22:10
In this proverb, the first line consists of a command followed by the result of obeying that command. The second line gives additional, parallel results.
10a Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart ;
10b
even quarreling and insults will cease.
22:10a
Drive out the mocker: This clause is a command to expel or banish a mocker from the group or community to which he belongs. It is implied that the mocker has been causing strife. Some other ways to translate this clause are:
Expel the scoffer (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
Throw out the mocker (New Living Translation (2004))
mocker: The word mocker last occurred in 21:24a.
and conflict will depart: When the mocker is gone, the strife will stop. The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as conflict probably refers to misunderstandings, conflicts, or quarrels. Some other ways to translate this clause are:
and there will be no more misunderstandings
-or-
quarrels will stop
22:10b
even quarreling and insults will cease: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as quarreling usually has a legal connotation. It may refer specifically here to lawsuits. For example:
law-suits…die down (New Jerusalem Bible)
It may also refer more generally to quarrels or arguments. Most scholars and versions prefer the more general meaning, but you may translate either way. If your language does not use different general words for quarreling and “conflict” (22:10a), you may use a specific word such as “lawsuit.”
insults: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as insults is also translated as “shame” or “disgrace.” It refers here to the kind of verbal abuse that often occurs in a quarrel. Insults of this nature shame or dishonor other people.
Some other ways to translate this clause are:
quarreling and abuse will cease (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Quarrels and insults will disappear. (New Living Translation (2004))
General Comment on 22:10a–b
In some languages, it may be more natural to combine the parallel verbs “drive out” and “will cease” and to list the three results together. For example:
Get rid of the one who makes fun of wisdom. Then fighting, quarrels, and insults will stop. (New Century Version)
-or-
Get rid of a conceited person, and then there will be no more arguments, quarreling, or name-calling. (Good News Translation)
In some languages, it may also be more natural to change the command in the first line to an “if” clause. For example:
If you drive out a mocker, there will be no more fighting, quarreling, or insults.
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