“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin” is literally “The foolishness of ʾadam perverts his way,” where ʾadam refers to people generally. “Perverts” means to “ruin,” “destroy in a deceitful way.” “His way” refers to the person’s life situation, his circumstances. The Revised Standard Version rendering may be better translated as, for example, “It is a person’s own foolishness that ruins his life,” “People ruin themselves. . .,” or “. . . ruin their own lives.”

“His heart rages against the Lord“: This line expresses a thought that is somewhat surprising in view of what is said in the first line. Therefore English translations often open with “yet.” “His heart rages” means “he is furious” or “. . . angry.” Scott says “he is bitter,” Moffatt “he gets angry.” See Good News Translation “blame the Lord.”

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 .