16:20
Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
20a
Whoever heeds instruction will find success,
20b and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
The Berean Standard Bible has arranged the parallel parts in 16:20b in the opposite order, so the two lines form a chiasm. In Hebrew, there is no chiasm. The order of 16:20b in Hebrew is:
20b and he who trusts in the LORD is blessed.
You may use whatever order is natural in your language.
This proverb describes a person who pays attention to wise teaching and trusts in the LORD. Such a person benefits in two ways:
(a) He will succeed in what he does.
(b) He will also be happy.
16:20a
Whoever heeds: The Hebrew word maśkil, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as Whoever heeds, probably refers here to a person who has the ability to carefully evaluate wise advice. It is implied that such a person will heed this advice.
instruction: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as instruction can mean “word,” “thing,” or “matter.” Here the most likely meaning is a “word” of wisdom or advice. This refers to advice or teaching that comes from the LORD or from the wise teacher. It is recommended that you leave the source of the instruction ambiguous, as most English versions have done.
will find success: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will find success is literally “finds good.” Here it probably means to prosper or to be successful.
Some ways to translate this line are:
Whoever listens to what is taught will succeed (New Century Version)
-or-
Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful (Good News Translation)
16:20b
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD: For the word translated here as blessed, see the note on 14:21b. The meaning here is probably “happy,” as in Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.
General Comment on 16:20a–b
The two lines of this verse are similar in meaning. No contrast is intended between someone who “heeds instruction” and someone who “trusts in the LORD.” Both phrases refer to the same person. In some languages, it may be clearer to reorder the parallel parts in order to express this meaning. For example:
A person who heeds good advice trusts the LORD. This kind of person will be happy and successful.
See 16:20a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.
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