“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction”: “Hear” is the same as in 1.8, where the command is in the singular. In this verse it is addressed in the plural to “sons”, which Good News Translation and New Revised Standard Version render as “children.” Contemporary English Version keeps the singular “my child.” “O” is included in some English translations to indicate that the “sons” are being formally addressed; there is nothing equivalent in the Hebrew text. Some interpreters think that the plural “sons” represents here a school or circle of students or listeners. Note, however, that only the singular form “my son” is used in verses 10 and 20.

In 1.8 “father” is the father of the son being addressed. In this context the father is general, that is, “a father”. Some interpreters think that “a father” is not to be taken literally but figuratively in the sense of “teacher” or “wise person.” It must, however, be kept in mind that the intimate relation of father (and mother) to the learner is signaled by these kinship terms and that learning wisdom is part of a family inheritance, as seen in verses 3-4.

In verse 2 the speaker refers to himself using first person pronouns as the one who gives teaching and instruction. So it seems likely that “a father” in this verse is also a reference to the speaker. Therefore Contemporary English Version replaces “a father’s instruction” with “my teachings.” An example of the way the first person reference is handled in some other translations is “[My] child, I am your father, and you must listen to the things I teach you.”

“Instruction” renders the same word used in 1.8 and has the sense of teaching or the content of what the father teaches his sons. See also 1.2.

“And be attentive, that you may gain insight”: “Be attentive” renders a word used mostly in poetic texts. It is used, for example, in Psa 17.1 “attend to my cry,” which is expressed in Good News Translation as “pay attention to my cry for help.” In translation it may be necessary to indicate what the sons are to pay attention to, for example, “Pay attention to what I teach you” or “Listen carefully to my words.”

“Gain insight”: Note that the Revised Standard Version footnote shows the Hebrew text is literally “know insight.” The thought is that the learner will know the deep and important meanings revealed in wisdom and its instructions. “Insight”, as in 1.2, refers to understanding, discernment, or comprehension. Bible en français courant says “and you will know how to be intelligent.” It is also possible to render this line “If you listen well, you will become intelligent.”

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 .