Verses 27-32 all have contrasting parallel lines with the negative in the second line. The contrasts are between the righteous and the wicked and so deal in moral matters.

“The fear of the Lord prolongs life”: For “fear of the Lord” see 1.7. “Prolongs” means to add to, increase, or lengthen. This is a claim made for the father’s teaching in 3.2 and for wisdom in 3.16 and 9.11. “Life” in this line is literally “days.” Contemporary English Version translates “If you respect the Lord, you will live longer.” Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “Whoever takes God seriously, increases the years of his life.”

“But the years of the wicked will be short”: Here “the years of the wicked” means “the length of life of the wicked” or “the years a wicked person lives.” In 13.9 and 20.20 this line is expressed as “. . . lamp will be put out.” “Short” and long life are relative terms. “Short” may be rendered, for example, “die prematurely” or “die before their time” (Good News Translation). Contemporary English Version says “your life will be cut short.”

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 .