Translation commentary on Proverbs 29:17

“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest”: “Discipline your son” is the same as in 19.18. Note that Good News Translation has “children.” “Give you rest” is a positive way of saying, for example, “they will not cause you worry,” as the undisciplined child in verse 15 does.

“He will give delight to your heart”: The word translated “delight” most often refers to rich, tasty food, but is used here metaphorically. It may be understood as “the delights you desire” (Revised English Bible). “Your heart” is literally “your soul,” which may mean “you” or “what you desire.” Contemporary English Version translates this saying “If you correct your children, they will bring you peace and happiness.”

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 .

complete verse (Proverbs 29:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 29:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “Discipline your child so that he will give you peace and make you happy.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If you control your son there will be peace for you.
    and there will be joy for [your] heart.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Discipline your (sing.) child, and he will-give you (sing.) peace and joy.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “If you (sing.) admonish/advise your (sing.) child, he will make- you (sing.) -happy and will cause-to-be-at-peace your (sing.) mind.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “If you discipline your children, they will no longer do things that will cause you to be worried;
    instead, they will do things that will delight you.” (Source: Translation for Translators)