7:4

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

4a
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”

4b and call understanding your kinsman,

7:4a–b

Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman: The first clause uses a direct quote. The second clause uses an indirect quote. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

• Change the first clause to an indirect quote. For example:

Call wisdom your sister.

• Change the second clause to a direct quote:

Say to understanding, ‘You are my kinsman.’

This verse contains personification. wisdom and understanding are spoken of figuratively as if they were people. Both clauses mean that the young man should relate to wisdom and understanding in the same way that he would relate to a close friend. In languages that do not use personification in this way, other ways to translate this verse are:

4a Treat wisdom as a sister, 4b and make understanding your closest friend. (New Century Version)
-or-
4a Love wisdom like a sister; 4b make insight a beloved member of your family. (New Living Translation (2004))

For more information on the personification of wisdom, see the note at 1:20a–b.

wisdom…understanding: For more information on these words, see wisdom and understanding (insight) in the Glossary.

7:4a

sister: The word translated here as sister is a term of endearment for a girlfriend or wife. In this context, it expresses intimacy and affection. In languages that need to specify older or younger sister, “older sister” would probably be the better choice.

7:4b

kinsman: In Hebrew, the word kinsman is used elsewhere only of Boaz in Ruth 2:1 and 3:2. Here in Proverbs, it indicates a trusted friend or relative. For example:

closest friend (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 7:4a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines. For example:

Treat/Consider wisdom and understanding as close and much loved friends.

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