22:20

In Hebrew and in the Berean Standard Bible, verses 22:20–21 are a single sentence. This first verse describes the number and nature of the sayings that follow.

20a Have I not written for you thirty sayings

20b about counsel and knowledge,

22:20a

Have I not written for you thirty sayings: There are different ways to interpret the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as thirty sayings. The meaning of the word thirty is uncertain, and the word sayings does not occur here in the Hebrew text.

(1) This phrase means “thirty sayings.” It refers to the “words of the wise” that were introduced in 22:17a. For example:

thirty sayings (Revised English Bible)

(2) This phrase means “thirty chapters.” For example:

thirty chapters (New Jerusalem Bible)

(3) This phrase means “excellent things.” For example:

excellent things (New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions and commentaries.

Verse 20:20a is the first part of a rhetorical question that continues through 20:21b. This rhetorical question implies the answer “yes.” It affirms that the author has indeed written the thirty sayings that he will teach in the rest of this section. Some ways to translate this rhetorical question are:

• Use a different rhetorical question. For example:

Is it not true that I have written thirty sayings for your benefit?

• Use a statement. For example:

Here I have written out for you thirty sayings (Revised English Bible)

thirty sayings: Many languages will not have a plural noun such as sayings that can be used with a number. Some other ways to translate this idea in other languages are:

thirty teachings/advices
-or-
thirty topics of advice
-or-
thirty things that can be taught

22:20b

about counsel and knowledge: This phrase describes the content of the sayings. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

filled with advice and knowledge (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
They contain knowledge and good advice (Good News Translation)
-or-
which give knowledge and good advice (New Century Version)

In some languages, the word knowledge will need to be translated as a verb phrase. For example:

what people know
-or-
what wise people have learned

Moreover, it probably overlaps in meaning with the word counsel and with the phrase “true and reliable words” in 22:21. In such cases, consider leaving this word implied here in 22:20b or use a phrase such as:

wise counsel (Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures)
-or-
what I have advised you is good/accurate

General Comment on 22:20a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder some of the ideas in these two lines. For example:

I am now going to tell you about thirty things/topics that ⌊wise people⌋ know. These things will advise you ⌊how to live properly/wisely⌋ .

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