Passage Resources Hebrew/Greek Your Content
Previous Next
Add parallel Print Page Options
Close NET

Proverbs 10:14
New English Translation

14 Those who are wise[a] store up[b] knowledge,
but foolish speech[c] leads to imminent[d] destruction.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 10:14 tn Heb “wise men.”
  2. Proverbs 10:14 sn The verb צָפַן (tsafan, “to store up; to treasure”) may mean (1) the wise acquire and do not lose wisdom (cf. NAB, NIV, TEV), or (2) they do not tell all that they know (cf. NCV), that is, they treasure it up for a time when they will need it. The fool, by contrast, talks without thinking.
  3. Proverbs 10:14 tn Heb “the mouth of foolishness”; cf. NRSV, NLT “the babbling of a fool.” The term פֶּה (peh, “mouth”) functions as a metonymy of cause for speech. The genitive אֶוִיל (ʾevil, “foolishness”) functions as an attributive adjective: “a foolish mouth” = foolish speech.
  4. Proverbs 10:14 tn Heb “near destruction.” The words of the fool that are uttered without wise forethought may invite imminent ruin (e.g., James 3:13-18). See also Ptah-hotep and Amenemope in ANET 414 and 423.
Close LSB

Proverbs 10:14
Legacy Standard Bible

14 Wise men (A)store up knowledge,
But (B)the mouth of the ignorant fool draws ruin near.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 9
Proverbs 11
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 11:9
New English Translation

9 With his speech[a] the godless person[b] destroys[c] his neighbor,
but by knowledge[d] the righteous will be delivered.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 11:9 tn Heb “with his mouth.” The term פֶּה (peh, “mouth”) functions as a metonymy of cause for speech.
  2. Proverbs 11:9 sn The Hebrew word originally meant “impious, godless, polluted, profane.” It later developed the idea of a “hypocrite” (Dan 11:32), one who conceals his evil under the appearance of godliness or kindness. This one is a false flatterer.
  3. Proverbs 11:9 sn The verb שָׁחַת (shakhat) means “to destroy; to ruin” (e.g., the destruction of Sodom in Gen 13:10). The imperfect tense is probably not an habitual imperfect (because the second colon shows exceptions), but probably a progressive imperfect (“this goes on”) or potential imperfect (“they can do this”).
  4. Proverbs 11:9 sn The antithetical proverb states that a righteous person can escape devastating slander through knowledge. The righteous will have sufficient knowledge and perception to see through the hypocrisy and avoid its effect.
Close LSB

Proverbs 11:9
Legacy Standard Bible

9 With his (A)mouth the godless man corrupts his neighbor,
But through knowledge the (B)righteous will be rescued.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 10
Proverbs 12
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 13:16
New English Translation

16 Every shrewd person[a] acts with knowledge,
but a fool displays[b] his folly.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 13:16 sn The shrewd person knows the circumstances, dangers and pitfalls that lie ahead. So he deals with them wisely. This makes him cautious.
  2. Proverbs 13:16 tn Heb “spreads open” [his folly]. W. McKane suggests that this is a figure of a peddler displaying his wares (Proverbs [OTL], 456; cf. NAB “the fool peddles folly”). If given a chance, a fool will reveal his foolishness in public. But the wise study the facts and make decisions accordingly.
Close LSB

Proverbs 13:16
Legacy Standard Bible

16 Every (A)prudent man acts with knowledge,
But a fool spreads out folly.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 12
Proverbs 14
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 14:18
New English Translation

18 The naive have inherited[a] folly,
but the shrewd[b] will be crowned[c] with knowledge.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:18 tc G. R. Driver proposed reading the verb as “are adorned” from a supposed verb חָלָה (khalah) derived from the noun חֲלִי (khali, “ornament”) (“Problems in the Hebrew Text of Proverbs,” Bib 32 [1951]: 181). A similar reading is followed by a number of English versions (e.g., NAB, NRSV, NLT).tn Or “have taken possession of.” The verb נָחֲלוּ (nakhalu) is a Qal perfect form of נָחַל (nakhal) “to inherit, to take possession, to maintain as a possession.” The tense of the translation depends on whether the verb is stative or dynamic. Morphologically it is ambiguous. Based on its lexical meaning, it appears to be a dynamic verb, though it does not occur enough times in the Qal to be certain based on its usage. (All other perfect forms are past and all its imperfect forms could be future. However, Ps 82:8 and Prov 3:35; 11:29; 28:10 could be cases of the present and these all use the imperfect, as dynamic verbs can for present tense.) As a dynamic verb, its perfect form should be understood as past time or perfective. As such the antithetic parallelism of the verse contrasts the verb tenses as well as the subjects and results. The naive have gotten folly and continue in it (unless they change). But the prudent are in a process of putting on knowledge in which they will be crowned with it. If the root is stative it could be understood as present, “The naive inherit folly.”
  2. Proverbs 14:18 tn Or “prudent” (KJV, NASB, NIV); NRSV, TEV “clever.”
  3. Proverbs 14:18 tn The meaning of יַכְתִּרוּ (yaktiru, Hiphil imperfect of כָּתַר, katar) is elusive. The noun from the same root, כֶּתֶר (keter), refers to a headdress, e.g. a turban or crown in Esther 1:11. The verbal root relates to surrounding. So the picture of wrapping on a turban, or “crowning” oneself, may be correct. However it may mean “to encompass knowledge,” i.e., possess it (parallel to the verb “inherit”).
Close LSB

Proverbs 14:18
Legacy Standard Bible

18 The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are [a]crowned with knowledge.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 14:18 Lit surrounded
Next
Proverbs 13
Proverbs 15
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 15:2
New English Translation

2 The tongue of the wise[a] treats knowledge correctly,[b]
but the mouth of the fool spouts out[c] folly.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:2 sn The contrast is between the “tongue of the wise” and the “mouth of the fool.” Both expressions are metonymies of cause; the subject matter is what they say. How wise people are can be determined from what they say.
  2. Proverbs 15:2 tn Or “makes knowledge acceptable” (so NASB). The verb תֵּיטִיב (tetiv, Hiphil imperfect of יָטַב [yatav, “to be good”]) can be translated “to make good” or “to treat in a good [or, excellent] way” (C. H. Toy, Proverbs [ICC], 303). M. Dahood, however, suggests emending the text to תֵּיטִיף (tetif) which is a cognate of נָטַף (nataf, “drip”), and translates “tongues of the sages drip with knowledge” (Proverbs and Northwest Semitic Philology, 32-33). But this change is gratuitous and unnecessary.
  3. Proverbs 15:2 sn The Hiphil verb יַבִּיעַ (yabbiaʿ) means “to pour out; to emit; to cause to bubble; to belch forth.” The fool bursts out with reckless utterances (cf. TEV “spout nonsense”).
Close LSB

Proverbs 15:2
Legacy Standard Bible

2 The (A)tongue of the wise makes knowledge look good,
But the (B)mouth of [a]fools pours forth [b]folly.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:2 One who fails in wisdom due to willful sin
  2. Proverbs 15:2 A lack of wisdom due to negligence or carelessness; the activity of an ignorant fool
Next
Proverbs 14
Proverbs 16
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 15:7
New English Translation

7 The lips of the wise spread[a] knowledge,
but not so the heart of fools.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:7 tc The verb of the first colon, יְזָרוּ (yezaru, “they scatter”) is difficult because it does not fit the second very well—a heart does not “scatter” or “spread” knowledge. Symmachus’ Greek translation uses φυλάσσω (phulassō, “to guard, keep”) suggesting his text read יִצְּרוּ (yitseru) from נָצַר (natsar, “to guard, keep watch, comply with”). The LXX uses a form of δέω (deō, “to bind”). Although binding (often being bound as a prisoner) might be related to guarding, δέω does not otherwise represent נָצַר in the LXX. Still the editors of BHS and C. H. Toy (Proverbs [ICC], 305) suggest reading יִצְּרוּ (yitseru, “they guard”).
  2. Proverbs 15:7 tn The Hebrew לֹא־כֵן (loʾ khen) could be “not so” (HALOT 482 s.v. II כֵּן) or “not right, incorrect, wrong” (HALOT 482 s.v. I כֵּן), which is supported by the LXX: “hearts of fools are unstable.” If לֵב (lev, “heart, mind”) is understood to represent thinking, then, accepting the emendation in the first line, the proverb may say, “The lips of the wise preserve knowledge, but the thoughts of fools are incorrect.”sn The phrase “the heart of fools” emphasizes that fools do not comprehend knowledge. Cf. NCV “there is no knowledge in the thoughts of fools.”
Close LSB

Proverbs 15:7
Legacy Standard Bible

7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,
But the hearts of fools are not so.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 14
Proverbs 16
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 15:14
New English Translation

14 The discerning mind[a] seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on folly.[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 15:14 tn Or “heart.” The Hebrew term is לֵב (lev, “mind, heart”).
  2. Proverbs 15:14 tc The idea expressed in the second colon does not make a strong parallelism with the first with its emphasis on seeking knowledge. Its poetic image of feeding (a hypocatastasis) would signify the acquisition of folly—the fool has an appetite for it. D. W. Thomas suggests the change of one letter, ר (resh) to ד (dalet), to obtain a reading יִדְעֶה (yidʿeh); this he then connects to an Arabic root daʿa with the meaning “sought, demanded” to form what he thinks is a better parallel (“Textual and Philological Notes on Some Passages in the Book of Proverbs,” VTSup 3 [1955]: 285). But even though the parallelism is not as precise as some would prefer, there is insufficient warrant for such a change.
Close LSB

Proverbs 15:14
Legacy Standard Bible

14 The (A)heart of the one who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on folly.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 14
Proverbs 16
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 18:15
New English Translation

15 The discerning person[a] acquires knowledge,
and the wise person[b] seeks[c] knowledge.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:15 tn Heb “discerning mind.” The term לֵב (lev, “mind, heart”) is a synecdoche of part (= heart/mind) for the whole (= person); cf. TEV, NLT “intelligent people.” Placing “heart” and “ear” in parallel encompasses more of the process of acquiring knowledge. The ear listens for and to instruction, and the mind considers what is heard to acquire knowledge.
  2. Proverbs 18:15 tn Heb “the ear of the wise.” The term “ear” is a synecdoche of part (= ear) for the whole (= person): “wise person.” sn The wise continually seek more knowledge. D. Kidner says, “Those who know most know best how little they know” (Proverbs [TOTC], 129).
  3. Proverbs 18:15 sn This line features a mixed metaphor: The “ear” is pictured “seeking.” The wise person is listening for (on the lookout for) things worth listening to in the pursuit of knowledge.
Close LSB

Proverbs 18:15
Legacy Standard Bible

15 The (A)heart of the understanding acquires knowledge,
And the (B)ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 17
Proverbs 19
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 19:2
New English Translation

2 It is dangerous[a] to have zeal[b] without knowledge,
and the one who acts hastily[c] makes poor choices.[d]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 19:2 tn Heb “not good.” This is a figure known as tapeinosis (a deliberate understatement to emphasize a worst-case scenario): “it is dangerous!”
  2. Proverbs 19:2 tn The interpretation of this line depends largely on the meaning of נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh) which has a broad range of meanings: (1) the breathing substance of man, (2) living being, (3) life, (4) person, (5) seat of the appetites, (6) seat of emotions and passions, (7) activities of intellect, emotion and will, (8) moral character, etc. (BDB 659-61 s.v.). In light of the synonymous parallelism, the most likely nuance here is “zeal, passion” (HALOT 713 s.v. 8). NIV takes the word in the sense of “vitality” and “drive”—“it is not good to have zeal without knowledge” (cf. NCV, TEV, and NLT which are all similar).
  3. Proverbs 19:2 tn Heb “he who is hasty with his feet.” The verb אוּץ (ʾuts) means “to be pressed; to press; to make haste.” The verb is followed by the preposition ב (bet) which indicates that with which one hastens—his feet. The word “feet” is a synecdoche of part for the whole person—body and mind working together (cf. NLT “a person who moves too quickly”).
  4. Proverbs 19:2 tn Heb “misses the goal.” The participle חוֹטֵא (khoteʾ) can be translated “sins” (cf. KJV, ASV), but in this context it refers only to actions without knowledge, which could lead to sin, or could lead simply to making poor choices (cf. NAB “blunders”; NASB “errs”; NCV “might make a mistake”). sn The basic meaning of the verb is “to miss a goal or the way.” D. Kidner says, “How negative is the achievement of a man who wants tangible and quick rewards”—he will miss the way (Proverbs [TOTC], 132).
Close LSB

Proverbs 19:2
Legacy Standard Bible

2 Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge,
And he who hurries [a](A)his footsteps sins.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 19:2 Lit with his feet
Next
Proverbs 18
Proverbs 20
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 20:15
New English Translation

15 There is gold, and an abundance of rubies,
but[a] words of knowledge[b] are like[c] a precious jewel.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:15 tn The verse is usually taken as antithetical parallelism: There may be gold and rubies but the true gem is knowledge. However, C. H. Toy arranges it differently: “store of gold and wealth of corals and precious vessels—all are wise lips” (Proverbs [ICC], 388). But this uses the gems as metaphors for wise speech, and does not stress the contrast between wealth and wisdom.
  2. Proverbs 20:15 tn Heb “lips of knowledge.” The term “lips” is a metonymy for speaking, and “knowledge” could be either an attributive genitive or objective genitive: “knowledgeable lips.” Lips that impart knowledge are the true jewel to be sought.
  3. Proverbs 20:15 tn The comparative “like” does not appear in the Hebrew text, but is implied by the metaphor; it is supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity.
Close LSB

Proverbs 20:15
Legacy Standard Bible

15 There is gold, and an abundance of pearls;
But the lips of knowledge are a more precious vessel.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 19
Proverbs 21
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 21:11
New English Translation

11 When a scorner is punished, the naive[a] becomes wise;
when a wise person is instructed,[b] he gains knowledge.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 21:11 sn The contrast here is between the simple and the wise. The simple gain wisdom when they see the scorner punished; the wise gains knowledge through instruction. The scorner does not change, but should be punished for the benefit of the simple (e.g., Prov 19:25).
  2. Proverbs 21:11 tn Heb “in the instructing of the wise.” The construction uses the Hiphil infinitive construct הַשְׂכִּיל (haskil) with a preposition to form a temporal clause (= “when”). The word “wise” (חָכָם, khakham) after it is the subjective genitive. The preposition ל (lamed) on the form is probably dittography from the ending of the infinitive.
Close LSB

Proverbs 21:11
Legacy Standard Bible

11 When the (A)scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
And when one considers wisdom, he receives knowledge.

Read full chapter
Next
Proverbs 20
Proverbs 22
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 23:12
New English Translation

12 Apply[a] your heart to instruction
and your ears to the words of knowledge.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:12 tn Heb “bring.” The Hiphil imperative “come; enter” means “to apply the heart,” to use the heart or mind in the process. The same would be true in the second half: “to bring the ears” would mean to listen very carefully. Cf. TEV “Pay attention.”
Close LSB

Proverbs 23:12
Legacy Standard Bible

12 Bring your heart to discipline
And your ears to [a]words of knowledge.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 23:12 Lit sayings
Next
Proverbs 22
Proverbs 24
Next
Previous Next
Close NET

Proverbs 24:3-5
New English Translation

3 By[a] wisdom a house is built,[b]
and through understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge its rooms are filled
with all kinds of precious and pleasing treasures.
5 A wise warrior[c] is strong,[d]
and a man of knowledge makes his strength stronger;

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:3 tn The preposition ב (bet, “by; through”) in these two lines indicates means.
  2. Proverbs 24:3 sn The twentieth saying, vv. 3-4, concerns the use of wisdom for domestic enterprises. In Prov 9:1 wisdom was personified as a woman who builds a house, but here the emphasis is primarily on the building—it is a sign of security and prosperity (C. H. Toy, Proverbs [ICC], 442). One could still make a secondary application from this line for a household or “family” (cf. NCV, which sees this as a reference to the family).
  3. Proverbs 24:5 sn The twenty-first saying seems to be concerned with the need for wisdom in warfare. In line with that, the word used here is גֶּבֶר (gever), “mighty man; hero; warrior.”
  4. Proverbs 24:5 tn The expression בַּעוֹז (baʿoz) employs a beth essentiae, meaning he “is strong,” not “in strength.”
Close LSB

Proverbs 24:3-5
Legacy Standard Bible

3 (A)By wisdom a house is built,
And by discernment it is firmly established;
4 And by knowledge the rooms are (B)filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A (C)wise man is [a]strong,
And a man of knowledge strengthens his power.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:5 Lit in strength
Next
Proverbs 23
Proverbs 25
Next
dropdown
New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)

Legacy Standard Bible Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org For Permission to Quote Information visit https://www.LSBible.org.