8:33

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

33a
Listen to instruction and be wise;

33b
do not ignore it.

8:33a–b

Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it: The parallel commands Listen and do not ignore function together to emphasize the importance of paying careful attention to Wisdom’s teaching/advice. The word it refers back to Wisdom’s instruction.

and be wise: The same command is found in 6:6b where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “become wise.” In this particular sequence of two commands, the second command expresses result or consequence: being or becoming wise is the result of listening to Wisdom’s instruction. Other ways to express this relationship are:

so that you may be wise (NET Bible)
-or-
and you will be wise (New Century Version)

General Comment on 8:33a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel commands. For example:

Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise. (Contemporary English Version)

However, in many languages, using both a positive and a negative command will have more impact than using a single command as the Contemporary English Version has done.

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