complete verse (Proverbs 29:23)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 29:23:

  • Kupsabiny: “A person who takes himself up (is proud), is pulled down,
    but the one who takes himself down (humbles himself) is raised up.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Arrogance triggers people’s downfall.
    Those who live humbly will gain respect.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The boasting of a person can-give him/her shame, but humility/[lit. the causing-to-be-low of person] can-give him/her honor.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “The one who is proud (lit. keeps-raising his body) will-be-shamed at the end, but the humble will be praised.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “Proud people will be disgraced;
    those who are humble will be respected.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Proverbs 29:23

This saying is similar to 11.2 and 16.18.

“A man’s pride will bring him low”: “A man’s pride” may be expressed as “by being proud,” “a proud person,” or “if you are proud.” In some languages to be proud is to “have a swollen heart.” “Bring . . . low” means “to disgrace” or “to cause shame.”

“But he who is lowly in spirit will obtain favor”: “Lowly in spirit” means “humble”; see 16.19. “Will obtain favor” is literally “takes hold of honor” and means “will be honored” or “will be respected” (Good News Translation). See 11.16 where it is rendered “gets honor.”

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 .