The theme of avoiding adultery is interrupted in verse 7 by appealing again to the learner to pay attention to the instruction of the teacher.

“And now, O sons, listen to me”: The appeal for attention from the learner follows the common pattern used in 1.8; 3.1; 4.1, 10; and 5.1. “And now” serves as a transition from the description of the seductive woman in verses 3-6 to the call for attention. In some languages this transitional marker is not translated. For “O sons” see 4.1. The plural “sons” in the Hebrew text is questionable because, aside from the plural verb forms in verse 7, the pronouns, referring back to “sons” in the rest of the chapter, are always singular. The Septuagint as well as the Vulgate have the singular. Therefore, in languages that mark singular and plural, it is advisable to say “my son” or its equivalent and use the singular pronouns.

“Do not depart from the words of my mouth” as a negative command means “Do not reject [give up or forget] what I have taught you.” The positive-negative structure of the verse in Hebrew will be good style in some other languages. But this line may also be stated positively; for example, “Always remember. . .” or “Keep in mind. . ..” For “words of my mouth” see 4.5.

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 .