“Buy truth, and do not sell it”: Some commentators feel that this verse does not belong here, and suggest moving it to some other place. It is absent from the text of the Septuagint, but there is no sign of any problem in the Hebrew text as we have it. And the theme of gaining wisdom and other good qualities is linked with obeying and learning from parents in other parts of Proverbs. The first verb “Buy” has the more general meaning of “get” or “acquire”; it is only because of the second verb “sell” that it is rendered “Buy”. But the verb “sell” has a figurative meaning, since truth and the other nouns in the second line cannot really be bought or sold. The sense of the line, in plain terms, is something like “Get truth, and do not part with it.” An example of a translation in a language that is unable to use “buy” and “sell” figuratively is “Try hard to get understanding of what is true and of good thinking and of all kinds of wisdom. Don’t throw away these good things.” For “truth” see 8.7.

“Buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding”: There is no verb in the Hebrew of this line. Some versions combine the two lines and translate “Buy truth, and do not sell wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Scott) or “Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don’t part with them” (Contemporary English Version). Bible en français courant adjusts the two lines of the verse by saying “Learn to be truthful, thoughtful, disciplined, and intelligent. When you have acquired these qualities, don’t waste them.” Most, however, follow Revised Standard Version in repeating the verb “buy” or “get” from the first line. Refer to 1.2 for “wisdom”, “instruction”, and “understanding”.

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 .