“And now”: This is not a reference to time but a transition to the conclusion. Some translations indicate that this is a continuation of Wisdom’s speech by words like “And Wisdom went on to say this. . ..”

“My sons, listen to me”: “My sons” is strange in that Wisdom nowhere else addresses people in this way. “My sons” is one of the forms of address used by the teacher of wisdom. See also 5.7 and 7.24. Although the form is odd in this context, it is in the text and must be translated. In a number of languages something like Good News Translation “young people” will be appropriate. “Listen to me” is also a common expression of the teacher. See 5.7; 7.24.

“Happy are those who keep my ways”: “Happy” is the same as in 3.13. See comments there. “Keep my ways” is the equivalent of “keep my words” as in 7.1, meaning “do what I say,” “obey my teachings,” or “follow in my paths.” The “way” of wisdom is, according to verse 20, “righteousness,” that is, fairness, justice, doing what is right. The whole line may also be translated as a conditional sentence: “If you do what I tell you, you will be happy.”

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 .