This saying is a problem because of the mention of “prophecy”, which occurs nowhere else in Proverbs. Furthermore, Proverbs is a book concerned with wisdom rather than prophecy as the guide to right conduct.

“Where there is no prophecy the people cast off restraint”: Although some interpreters have suggested changing the word rendered “prophecy” to a similar word meaning “overseer” or “authority” (New English Bible/Revised English Bible), Hebrew Old Testament Text Project rates the text as “B” and understands it to mean “vision,” as do some translations. “Vision” in this context refers to the ability to discern events or the ability to foresee or anticipate the future. Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version understand the word to refer to “God’s guidance.” “Cast off restraint” translates a verb meaning “to let go” or “let loose” and in the passive form here “to lack restraint.” Such persons may be said to throw off authority and to be, as Good News Translation says, “a nation without order.”

“But blessed is he who keeps the law”: that is, “God blesses. . .” or “Happy are those. . .” (Good News Translation). For “blessed” see 3.13. “Keeps the law” (torah in Hebrew), as in 28.4, means “obeys God’s law.”

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 .