“He who is steadfast in righteousness will live”: The first word of this line in the Hebrew text may be understood as introducing a consequence. In this context it is an adjective meaning “steadfast” that is derived from a verb meaning “to be firm.” To be “steadfast in righteousness” means to do the right thing, to decide to live an honest and upright life, or to determine to act justly. New Revised Standard Version avoids the Revised Standard Version “He who” and says “whoever is.” “Will live” continues the commonly expressed thought throughout the book of Proverbs that right living leads to a long and happy life. Here it contrasts with “die” in the second line.

“But he who pursues evil will die”: “Pursues” does not mean to chase or run after but is used generally in the sense of “follow in the way of” or “do the things evil people do.” “Die” means to come to the end of life, to cease to exist, and is not used here in a figurative sense.

For the whole verse Bible en français courant says “Whoever decides to be just will live, but the one who chooses evil will die.”

We may also say, for example, “If you will be firm in doing what is right, you will have a long life, but if you follow evil ways you will not live.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .