Verses 29-31 form the sixth numerical saying in this collection.

In this sequence of four items we again find that the first three refer to the natural world, describing creatures that have a proud way of standing and moving. We also find here that the fourth item, which refers to a proud human person, is the climax and focus of the saying.

“Three things are stately in their tread”: “Stately in their tread” renders a Hebrew expression that is literally “being pleasing of step.” The sense is that all of the things are impressive in the way they walk. This is expressed in different ways in English: “stately in their stride” (New International Version, Revised English Bible), “impressive to watch as they walk” (Good News Translation), and “which stride proudly” (Scott).

“Four are stately in their stride”: The Hebrew expression uses the same verb form and is very similar in meaning to the previous line. It is literally “being pleasing of walking.” Both Contemporary English Version and Good News Translation (see above) combine the two lines.

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 .