Verses 32-33 serve as the conclusion to chapter 1 and are in the form of a general rule.

“The simple are killed by their turning away”: “The simple” are those referred to in verse 22 who love ignorance. “Turning away” refers to turning way from or refusing instruction in right living. Their refusal to listen to instruction causes their death.

“Complacence” renders a word that means here to be at ease by neglecting or ignoring what should be done. “Fools” translates the same word used in verse 22. This line is translated by Contemporary English Version as “self satisfaction brings destruction to . . . fools,” and by Good News Translation as “Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern.” We may also say, for example, “Indifference destroys foolish people” or “Paying no attention to what should be done destroys fools.”

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 .