10:9

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

9a
He who walks in integrity walks securely,

9b but he who perverts his ways will be found out.

See the Section 4:10–19 summary for more information about the metaphor of walking on a path. Similar metaphors are used frequently in Proverbs.

10:9a

He who walks in integrity: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “whoever walks in blamelessness.” The word “blamelessness” has the underlying meaning of completeness or perfection. It refers to consistent, flawless, moral goodness. This phrase is almost identical to the one found in 2:7b. See the note there.

walks securely: This phrase indicates that the LORD protects a person who lives a blameless life so that he has nothing to fear.

Notice that in Hebrew a form of the word “walk” occurs in both phrases of this line. This repetition adds emphasis and makes the proverb easier to remember. Some English versions have kept this repetition. For example:

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
He who lives blamelessly lives safely (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)

You will have to decide if it is effective to use repetition like this in your language.

10:9b

but he who perverts his ways: In Hebrew, this clause is literally “but the one who makes crooked his ways.” It refers to a person who deliberately deceives other people or behaves dishonestly. You are encouraged to keep the “paths/ways” metaphor if possible. If it is not possible, you may translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

if you are dishonest (Contemporary English Version)

will be found out: This phrase indicates that his deceitfulness will become known, perhaps by his fellow men, but especially by the LORD. It is implied that he will then be punished. Some English versions have used the verb “caught.” This word implies future judgment or punishment. For example:

but the dishonest will be caught (Good News Translation)

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