions for the proverbs. Proverbs 1:2a, 1:2b, 1:3a, 1:4a, and 1:6a all begin with a verb phrase that relates back to the title and gives one of the functions. The Berean Standard Bible translates these phrases as: “for gaining…, for comprehending…, for receiving…. To impart…, by understanding….” Proverbs 1:5 begins with a different grammatical construction. Several scholars therefore consider this verse to be a parenthesis, clarifying that the proverbs are also useful to people who are wise.

Some other headings for this section are:

The Purpose of Proverbs (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
How Proverbs Can Be Used (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
The Importance of Proverbs (New Century Version)

Paragraph 1:1–7

1:1

These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: In Hebrew, this verse is the title of the Book of Proverbs.

In some languages, it may be appropriate to format this verse as a title. In other languages, it may be preferable to state the verse as a separate sentence, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

The phrases son of David and king of Israel further identify the name Solomon. They do not imply that David had any other son who became a king of Israel.

the proverbs of Solomon: The title credits Solomon as being the overall source of the proverbs, because he either wrote or collected many of the proverbs in the book. In some languages, it may be necessary to express this meaning in a different way. For example:

The proverbs that Solomon…collected/wrote
-or-
Solomon…was the source of these proverbs.

proverbs: The Hebrew word for proverbs, as it is used in this book, usually means wise sayings or principles that teaches people how they should act. It may also describe something that is true about human behavior. Some proverbs were short, compact statements. Others were longer lessons up to a chapter in length. The purpose of both kinds of proverbs was to teach or advise people regarding proper conduct.

In some languages, the term for a short saying or proverb may not be appropriate to describe the longer lessons found in the first nine chapters. If that is true in your language, it may be possible to use a more general term here in 1:1. For example:

This is the teaching/advice of Solomon…
-or-
These are the wise sayings of Solomon…

A more specific term could then be used in 1:6, which mentions specific kinds of wise sayings.

Solomon son of David, king of Israel: The phrase king of Israel refers here to Solomon. In some languages, it may be necessary to change the order or wording of these phrases to make this meaning clear. For example:

King Solomon of Israel, the son of David (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Solomon, son of David and king of Israel (Good News Translation)

son of David: In many other verses the phrase son of David refers to a descendant of David. Here it refers to an actual son of David. In languages that do not use specific terms for “son” or “daughter,” you may use a general term. For example:

child of David

See the note on “son” in 1:8a.

king of Israel: If the title king is not known in your language, you may:

• Use a similar title. For example:

chief of Israel
-or-
highest ruler of the Israelites

• Use a verb phrase. For example:

who ruled over Israel (UBS Handbook)

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:2

1:2–6

In Hebrew, the author does not address the readers directly in these verses. He merely tells the general purposes for the proverbs. For example, the Berean Standard Bible says:

for gaining wisdom…

Some other ways to address the readers are:

• Use a general word, such as “people.” For example:

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom… (New Living Translation (2004))

• Address the readers directly as “you.” For example, in 1:2 the Contemporary English Version has:

Proverbs will teach you wisdom… (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a different pronoun that is appropriate for giving advice, such as “we two” or “we all.” For example:

These proverbs will help us(incl.) to become wise…

Use a form of address that is natural in your language for an author who is giving advice to his readers.

1:2

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

2a
for gaining wisdom and discipline ;

2b
for comprehending words of insight ;

Proverbs 1:2a and 1:2b give the first two purposes or functions of the proverbs. In some languages, it may be more natural to begin these verse parts with separate sentences. For example:

2a These proverbs will help people to gain wisdom…

2b They will also help them to comprehend…

1:2a

for gaining wisdom: The Hebrew verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as “gain” literally means “to know.” This verb has more than one meaning. In this context, when it is used with the noun wisdom, it can be understood in two ways:

(1) It means “to gain wisdom,” that is, to become wise. For example:

to learn wisdom and moral instruction (NET Bible)

(2) It means “to learn about wisdom,” that is, to learn/understand what it means to be wise. For example:

will help you recognize wisdom and good advice (Good News Translation)

The Hebrew phrase probably has both meanings here. If you must choose between these meanings in your translation, it is recommended that you choose interpretation (1), because the main purpose of Proverbs is to influence behavior, not just to teach facts.

wisdom: The basic meaning of the Hebrew word ḥokmah, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as wisdom, is “skill” or “expertise.” In some verses in the OT, it refers to a person’s skill as a ruler, an artist, or a craftsman. In Proverbs, it usually indicates a person’s skill/ability to make good decisions, to act properly, and to do what is right in any situation.

Wisdom involves both knowledge and action. A wise person knows what is right and wrong. He understands what will lead to a good result, and he acts accordingly.

Before you decide how to translate wisdom in your language, it is recommended that you study the synonyms for wisdom in the Glossary. Compare them with all the words and expressions in your language that have similar meanings. Then decide which terms in your language correspond best with the Hebrew terms. Your language may have more or fewer terms that cover the same range of meaning as the Hebrew terms.

and discipline: The Hebrew word musar, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as discipline, refers to moral instruction or training. The purpose of this instruction is to develop the student’s ability to follow God’s laws and avoid wrong behavior. It usually involves some form of correction by someone in authority. This correction may range from warning or rebuke to punishment. Here the focus is probably on verbal instruction or correction. Some other ways to translate this word are:

moral instruction (NET Bible)
-or-
good advice (Good News Translation)
-or-
be trained how to behave correctly

In this context, the phrase “gaining…discipline” refers not only to the process of being taught, but also to the end result. The result is that a person’s moral character will be improved if he receives the instruction.

1:2b

for comprehending words of insight: The Hebrew verb used here, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as comprehending also means “understanding” or “discerning,” or “distinguishing.” So this phrase means that one of the uses of the proverbs is to help a person to discern or recognize insightful words and then to understand or correctly interpret them. The phrase words of insight refer to perceptive or insightful words or sayings. They are sayings that have profound/deep meaning. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

for understanding words of deep meaning (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
to discern wise counsel (NET Bible)
-or-
to help them understand the insights of the wise (New Living Translation (2004))

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:3

1:3

Notice the parallel lines. Verse 1:3a gives another purpose for the proverbs. Verse 1:3b specifies what the first line means. In some languages, it may be more natural to start 1:3a with a separate sentence. For example:

Another purpose for these proverbs is for people to gain instruction…

1:3a

for receiving instruction in wise living: There is a textual issue here that relates to the phrase instruction in wise living :

(1) The Masoretic Text is literally “instruction of wise-conduct.” It gives an additional purpose of the proverbs. For example:

teach you how to live intelligently (Good News Translation)

(2) The Syriac version is literally “instruction and wise-conduct.” It gives two additional purposes of the proverbs. For example:

to be wise and self-controlled (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), along with most versions.

receiving instruction in wise living: The Hebrew phrase musar haśkel, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as instruction in wise living, indicates primarily that instruction results in wise conduct. It also indicates that wise conduct is the content of the instruction. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

instruct you how to live sensibly
-or-
train people to follow a wise/sensible way of life

wise living: The Hebrew term haśkel refers here to good sense, practical insight, or wise conduct that results from intelligently evaluating a situation. A person who has haśkel is able to understand the different aspects of a problem and to think of a helpful solution.

1:3b

and in righteousness, justice, and equity: The three Hebrew nouns that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in righteousness, justice, and equity specify what is meant by wise conduct or prudence. These three terms share similar meanings. Together they cover the whole range of honest, righteous, just, and fair behavior, both between individuals and in legal decisions. Here are the senses of meaning for each word that occur most frequently in the Hebrew lexicons, commentaries, and English versions.

righteousness: (Hebrew: ṣedeq) righteousness; right conduct according to God’s law.

justice: (Hebrew: mišpaṭ) justice; just, right, and proper decisions, especially legal decisions.

equity: (Hebrew: mešarim) honesty, straightforwardness in speech or conduct; conduct that is fair, equitable.

Some languages may have one word that covers the meanings of all three Hebrew words. Other languages may need two or more words or expressions to cover the same range of meaning.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:4

1:4

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

4a to impart prudence to the simple

4b and knowledge and discretion to the young,

1:4a

To impart prudence: In Proverbs the Hebrew word ʿormah, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as prudence, indicates shrewdness or resourcefulness. It refers to a person’s ability to make clever plans to achieve his goals. Some other ways to translate this word are:

shrewdness (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
cleverness
-or-
resourcefulness (New American Bible)

to the simple: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as simple refers to inexperienced, naive people. These people allow themselves to be easily persuaded or led astray into foolish behavior. People who are simple are immature and tend to believe whatever they are told. The Hebrew word used here is plural. Some other ways to translate this word are:

naive/gullible people
-or-
people with little experience
-or-
people who are easily deceived
-or-
people who quickly believe what they hear
-or-
people who do not know anything

1:4b

and knowledge and discretion: There are two ways to interpret the connection between these two nouns:

(1) They are two equal nouns and should be translated with an “and” between them. For example:

knowledge and discernment (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) One noun is subordinate to the other. They are not two equal nouns. For example, the phrase could be translated as:

knowledge of how to be discreet
-or-
how to be resourceful (Good News Translation)

Although no scholars argued against the second option, the few who supported it had differing ideas as to how it should be translated. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

discretion: The Hebrew word mǝzimmah, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as discretion, refers to the ability to make a plan that will accomplish a specific goal. Other ways to translate this word are:

shrewdness (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
discernment (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
ability to think of an effective plan

to the young: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as young can refer to any male from infancy up to early adulthood. However, the setting in Proverbs describes an unmarried teenage son nearing adulthood. If your language has a specific term for unmarried young men, you may be able to use it here. Another way to translate this term is to use a more general expression. For example:

young people (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 1:4a–b

The parallel parts of these two lines should be understood as a unit. So the terms “the simple” and “the young” describe people who are both “simple” and “young.” These terms should not be understood as separate categories of people, with “the simple” gaining “prudence” and “the young” gaining “knowledge and discretion.” If a parallel structure in your language wrongly implies that “the simple” and “the young” gain different benefits from the proverbs, you may need to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts in these lines. For example:

⌊Still another function of these proverbs⌋ is to cause inexperienced young people to gain knowledge and to become resourceful. Then they will be able to make successful plans.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:5

1:5

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

5a let the wise listen and gain instruction,

5b and the discerning acquire wise counsel

There is an ellipsis in 1:5b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the verb “listen” from 1:5a. For example:

5b and the discerning ⌊listen and⌋ acquire wise counsel

1:5a–b

At this point, the author interrupts the series of purpose clauses in 1:2–4 and 1:6. In this verse, he directs his advice to people who are wise and discerning. He exhorts them that they also should pay attention to the proverbs. Some versions translate these exhortations as third-person commands. For example:

Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. (New Living Translation (2004))

Other versions translate them as statements, so the exhortation is only implied. For example:

Wise people can also listen and learn. (New Century Version)

Make sure it is clear in your translation that the author is giving advice to the wise. He is not just stating what the wise will do.

listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel: In these parallel phrases, the readers are advised to listen to the proverbs in order to learn more and receive guidance. The command listen (implied in 1:5b) tells how the readers will add to their learning and receive guidance.

1:5a

the wise: The Hebrew word ḥakam, which all English versions translate as wise, refers to a person who is skilled in doing what is right. Wise people know what is right and wrong. They understand what will lead to a good result, and they act accordingly.

listen and gain instruction: The commands to listen and gain are not two separate commands. To gain instruction gives the purpose for the command to listen. In some languages, listen applies only to oral instruction. In such a case, you may want to use a term such as “pay attention” or “heed.” Another way to translate 1:5a is:

As for wise people, they should also heed these proverbs so that they will continue to learn.

1:5b

the discerning: The Hebrew word nabon, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as the discerning, refers to a person who has either binah “insight” or tǝbunah “good sense.” All three words are related to the root bin “to understand/perceive.”

A nabon is a person who can understand and interpret ideas and can draw conclusions. He is also a person who is sensible and competent. He can act in an appropriate way when he needs to make a decision or solve a problem. He is able to discern the difference between right and wrong, between a good decision and a bad one. Some other ways to translate this term are:

those with understanding (Revised English Bible)
-or-
smart (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
intelligent (New American Bible)
-or-
discerning/sensible

A term such as “educated” is not recommended here, because it may incorrectly refer to a person who has had formal schooling.

acquire wise counsel: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wise counsel refers here to good advice that will enable a person to make wise decisions. For example:

find good advice in these words (New Century Version)

General Comment on 1:5a–b

In this verse, the “wise” and the “discerning” are parallel and refer to the same group of people. Also, “gain instruction” is parallel with “acquire wise counsel.” In some languages, it may be clearer to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines. For example:

Those of you who are wise and have the ability to understand, you also should pay attention to these proverbs, so that you will know more and you will be guided/directed in what you do.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:6

1:6

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

6a by understanding proverbs and parables,

6b
the sayings and riddles of the wise.

There is an ellipsis in 1:6b. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply the missing words from 1:6a. For example:

6b
⌊by understanding⌋ the sayings and riddles of the wise

There are two main ways to interpret the connection of 1:6:

(1) Proverbs 1:6 connects back to 1:1 as one of the four purposes of the proverbs. It applies to people in general. The New International Version indicates this by setting off 1:5 with dashes as a parenthesis. The New Jerusalem Bible reorders 1:6 before 1:5 so that the four purpose statements are not interrupted by the parenthetical command in 1:5. Here is another way to translate this:

Then anyone can understand wise words… (New Century Version)

(2) Proverbs 1:6 connects back to 1:5 as a purpose for the wise to add to their knowledge. For example:

so that they can understand… (Good News Translation)

(3) Proverbs 1:6 connects back to 1:5 as a means by which the wise add to their knowledge. For example:

by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables… (New Living Translation (2004))

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it follows the pattern of each Hebrew purpose clause relating equally to the title in 1:1. It also seems more reasonable to think that the book of Proverbs would help all readers, not only the wise, to understand parables, riddles, and other wise sayings.

1:6a

parables: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as parables is used only three times in the Old Testament. It probably refers to any figurative saying that is difficult to understand unless someone interprets its meaning. It may include shorter sayings, such as metaphors, or longer sayings, such as parables. Some other ways to translate this word are:

obscure sayings (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
clever saying (God’s Word)
-or-
stories (New Century Version)
-or-
figures (New Revised Standard Version)

1:6b

the sayings and riddles of the wise: The Hebrew phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the sayings and riddles of the wise is literally “sayings of the wise and their riddles.” Both sayings and riddles come from the wise.

riddles: The Hebrew word has a broader meaning than the English word riddles. It refers to any puzzling saying or difficult question that needs to be interpreted or answered.

General Comment on 1:6a–b

The four terms listed in these verse parts overlap in meaning. In some languages, the same range of meaning may be expressed by fewer or more terms.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:7

1:7

Notice the parallelism. The individual parts of 1:7a do not contrast with the parallel parts of 1:7b. Instead, the overall meaning of the second line contrasts with the meaning of the first line.

7a The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

7b but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

This contrast expresses an important principle in the book of Proverbs. See the General Comment following 1:7b for different ways to translate this verse.

1:7a

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: The main idea of this clause is restated in slightly different words in 9:10a and 15:33a. In each of these three verses, the parallel line expresses a different idea.

The fear of the LORD: The Hebrew word translated as fear indicates both real fear and reverential awe. It also involves submitting to the LORD and obeying him. Most English versions translate only one aspect of the meaning. For example:

reverence for the Lord (Good News Translation)
-or-
The fear of the Lord (Revised Standard Version)

The Contemporary English Version has two aspects:

Respect and obey the LORD! (Contemporary English Version)

If possible, you should choose a word or words that express at least two aspects of the meaning, for example, “fear and reverence” or “reverence and obedience.” (Compare 1:29a–b and 9:10a.)

is the beginning of knowledge: In this context, the word beginning indicates the prerequisite, foundation/basis, or first step to attaining knowledge.

knowledge: The word knowledge (Hebrew: daʿat) has the broadest meaning of the words that are associated with wisdom. It can refer to knowing information, but usually it also refers to knowing how to live successfully. When knowledge is used in this sense, it has a very similar meaning to wisdom. (Compare 1:7 with 9:10.)

1:7b

but fools despise wisdom and discipline: The word order in Hebrew puts emphasis on the word fools. Some ways to express this emphasis in English are:

Only fools despise wisdom and discipline. (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice. (Contemporary English Version)

fools: The word “fool” (Hebrew ʾewil) refers to someone who is a moral fool, not someone who is mentally stupid or uneducated. A moral fool is someone who cannot or will not do what is right or avoid what is wrong. He does stupid and wrong things because of his evil character. In some verses the word is also used to describe a person who is insolent or stubborn, refusing to accept advice or correction. Other ways to translate this word are:

Stubborn fools (God’s Word)
-or-
⌊insolent⌋ fools

despise wisdom and discipline: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as despise means to reject or consider to be worthless. For discipline, see the note on 1:2a. Another way to translate the phrase despise wisdom and discipline is:

have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 1:7a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to use one or more “if” clauses to translate this verse. For example:

7a
If a person fears and respects the LORD, he will begin to have knowledge,

7b but if he thinks that wisdom has no value and he refuses to learn, that kind of person is truly foolish.

The Berean Standard Bible uses the plural word “fools.” The above example uses third person singular (“a person…he”). In some languages, it is more natural to express a general principle like this with the second person pronoun “you” (singular or plural). For example:

7a Have respect/reverence for the LORD and obey him. Then you will begin to have knowledge.

7b If you reject/despise the advice of a wise person you are a fool.

Use a natural way in your language to translate this important principle.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:8

Section 1:8–19

First lesson: Avoid evil companions

This first lesson may be summarized as follows:

(a) Introduction: Pay attention to your parents’ advice, because it will improve your character (1:8–9).

(b) Lesson: If robbers try to persuade you to do evil (1:10–14), refuse to join them (1:15), because they will destroy their own lives (1:16–18).

Some other headings for this section are:

Warnings against Bad Friends (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Advice to a young man to not be tempted by evil people

Paragraph 1:8–9

The words “my son” or “my sons” introduce each of the ten lessons in Proverbs 1–9. These words sometimes also occur for various reasons at the beginning of a paragraph within a lesson. These reasons will be pointed out in each context (1:10a, 1:15a, 3:11a, 5:7a, 7:24a–b.)

1:8

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

8a
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction

8b and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.

1:8a–b

Listen…to…do not forsake: In this context, the command that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Listen…to includes the idea of “obey” or “pay attention to.” It is parallel to the negative command that the Berean Standard Bible translates as do not forsake. This negative command means “to not reject/neglect” or “to keep on obeying.”

your father’s instruction…the teaching of your mother: The words instruction and teaching both refer to moral advice (compare 6:20). This advice relates to how a person ought to conduct his life. This proverb does not imply a distinction between the father’s instruction and the teaching of your mother. For “instruction,” see discipline in the Glossary.

The words father’s and of your mother also function as one unit. The speaker/father wanted his son to obey his teaching as well as the teaching of his mother.

1:8a

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction: The speaker himself is the father who is referred to here. In some languages, it is not natural for a speaker to refer to himself in third person as “your father.” In such languages, it may be necessary to use a first person pronoun to make explicit that the father is the one who is speaking. For example:

My son, listen to my instruction.
-or-
Listen, my son, to what I your father instruct/advise you.

my son: In this verse, the author writes as if he were a father speaking to a son. See the preceding note and the footnote in Division 1:1–9:18. For the age of the son, see the note on 1:4b.

son: In some languages, the only way to specify a son as opposed to a daughter is to say “male child.” However, it may be awkward or unnatural to address a son in this way. If that is true in your language, it is recommended that you use a general term for “child.” The context will clarify that a young man is being referred to. For example:

My child (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 1:8a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts so that they form one line. For example:

My child, pay attention to what your father and mother tell you. (Good News Translation)
-or-
My child, obey the teachings of your parents. (Contemporary English Version)

In some languages, it may be more natural for the speaker to refer to himself and the mother using the pronouns “I” and “our.” For example:

My son, pay attention to what your mother and I tell you.
-or-
My child, your mother and I are your parents. Obey our(excl.) teachings.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 2020

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:2

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:3

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:5

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:6

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 1:8

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