“Then you will walk on your way securely”: “Then” marks verse 23 as a further consequence of possessing wisdom. “Walk . . . securely” (and “stumble” in the next line) may be used figuratively to represent living with assurance (and failing to do so). However, in the light of verse 24, it probably is best to take these verbs as referring to going about the daily business of life. “Walk on your way” is equivalent to “go on your way” or “go about your life.” Bible en français courant has “Go forward with assurance.” “Securely” means safely, without threat or danger.

“Your foot will not stumble”: This line repeats and strengthens the idea expressed in the first line. “Stumble” means to trip while walking or running. The word is often used figuratively of making a moral false step or doing wrong. The literal expression is “strike your foot.” This expression is also found in Psa 91.12, with the addition “against a stone.” In that passage the guidance is given by angels. Here it is given by wisdom. Some translations render this line simply “and you will not fall over.”

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 .