This verse is built on the pattern of sayings found throughout chapters 1–9. This is the only use of irony in Proverbs, if that is really what it is. Irony is saying the opposite of what is intended.

“Cease, my son, to hear instruction”: Here the father commands his son “to stop listening to instruction” in order to point to the unfortunate consequences that will follow. For “hear instruction” refer to 8.33. Good News Translation, which uses a time clause followed by a result clause, does not treat this line as irony. This reflects the Septuagint, which changes this line into a statement “A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father. . ..”

“Only to stray from the words of knowledge”: If the first line is understood as a command, and therefore ironical, the second line may carry the thought forward with the same irony; for example, “so that you may stray” or “in order to stray.” “Stray” means to “leave,” “depart,” or “abandon.” “Words of knowledge” is equivalent to wisdom, knowledge or instruction. Revised English Bible, which does not use the command in line 1, translates “A son who ceases to accept correction is sure to turn his back on the teachings of knowledge.” 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 .