SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 2020 – Page 91

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 8:11

8:11

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

11a For wisdom is more precious than rubies,

11b and nothing you desire compares with her.

8:11a–b

For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her: This verse gives the basis for the exhortation given in 8:10. It gives the reason why a person should prefer being wise to being wealthy. The reason is that having wisdom is better than owning valuable jewels such as rubies or anything else that a person might desire. This verse is almost identical in meaning to 3:15.

This verse is part of Wisdom’s speech that began in 8:4 and continues in 8:12. In some languages, it may be confusing or unnatural for the speaker (Wisdom) to switch from “I” to “she” when referring to herself. If that is true in your language, you may want to continue using first person pronouns when referring to Wisdom, as the Good News Translation has done:

…I am better than jewels; nothing you want can compare with me. (Good News Translation)

See also the third meaning lines in the Display for 8:11a and 8:11b.

8:11a

more precious than rubies: The phrase more precious than is literally “better than,” as in the Good News Translation. The Berean Standard Bible interprets “better” to mean more precious or “more valuable” (New Living Translation (2004)) because of the comparison of wisdom to rubies, which are known to be valuable jewels. For the word translated as rubies, see the note on 3:15a.

8:11b

and nothing you desire compares with her: In Hebrew, the phrase nothing you desire is more literally “no delight.” The pronoun you does not occur. Here are some ways to translate this line without addressing the reader directly:

and desirable things cannot be compared to her (NET Bible)
-or-
and nothing that a person wants ⌊to have⌋ can compare with her

© 2012, 2016, 2020 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 9:7

Paragraph 9:7–12

In this paragraph, the author or teacher contrasts the different ways in which a wise person and a mocker respond to advice. He also emphasizes that it is important to fear the LORD in order to become wise.

In Hebrew, the “you” pronouns used in this paragraph are singular. The Display will also use you(sing). You may use whatever forms are natural in your language.

9:7

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

7a
He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself ;

7b
he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

9:7a–b

corrects…rebukes: The Hebrew verb yasar, which the Berean Standard Bible translates here as corrects, comes from the same root as musar “moral instruction.” It means to try to change or improve someone else’s behavior by instructing, scolding, or disciplining him. The word translated as rebukes means “reprimand” (Good News Translation) or “scolds.” The same verb is also used in the two lines of 9:8.

a mocker…a wicked man: Although a mocker is also “conceited” (Good News Translation) and a “bragger” (Contemporary English Version), the word refers mainly to someone who scorns or makes fun of someone or something. The Hebrew text does not specify who or what a mocker mocks. If it is necessary to make this explicit in your language, see the suggestions in the note on 1:22b. The word wicked is a general word that describes anyone who is evil.

brings shame on himself…taints himself: The phrase translated as brings shame on himself means “to procure/get” insult for oneself. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

earn abuse (Revised English Bible)
-or-
receives abuse (God’s Word)
-or-
you will only be insulted (Good News Translation)

The word shame also means “dishonor” or “contempt.” These words all refer to verbal insult or abuse of some kind. The parallel word taints probably includes the idea of physical harm as well as verbal abuse. For example:

gets hurt (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
incurs injury (English Standard Version)

The meaning of the whole verse is expressed well by the New Century Version:

If you correct someone who makes fun of wisdom, you will be insulted. If you correct an evil person, you will get hurt. (New Century Version)

Notice that both lines express a consequence. Being insulted and harmed is the consequence of correcting someone.

General Comment on 9:7a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel parts. This will avoid the implication that correcting a mocker will have a different result from rebuking a wicked person. For example:

If you correct or rebuke an evil person who makes fun of wisdom, you will only be insulted and injured.

See also 9:7a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 10:21

10:21

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

21a
The lips of the righteous feed many,

21b but fools die for lack of judgment.

The parallelism is not exact. The verse contrasts the benefits of a righteous person’s words with the deadly result of being too foolish to respond to good advice.

10:21a

The lips of the righteous feed many: The phrase The lips of the righteous has the same meaning as “the tongue of the righteous” in 10:20a. The verb feed is frequently used of shepherds who feed or care for their sheep. Here it is used figuratively to mean “benefit.” Another way to translate the meaning of this line is:

The words of a righteous person benefit many people.

10:21b

but fools die for lack of judgment: In contrast to righteous people, whose words benefit others, fools are people who reject instruction. Because of this lack of good sense, they will die. It is implied that they will die prematurely. Another way to translate this line is:

but stubborn fools die because they have no sense (God’s Word)

for more information on these words.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 11:21

11:21

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

21a Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished,

21b but the offspring of the righteous will escape.

11:21a–b

will not go unpunished…will escape: Both of these phrases probably have a legal sense here. When the wicked and the righteous are judged, the wicked will receive a verdict of guilty and will be sentenced to punishment. The righteous will be declared innocent, so they will escape punishment.

The implied judge of both wicked and righteous people is the LORD. In some languages, it may be necessary to make this explicit. For example:

The LORD will indeed punish wicked people, but he will declare that righteous people are innocent.

11:21a

Be assured that: This phrase emphasizes the truth of the following statement. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

Depend upon it (Revised English Bible)
-or-
You can be sure that (Good News Translation)

will not go unpunished: The double negative will not go un punished may be expressed as a simple negative. For example:

will not escape punishment (Revised English Bible)

It may also be translated as a positive statement. For example:

will be punished (Good News Translation)

Some scholars identify the double negative as a figure of speech that emphasizes the opposite meaning. So if you translate this expression with a positive statement, it may be more accurate to add positive emphasis. For example:

will certainly be punished (NET Bible)

Be careful that this emphasis is not redundant in light of the initial phrase “Be sure of this.”

11:21b

but the offspring of the righteous: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “the seed of the righteous.” There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) It refers to the offspring or descendants of the righteous. For example:

the descendants of righteous people (God’s Word)

(2) It refers to righteous people as a class or group of people having the same quality. For example:

those who are righteous (New Revised Standard Version)

You may follow either interpretation. Both are well supported by versions and scholars. It is suggested that you put the other interpretation in a footnote. Interpretation (1) is used in the Display for the following reasons:

(a) When referring to people, “offspring/descendants” is by far the most frequent meaning of “seed.”

(b) Throughout Proverbs, the author uses the word “righteous” to refer to righteous people as a group or class. Since this is the only time in Proverbs where he uses the word “seed,” one would expect it to have a significant meaning.

The phrase “seed of the righteous” does not exclude the righteous themselves. It is implied that the righteous will go free along with their descendants. For example:

the righteous and all their offspring (Revised English Bible)

will escape: In Hebrew, this verb is literally “will be delivered.” It is implied that righteous people will escape from the judgment or punishment that the LORD will give to the wicked. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

will go free (New International Version)
-or-
will come to no harm (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
will not suffer unjust judgment (NET Bible)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 12:22

12:22

Note the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

22a
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD,

22b but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

12:22a

Lying lips are detestable to the LORD: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as detestable to the LORD is literally “an abomination of the LORD.” (See the note on 11:1a.) Lying lips is a figure of speech (synecdoche). It represents the person who tells lies. Another way to translate this clause is:

The Lord detests a liar (Revised English Bible)

12:22b

but those who deal faithfully are His delight: This clause means that the LORD is pleased with people who deal faithfully.

those who deal faithfully: The words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as those who deal faithfully are literally “doers of truth/truthfulness.” The contrast with “lying lips” in 12:22a may imply that this expression refers mainly to truthful or reliable speech. For example:

but is pleased with those who keep their promises (New Century Version)

But the word “doers” probably implies that people show they are honest and reliable by their actions as well as their words. This meaning may be expressed as follows:

but those who deal truthfully are his delight (NET Bible)
-or-
but those who act faithfully are his delight (New Revised Standard Version)

You may translate either way, but if possible, use an expression that can refer to either words or actions.

delight: For the meaning of this word, see the notes on 10:32a (where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “what is fitting”) and 11:1b (where the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “delight”).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 14:1

14:1

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

1a
Every wise woman builds her house,

1b but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

14:1a–b

builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands: Compare 9:1, where the action of building a house is described in literal terms. Here in 14:1, the two women probably do not build or tear down a literal house. Instead, they strengthen or destroy the well-being of their families.

The wise woman in 14:1a strengthens or adds to the well-being, harmony, or stability of her household/family. By contrast, the foolish woman in 14:1b destroys the well-being of her family by her own efforts or her own foolishness. Here is one way to express the figurative meaning of this verse:

1a A wise woman strengthens her family,

1b but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does. (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 14:33

14:33

The New Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 14:33b because it follows the textual recommendation. Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

33a Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning,

33b but it is not known in the heart of fools.

14:33a

Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning: In this clause, Wisdom is personified. It is described as someone who feels at home in the heart/mind of a discerning person. For more information on “heart/mind,” see the note on 10:20b.

If personification is not natural in your language, some other ways to translate this are:

• Change the implied metaphor of wisdom residing in a person’s heart to a simile. For example:

The mind/heart of a sensible/intelligent person is like a house where wisdom always resides

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

Wisdom is in every thought of intelligent people (Good News Translation)

rests: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rests means to settle down or feel at home in a particular place. Other ways to translate this word are:

reposes (New International Version)
-or-
resides (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
is at home (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
finds rest (God’s Word)

the discerning: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the discerning refers to someone who is perceptive, intelligent or sensible. Such a person has the ability to understand ideas and is able to distinguish right from wrong.

14:33b

(New Revised Standard Version) but it is not known in the heart of fools: There are two main textual differences in this line:

(1) The LXX and Syriac have: “but it is not known among (or: in the heart of) fools.” This means that fools are not wise. For example:

she is not to be found in the hearts of fools (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
fools know nothing about wisdom (Good News Translation)

(2) The Masoretic Text (MT) has: “and it is known among (or: in the heart of) fools.” This seems to mean that fools are wise. But this meaning would contradict the teaching of other verses in Proverbs. So most versions that follow the MT interpret it to mean that wisdom makes herself known even to fools. For example:

and even fools recognize it (New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1). There are several reasons:

(a) This option does not require the addition of the word “even.”

(b) It also follows the normal usage of “is known” (experientially).

fools:

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 15:30

15:30

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

30a
The light of the eyes cheers the heart,

30b and good news nourishes the bones.

The underlined parallel parts have different meanings, but they are both associated with a person who brings a good report. Both also have good effects on the listener.

15:30a

The light of the eyes cheers the heart: In Hebrew, the phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as The light of the eyes probably refers to a cheerful expression on someone’s face. When a person smiles cheerfully, it makes another person happy. Another way to translate this line is:

A friendly smile makes you happy (Contemporary English Version)

15:30b

and good news nourishes the bones: The parallelism implies that the person with a cheerful face is the same person who reports good news. When a messenger smiles cheerfully and tells good news, it makes his listeners happy. It also has a positive effect on their health and well-being.

nourishes the bones: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “makes fat the bones.” This is a figure of speech that refers to the beneficial effects of good news on a person’s health. It refers mainly to physical health but also to general well-being.

Some other ways to translate this line are:

good news gives health to the body (NET Bible)
-or-
good news makes you feel better (Good News Translation)

General Comment on 15:30a–b

In some languages, the parallel lines may wrongly imply that a cheerful look has different effects from good news. One way to avoid this wrong meaning is to reorder the parallel parts. See 15:30a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 2020

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 8:11

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 9:7

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 10:21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 11:21

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 12:22

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 14:1

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 14:33

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 15:30

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

American Bible Society