12:26

The Good News Translation has been used as the source line for 12:26a because it follows the recommended interpretation. Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

26a
The righteous person is a guide to his friend, (Good News Translation)

26b but the ways of the wicked lead them astray. (Berean Standard Bible)

12:26a

(Good News Translation) The righteous person is a guide to his friend: This clause has both textual and interpretation issues. The notes will discuss both kinds of issues together. There are at least four ways to understand the Hebrew verb that the Good News Translation translates as is a guide to. There are also at least two ways to understand the phrase that the Good News Translation translates as his friend :

(1) One way to interpret the Masoretic Text is: “The righteous guides his friend.” For example:

The upright shows the way to a friend (New Jerusalem Bible)

(2) Another way to interpret the Masoretic Text is: “The righteous seeks/explores (or “spies out”) his friend.” This may mean that a righteous person carefully examines someone before choosing him as a friend. For example:

The righteous person is cautious in his friendship (NET Bible)

(3) Some scholars think that the original Hebrew text had: “The righteous turns away from evil/harm.” For example:

A righteous man turns away from evil (Revised Standard Version)

(4) Other scholars think that the original Hebrew had: “The righteous is released from evil/harm.” For example:

The righteous are freed from evil (Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions. This interpretation does not require a different original text as interpretations (3) and (4) do. Interpretation (1) also fits the context of 12:24a well. Verse 12:24b talks about evil conduct that leads a person astray (in the wrong direction). The idea of guiding a friend (in the right direction) provides a good contrast to that.

(Good News Translation) his friend: The Hebrew word that the Good News Translation translates as friend can refer to anyone with whom one interacts. It can include a close friend or someone who is only an acquaintance. Here it probably refers to a close friend or associate. See the note on 3:28a–b, where the Berean Standard Bible translates this same term as “neighbor.”

12:26b

but the ways of the wicked lead them astray: The familiar metaphor of ways refers to the conduct of wicked people. Their wicked way of life causes them to go astray. There are two ways to interpret the referent of them :

(1) The word them refers to the wicked. Their own evil conduct leads them astray. For example:

but the way of the wicked leads them astray (New International Version)

(2) The word them refers to the friends of the righteous whom the wicked lead astray. For example:

but the path of wicked people leads others astray (God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions. In Hebrew, the words translated as “righteous” and “friend” are both singular, but wicked is plural, so the word them would more naturally refer to the wicked.

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