In verse 5 Revised Standard Version, but not New Revised Standard Version, has reversed the order of the Hebrew lines to obtain more clarity of thought. The Handbook normally follows the order of Revised Standard Version, but in this case follows the Hebrew order.

“Get wisdom; get insight”: The repetition emphasizes the importance the speaker attaches to these two qualities. It is not necessary to repeat the verb, unless that will give the sense of urgency in the line. We may say, for example, “Get wisdom and insight” or “Obtain wisdom and understanding.” In some languages this line will require other verbs, for example, “Learn to be wise and learn to understand.” If “understand” requires an object, it may be possible to say, for example, “and understand what I teach you.”

“Do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth”: This line reinforces what is said in the second line of verse 2. “Turn away from” means to abandon or give up. “The words of my mouth” is a figurative way of saying “What I have taught you” or “my instructions.”

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 .