This verse, which is almost identical to the first half of Isa 59.7, breaks the connection between verses 15 and 17. It is not found in some important Septuagint manuscripts. Some scholars suggest that it has been inserted by later copyists. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project recommends that verse 16 be placed in a note in translations that use notes. New American Bible places it between square brackets, New Jerusalem Bible places it in italics, and Moffatt omits it. However, most modern versions keep it without a footnote and this is recommended to translators by the authors of this Handbook.

Verse 16 gives the reason why the learner is being warned. It is stated in the form of a proverb or popular saying.

“Their feet run to evil”: “Feet” is used here as a figure of speech (a part for the whole) and represents the sinners of verse 10. Accordingly, in many languages “feet” must be replaced by “they” or “wicked people.” “Run to evil” means “hurry. . .,” “are in a rush. . .,” or “can’t wait to do something evil.”

In the second line the form of the “evil” is expressed in the phrase “shed blood”, which has the same sense as “blood” in verse 11. See Good News Translation for a model translation.

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 .