“A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain”: For “scoffer” see 1.22. The idea of the “scoffer” seeking wisdom is contrary to the thought of the book of Proverbs. To “seek wisdom” is to practice seriously the discipline required to obtain knowledge and so presupposes a concern for moral and religious instruction. The “scoffer” has no such concern because he thinks he knows everything. “In vain” is literally “but there is none,” that is, there is no wisdom for that kind of person. Bible en français courant translates “Does the arrogant person force himself to acquire good sense? It is futile.” Contemporary English Version translates “scoffer” as a verb phrase: “Make fun of wisdom, and you will never find it.” See Good News Translation.

“But knowledge is easy for a man of understanding”: See 1.4 for “knowledge”. “Is easy” renders a form of the verb meaning “to be swift” or “to do something quickly or with little effort.” “A man of understanding”, used for the first time in 1.5, refers to an intelligent, discerning person and contrasts with the “scoffer”. We may render this line, for example, “but if you are intelligent, you will learn quickly.”

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 .