14:33

The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 14:33b because it follows the textual recommendation. Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

33a Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning,

33b but it is not known in the heart of fools.

14:33a

Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning: In this clause, Wisdom is personified. It is described as someone who feels at home in the heart/mind of a discerning person. For more information on “heart/mind,” see the note on 10:20b.

If personification is not natural in your language, some other ways to translate this are:

• Change the implied metaphor of wisdom residing in a person’s heart to a simile. For example:

The mind/heart of a sensible/intelligent person is like a house where wisdom always resides

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

Wisdom is in every thought of intelligent people (Good News Translation)

rests: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rests means to settle down or feel at home in a particular place. Other ways to translate this word are:

reposes (New International Version)
-or-
resides (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
is at home (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
finds rest (God’s Word)

the discerning: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the discerning refers to someone who is perceptive, intelligent or sensible. Such a person has the ability to understand ideas and is able to distinguish right from wrong.

14:33b

(New Revised Standard Version) but it is not known in the heart of fools: There are two main textual differences in this line:

(1) The LXX and Syriac have: “but it is not known among (or: in the heart of) fools.” This means that fools are not wise. For example:

she is not to be found in the hearts of fools (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
fools know nothing about wisdom (Good News Translation)

(2) The Masoretic Text (MT) has: “and it is known among (or: in the heart of) fools.” This seems to mean that fools are wise. But this meaning would contradict the teaching of other verses in Proverbs. So most versions that follow the MT interpret it to mean that wisdom makes herself known even to fools. For example:

and even fools recognize it (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). There are several reasons:

(a) This option does not require the addition of the word “even.”

(b) It also follows the normal usage of “is known” (experientially).

(c) It fits the normal contrast in Proverbs between a sensible person who has wisdom and a fool who lacks wisdom.

fools:

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