Translation commentary on Proverbs 4:12

“When you walk, your step will not be hampered”: “Walk” in this line and “run” in the next are used figuratively to refer to whatever action or decision a person may take. A similar expression occurs in Job 18.7. In languages in which “walk” and “run” cannot be used figuratively in this way, it is better to switch to other expressions that give the meaning in plain terms; for example, “When you undertake something in your life, you will succeed,” “When you decide to do something, it will go well with you,” or “When you make plans, everything will turn out well.”

The word rendered “hampered” in this context means to be impeded or to run into obstacles or hindrances so that you cannot go forward. Contemporary English Version translates “Your road won’t be blocked.” We may also say, for example, “When you go ahead, the way will be open for you.”

“And if you run, you will not stumble”: This line is parallel to the first line, with an increase in intensity due to the switch from “walk” to “run” and from “be hampered” to “stumble”. “Stumble” renders a different word than that used in 3.23, but the sense is the same.

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 4:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 4:12:

  • Kupsabiny: “so that you may not get/meet (a) stumbling block.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “When you go walking your steps will not be tangled;
    Even if you run, you will not fall.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Therefore if you (sing.) follow it, no one can-hinder in your (sing.) living, and you (sing.) will- not -be-harmed.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “If you (sing.) walk there, nothing/nobody will block you (sing.) and you (sing.) will not stumble if/when you (sing.) run.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 4:12

4:12

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

12a
When you walk, your steps will not be impeded ;

12b
when you run, you will not stumble.

4:12a–b

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble: The parallel metaphors of walking without hindrance and running without stumbling refer to the wise person who has correct behavior (4:11). Such a person will make steady progress in life. His progress will not be blocked by obstacles or setbacks. Some ways to translate these metaphors are:

• Keep the metaphors, but provide a clue to their meaning. For example:

Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. (Good News Translation)

• Change the metaphors of walking and running to similes. For example:

You will be like someone whose path is not blocked when he walks. You will be like a person who can run and not stumble.

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

When you decide to do something, you will succeed.

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