Verses 15-16 continue the theme of verse 12 and speak of the unfortunate results brought about by wicked rulers.

“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear”: Revised Standard Version translates this verse as a simile, but in Hebrew it is a metaphor. For “lion” see 19.12, and for “bear” see 17.12. Where these animals are unknown, it may be possible to substitute other local wild animals that are fierce. If that is not possible, we may say, for example, “Like a fierce animal that is charging. . ..” “Charging” means “rushing to attack,” but some versions render the Hebrew as “prowling” (Good News Translation, Revised English Bible) in the sense of “hunting for food” (Contemporary English Version).

“Is a wicked ruler over a poor people”: For “ruler” see 23.1. “Over a poor people” means “who is oppressing, mistreating the poor people.” In this context “poor” may have the sense of being “powerless” (New Jerusalem Bible) or “helpless” (Revised English Bible) to resist what the wicked ruler is doing. It may be best to reverse the lines of this saying; for example, “A wicked ruler who oppresses poor people is worse than a fierce, charging animal.” See Good News 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 .