Translation commentary on Proverbs 16:25

Both lines of this verse are identical to 14.12. See there for comments.

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 .

complete verse (Proverbs 16:25)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 16:25:

  • Kupsabiny: “A person may think that what he is doing is good,
    but that thing may bring him death.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Some paths seem good,
    but they may lead to death.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “(It is) possible that you (sing.) think that you (sing.) are in the right path, but in-fact/(surprise particle) the destination/place-to-go of-this is death.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Sometimes, there-is what is as-if good/nice in a person’s viewpoint, but its outcome, it is his death.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “There are some kinds of behavior that people think are right,
    but walking on those roads /continually doing those things causes those people to die.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 16:25

16:25

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

25a There is a way that seems right to a man,

25b but its end is the way of death.

16:25a–b

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death: This verse is identical to 14:12. See the notes on 14:12a and 14:12b.

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