wisdom ("head wisdom")

In the Tzeltal translation for the dialectal variant of Highland Tzeltal (Biblia Tzeltal yu’un Oxchuc soc Tenejapa, 2001) the translation team used three different words to translate the Hebrew term that is translated as “wisdom” in English. For the verses referenced here, it uses p’ijil jol or “head wisdom.”

For the complete story and more background, please see wisdom (Proverbs).

Translation commentary on Proverbs 14:24

“The crown of the wise is their wisdom”: Interpreters have modified the Hebrew in various ways to get a satisfactory sense from this line. The line is literally “The crown of the wise is wealth.” As the Revised Standard Version footnote shows, its translation follows the Septuagint. However, the Hebrew text is rated as “B” by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project, which recommends “their wealth” in place of “their wisdom”. In 3.16 and 8.18 wealth is one of the rewards granted by wisdom to her followers. In 22.4 wealth is one of the rewards for fearing the Lord. “Crown” is used in 12.4 as a symbol of respect or honor; see also 16.31 and 17.6. The Hebrew text of this line is to be understood as meaning that riches are the reward granted to the wise. Note Good News Translation.

“But folly is the garland of fools”: The Hebrew of this line is literally “the folly of fools is folly.” Nearly all commentators change the first occurrence of “folly” to give a word meaning “wreath” or “garland”. In 4.9 the words for “crown” and “garland” occur in parallel. See 1.9 for the translation of “garland”. In this case Hebrew Old Testament Text Project supports the choice of Revised Standard Version. However, a “garland” for the fool is contrary to the association of “garland” in its previous uses, where it is an adornment given to someone who embraces wisdom. Good News Translation, which says the Hebrew is unclear, changes the Hebrew to “fools are known by their foolishness.” Contemporary English Version, which also does not follow the Septuagint, says “Wisdom can make you rich, but foolishness leads to more foolishness.”

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 .