These two verses illustrate the theme given in verse 23. They contrast the action of the prejudiced judge, and what people think of that action, with the action of the judge who does what he should, and what people think of him.

“He who says to the wicked, “You are innocent””: The key Hebrew terms in this line are “the wicked” and “innocent”, or “wicked” and “righteous.” In the setting of the law court, the appropriate terms in English are “guilty” and “innocent.” “Says” may refer to the judge’s verdict, in which case we may say “who pronounces the guilty innocent” (Revised English Bible, and see Good News Translation). Contemporary English Version expresses the sense with “let the guilty go free.”

“Will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations”: For “will be cursed”, see “curse” in 11.26. “Peoples” and “nations” are large groups of people. The term rendered “abhorred” is similar in meaning to “curse”; the active form means “express indignation” or “denounce.” Some versions express the line with active verbs: “peoples will curse him and nations denounce him” (New International Version). Good News Translation combines “peoples” and “nations”: “they will be cursed and hated by everyone.”

“But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight”: In the setting of the law court, the term “rebuke” is better rendered “convict” (New International Version, Revised English Bible) or “punish” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). “The wicked” is not present in the Hebrew of this line but is understood from the first line of verse 25. “Will have delight” is literally “to them will be delight”; Good News Translation renders this as “will be prosperous,” others “it will go well with. . .” (New International Version, Revised English Bible). In one Pacific language this is rendered “his life will go ahead well.”

“And a good blessing will be upon them”: Good News Translation regards “blessing” as referring to what people say about the good judge, and translates this expression as “enjoy a good reputation.” Most others take “a good blessing” (literally “blessing of good”) to mean prosperity, and translate “rich blessing will come upon them” (New International Version) or “they will be blessed with prosperity” (Revised English Bible). In some languages “a good blessing” is expressed simply as “a blessing” since “good” is contained within the sense of “blessing”.

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 .