Translation commentary on Proverbs 4:13

“Keep hold of instruction, do not let go”: “Keep hold” is another figure that means to dedicate yourself firmly to, be faithful to, or trust fully in. In languages in which “Keep hold of” has another meaning or only a literal sense, adjustments will be required in translation. The figurative expressions in this and the following line express the importance of commitment to the kind of education in these chapters. “Instruction” translates the same word as used in 1.2, 3. “Do not let go” translates a command meaning to relax, withdraw, give up. In some languages it is expressed figuratively; for example, “do not lose heart” or “do not drop your hands.”

“Guard her, for she is your life”: In verse 6 it is wisdom that will “guard you” (Good News Translation). In this verse the learner is told to “guard” or watch over “instruction”. The sense of this command is for the learner to attach himself to understanding, to keep it always near him, that is, as the guide to his life. “She is your life” equates “instruction” or “education” with “life”. In 3.2 wisdom gives long life and here it is the source of life for the learner. In some languages “she is your life” may be expressed, for example, “education is what makes you live,” “. . . gives you life,” or “. . . is the foundation of your life.”

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 4:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 4:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “Be firm on those words I taught you that you should not leave/abandon. Hold (them) firmly for that thing/matter is your life.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Always remember what you have learned.
    As you have learned, act! It is your life.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Do- not [intensifier] -forget my straightening of your (sing.) behavior; keep this in your (sing.) heart for you (sing.) will-live by it.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Don’t forget what you (sing.) have-learned. Care-for-it for that is the source of your (sing.) life.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 4:13

4:13

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. There are three parallel commands followed by the reason for obeying them.

13a
Hold on to instruction; do not let go.

13b
Guard it, for it is your life.

4:13a–b

Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it: For the meaning of Guard, see the note on 3:21a–b. In that verse, the Berean Standard Bible translates the same Hebrew word as “preserve.” The parallel verb phrases Hold on to, do not let go, and Guard are used figuratively. In some languages, it may be clearer to use a combination of nonfigurative phrases, such as:

Always remember (Good News Translation)
-or-
do not forget
-or-
don’t forsake (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
obey/follow

Use whatever phrases will give proper emphasis in your language. It may not be necessary to use three phrases.

4:13a

instruction: The word instruction may be translated as a verb phrase. For example:

what you have learned (Good News Translation)
-or-
what you have been taught (New Century Version)

In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit who the teacher is. For example:

my teaching (Contemporary English Version)

The word instruction last occurred in 4:1a.

4:13b

it is your life: The clause it is your life is similar to 3:22a. The figurative meaning is that these instructions give life or are a source of life for the one who follows them. The nonfigurative meaning is that the person who follows these instructions will have a better or longer life.

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