Paragraph 2:9–11

Some versions such as the Berean Standard Bible start a new paragraph at 2:9 to indicate the second result of desiring wisdom. You will need to decide whether it is better in your language to start a new paragraph here or to continue the same paragraph, as in the Revised Standard Version and New Jerusalem Bible.

2:9

Then: The word Then introduces the second result of the conditions given in 2:1–4 (the first result was given in 2:5). The Good News Translation makes this connection explicit by repeating the condition from 2:1. It has:

If you listen to me, you will know

you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path: For the words translated as righteousness and justice and equity, see the note on 1:3b. In some languages, it may be possible to express righteousness and justice and equity with one word. It may also be possible to express “fair/equitable” by a negative expression, such as “not show favoritism.”

every good path: This phrase summarizes everything that is right and just and fair. It refers to a way of life that leads a person to do what is morally good. Some ways to translate this phrase are:

You will know what you should do. (Good News Translation)
-or-
you will find the right way to go (New Living Translation (2004))

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