“He who is greedy for unjust gain makes trouble for his household”: “He who” is better expressed inclusively as “those who” or “people who.” “Greedy for unjust gain” refers to obtaining wealth wrongfully, usually through violence. Compare 1.19 where it is translated “get gain by violence.” The second line of this saying suggests the means is through bribery or extortion. “Makes trouble for his household” is similar to the expression in 11.29 and means “cause trouble for his family.” Bible en français courant says “The person who is greedy for money brings ruin upon his family.”

“But he who hates bribes will live”: “Hates” is as in 1.22. “Bribes” renders a different word than that used in 6.35 where “gifts” is used. It refers to a gift given to someone in a position of influence in order to bring about a certain result in favor of the giver. “Hates bribes” may be expressed as “does not take bribes” (see Good News Translation). “Will live” refers to living a long life as in 4.4; see Good News Translation.

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 .