Proverbs 3:34
New English Translation
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:34 tc The MT reads אִם (ʾim, “if”) and the syntax is אִם (ʾim) plus imperfect verb followed by vav plus perfect consecutive. This particle can introduce a realizable or unrealizable condition, or a concessive clause (HALOT 60-61 s.v.). A realizable condition presents the circumstance in which the apodosis is realized, “if/when he is scornful…, then he will show favor.” An unrealizable condition or a concessive clause should be rendered “even if” or “although [X would be],” referring to something that is not the case, as in, “even if he would be scornful…, then…” (cf. Num 22:18, 1 Kgs 13:8; Job 9:15; Jer 15:1). Neither of these options fit the context well. The content of the second half of the verse does not depend on the first half. And the first half is not to be understood as an unrealizable or unexpected condition, rather both are truisms. An alternative is to read the similarly sounding term עִם (ʿim, “with”), “with the scorners he is scornful” (cf. Ps 18:25-26). The LXX does not have a conditional particle, so it may not have read אִם (ʾim, “if”), but also it does not have μετὰ (meta, “with”) so it is not clear that it read עִם (ʾim, “with”). The translation presumes the particle עִם.
- Proverbs 3:34 tn Heb “with those who mock he will mock.” The repetition of the root לִיץ (lits, “to scorn; to mock”) connotes poetic justice; the punishment fits the crime. Scoffers are characterized by arrogant pride (e.g., Prov 21:24), as the antithetical parallelism with “the humble” here emphasizes.
- Proverbs 3:34 tc The Kethib reads וְלַעֲנִיִּים (velaʿaniyyim) from עָנִי (ʿani, “afflicted”), followed by the NASB. The Qere, supported by the LXX, Targum, and Latin Vulgate reads וְלַעֲנָוִים (velaʿanavim) from עָנָו (ʿanav, “meek, humble”) followed by the NIV, ESV, NRSV and others.
Proverbs 3:34
Christian Standard Bible
34 He mocks those who mock
but gives grace to the humble.(A)
Proverbs 3:34
New International Version
Proverbs 3:34
King James Version
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
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Proverbs 11:2
New English Translation
Footnotes
- Proverbs 11:2 tn Heb “presumptuousness, over-confidence.” This term is from the root זִיד (zid) which means “to be presumptuous, arrogant, impudent” in the Qal, or to behave with such characteristics in the Hiphil.
- Proverbs 11:2 tn Heb “Pride came, then shame came.” The verbs are a perfect and a preterite with vav consecutive of בּוֹא (boʾ, “to enter; to come”). Because the second verb is sequential to the first, the first may be subordinated as a temporal clause. Proverbs in Hebrew utilize the past tense as a prototypical example. English also does so, although less frequently, as in “curiosity killed the cat.”
- Proverbs 11:2 sn This proverb does not state how the disgrace will come, but affirms that it will follow pride. The proud will be brought down.
- Proverbs 11:2 tn The term “came” does not appear in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the translation from parallelism.
- Proverbs 11:2 tn Heb “modesty”; KJV, ASV “the lowly.” The adjective צְנוּעִים (tsenuʿim, “modest”) is used as a noun; this is an example of antimeria in which one part of speech is used in the place of another (see E. W. Bullinger, Figures of Speech, 491-506), e.g., “Let the dry [adjective] appear!” = dry land (Gen 1:9). The root צָנַע (tsanaʿ, “to be modest; to be humble”) describes those who are reserved, retiring, modest. The plural form is used for the abstract idea of humility.
Proverbs 11:2
Christian Standard Bible
2 When arrogance comes, disgrace follows,
but with humility comes wisdom.(A)
Proverbs 11:2
New International Version
Proverbs 11:2
King James Version
2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
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Proverbs 12:15
New English Translation
15 The way of a fool[a] is right[b] in his own opinion,[c]
but the one who listens to advice is wise.[d]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 12:15 sn The way of a fool describes a headlong course of actions (“way” is an idiom for conduct) that is not abandoned even when wise advice is offered.
- Proverbs 12:15 sn The fool believes that his own plans and ideas are perfect or “right” (יָשָׁר, yashar); he is satisfied with his own opinion.
- Proverbs 12:15 tn Heb “in his own eyes.”
- Proverbs 12:15 tn Or “a wise person listens to advice” (cf. NIV, NRSV, TEV, CEV, NLT).
Proverbs 12:15
Christian Standard Bible
15 A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,(A)
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.
Proverbs 12:15
New International Version
Proverbs 12:15
King James Version
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
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Proverbs 13:10
New English Translation
Footnotes
- Proverbs 13:10 sn The parallelism suggests pride here means contempt for the opinions of others. The wise listen to advice rather than argue out of stubborn pride.
- Proverbs 13:10 tn The particle רַק (raq, “only”) modifies the noun “contention”—only contention can come from such a person.
- Proverbs 13:10 tn The Niphal of יָעַץ (yaʿats, “to advise; to counsel”) means “to consult together; to take counsel.” It means being well-advised, receiving advice or consultation (cf. NCV “those who take advice are wise”).
Proverbs 13:10
Christian Standard Bible
10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife,(A)
but wisdom is gained by those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:10
New International Version
10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.(A)
Proverbs 13:10
King James Version
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
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Proverbs 15:5
New English Translation
5 A fool rejects his father’s discipline,
but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense.[a]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:5 tn Heb “is prudent” (so KJV, NASB, NRSV); NCV, NLT “is wise.” Anyone who accepts correction or rebuke will become prudent in life.
Proverbs 15:5
Christian Standard Bible
5 A fool despises his father’s discipline,
but a person who accepts correction is sensible.(A)
Proverbs 15:5
New International Version
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,
but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.(A)
Proverbs 15:5
King James Version
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
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Proverbs 15:33
New English Translation
Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:33 tn Heb “[is] instruction of wisdom” (KJV and NASB similar). The noun translated “wisdom” is an attributive genitive: “wise instruction.”sn The idea of the first line is similar to Prov 1:7 and 9:10. Here it may mean that the fear of the Lord results from the discipline of wisdom, just as easily as it may mean that the fear of the Lord leads to the discipline of wisdom. The second reading harmonizes with the theme in the book that the fear of the Lord is the starting point.
- Proverbs 15:33 tn Heb “[is] humility” (so KJV). The second clause is a parallel idea in that it stresses how one thing leads to another—humility to honor. Humble submission in faith to the Lord brings wisdom and honor.
Proverbs 15:33
Christian Standard Bible
33 The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.(A)
Proverbs 15:33
New International Version
Proverbs 15:33
King James Version
33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
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Proverbs 16:19
New English Translation
19 It is better to be lowly in spirit[a] with the afflicted
than to share the spoils[b] with the proud.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 16:19 tn Heb “low of spirit”; KJV “of an humble spirit.” This expression describes the person who is humble and submissive before the Lord and therefore inoffensive. It is always necessary to have a humble spirit, whether there is wealth or not.
- Proverbs 16:19 tn Heb “than to divide plunder.” The word “plunder” implies that the wealth taken by the proud was taken violently and wrongfully—spoils are usually taken in warfare. R. N. Whybray translates it with “loot” (Proverbs [CBC], 95). The proud are in rebellion against God, overbearing and oppressive. One should never share the “loot” with them.
Proverbs 16:19
Christian Standard Bible
Footnotes
- 16:19 Alt Hb tradition reads afflicted
Proverbs 16:19
New International Version
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
Proverbs 16:19
King James Version
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
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