3:23

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

23a Then you will go on your way in safety,

23b and your foot will not stumble.

3:23a–b

Then: This verse expresses additional results of obeying the commands in 3:21. In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit a word such as “also” to make clear that these are additional results in a series of results.

you will go on your way in safety…your foot will not stumble: These parallel metaphors compare life to a journey in which a person’s wisdom protects him from harm. The first line refers to protection in general. The second line is more literally “strike your foot.” It refers to protection from even a minor accident, such as stubbing one’s toe against something on the path. In the second line, the phrase your foot represents the whole person. For example:

You can go safely on your way and never even stumble. (Good News Translation)

The New Century Version translates the meaning of the second line without the figure of speech:

…and you will not get hurt. (New Century Version)

This may be an option for languages in which the figure of stumbling is understood only literally.

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