3:16

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. They form a chiasm. The parts in 3:16a occur in the opposite order from the parallel parts in 3:16b.

16a
Long life is in her right hand ;

16b
in her left hand are riches and honor.

If a chiasm is not natural in your language, you may need to reorder the parallel parts. For example:

16a
Long life is in her right hand ;

16b
riches and honor are in her left hand.

3:16a–b

Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor: This verse describes the benefits that a person gains by being wise. The verse uses personification. It describes wisdom as a woman. She hands out gifts with both hands to her followers.

In some cultures it is considered offensive to extend the left hand toward someone. If this is true in your culture, you may want to leave the mention of a particular hand implied. For example:

Wisdom offers you a long life. She hands/gives you riches and honor.

If personification is not meaningful in your language, you may need to translate the meaning without using this figure of speech. See the second meaning lines in the Display for 3:16a and 3:16b. For more information on personification, see the note on 1:20a–b.

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