“When a land transgresses it has many rulers”: In this context “a land” refers to a nation or the people of a nation. Some interpreters understand “transgresses” in this line to refer to sin against God. However, in this context it most likely refers to rebellion or revolt, as in 1 Kgs 12.19 where “Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David. . ..” Contemporary English Version says “In time of civil war. . .,” Scott “When a land is in revolt. . ..” Having “many rulers” who are pitted against each other is a common situation in a country in rebellion. “Rulers” are people who are leaders or who have authority in a community, not necessarily kings or members of a royal family.

“But with men of understanding and knowledge its stability will long endure”: This line is more or less literally “but by an intelligent instructed man what is right lasts long,” and most interpreters find it difficult to understand. The Septuagint provides a verse that is quite different here. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project rates the Hebrew text as “C,” and its recommended translation is nearly the same as Revised Standard Version. “Men of understanding and knowledge” may have the sense of “wise rulers,” or “capable leaders.” See also 1.5. “Its stability” refers to the stability of the nation, that is, its steadiness or firmness in form and purpose. Good News Translation “a nation will be strong and endure” is a good translation of “its stability will long continue”, and Good News Translation gives a good model translation of this difficult verse.

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 .