“To understand a proverb and a figure”: Verse 6 picks up the term “understand” from its related noun in verse 5. “A proverb” is the singular form of the Hebrew word that is the title of the book. “Figure” translates a term whose meaning is not entirely certain. It may be related to a word meaning to “turn” or “bend.” In Gen 42.23 the word is used to refer to the interpreter Joseph used when he spoke to his brothers. In Isa 43.27 the word is used to refer to mediators, prophets, or spokesmen who spoke to the people for God. In Job 33.23 Elihu uses the term to indicate someone who mediates as an angel between God and people.

In many languages “to turn the words” is an idiomatic way of saying “interpret.” Some scholars understand this word to refer to an unclear saying that hints at or suggests something familiar. Modern versions use a variety of expressions; for example, New American Bible, Moffatt, New English Bible/Revised English Bible say “parables,” New Jerusalem Bible “obscure sayings,” and Good News Translation “hidden meanings of proverbs.” The Septuagint has “dark sayings.”

“The words of the wise”: The ancient teachers of the Wisdom school often expressed their thoughts in obscure sayings, which required the learner to figure out the sense. “Words” in this context refers not to individual words but to the teachings given by wise people or the ideas and thoughts wise people taught to others.

“And their riddles”: A “riddle” is a game of words in which a question or series of questions are asked. These questions contain obscure clues that invite the listener or reader to discover the hidden meaning. For example, “What is quiet when it is alive and talks when it is dead?”—answer: “a leaf.” “Riddles” here translates a Hebrew word that, according to Toy, comes from a verb meaning to “turn aside” and involves some kind of puzzling discourse. The term is used in Jdg 14.12-14, where Samson tells a riddle about a lion to the Philistines. In 1 Kgs 10.1 it is used in reference to the difficult questions the Queen of Sheba put to Solomon to test his wisdom. In Ezek 17.2 it is used to describe a symbolic account or parable to represent a historical event; and in Num 12.8 the Lord, punishing Aaron and Miriam for speaking against Moses, uses the term as a contrast to the clear and direct communication that the Lord used with Moses.

In some languages the term for a popular proverb may include riddles as well as folk tales and other kinds of sayings. It is not necessary that the translation express the strict sense of a “riddle,” but it is important that the term or phrase used should refer to a dark or hidden saying, that is, one that is purposefully obscure in meaning, or a discourse that challenges the listener’s understanding.

If verse 5 has been translated as a parenthesis (see above), the translation of verse 6 should retain the style of verses 2-4, showing that the proverbs of verse 1 are also for the purpose of teaching or instruction. So if the translation has used “you” in verses 2-4, it is advisable to do so also in verse 6; for example, “Also, so that you can understand the meaning of proverbs and other sayings as well as the teachings and riddles of the wise ones.”

On the other hand, if verse 5 is not regarded as a parenthesis, and verses 5 and 6 are translated as a unit separate from verses 2-4, then verse 6 should continue in the same style as verse 5.

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 .