8:35

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

35a For whoever finds me finds life

35b and obtains the favor of the LORD.

The parallel parts both describe the reason why the person described in 8:34 will be happy. This reason is introduced by the word “For.”

8:35a

For whoever finds me finds life: In this context, the verbs that the Berean Standard Bible translates as finds mean “to attain,” “obtain,” or “gain.” They do not imply finding something accidentally. Some other ways to translate the phrase whoever finds me are:

whoever obtains me
-or-
whoever becomes wise

Another way to translate the phrase finds life is:

experiences ⌊a good⌋ life

life: The word life connotes here a good, long, or prosperous life. See the note on 2:19a–b.

8:35b

and obtains the favor of the LORD: The word favor also means “goodwill” or “acceptance.” Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

The Lord will be pleased with them (New Century Version)
-or-
wins approval from the Lord (New Living Translation (1996))

This favor is not only an attitude in the LORD’s mind. It implies that the LORD treats people who listen to Wisdom favorably. He shows kindness to them.

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