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Proverbs 15:1
New English Translation
Proverbs 15:1
New English Translation
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 15:1 tn Heb “soft answer.” The adjective רַךְ (rakh, “soft; tender; gentle”; BDB 940 s.v.) is more than a mild response; it is conciliatory, an answer that restores good temper and reasonableness (W. McKane, Proverbs [OTL], 477). Gideon illustrates this kind of answer (Judg 8:1-3) that brings peace.
- Proverbs 15:1 tn Heb “word of harshness”; KJV “grievous words.” The noun עֶצֶב (ʿetsev, “pain, hurt”) functions as an attributive genitive. The term עֶצֶב refers to something that causes pain (BDB 780 s.v. I עֶצֶב). For example, Jephthah’s harsh answer led to war (Judg 12:1-6).
- Proverbs 15:1 tn Heb “raises anger.” A common response to painful words is to let one’s temper flare up.
Proverbs 15:1
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 15:1
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.(A)
Proverbs 17:27
New English Translation
Proverbs 17:27
New English Translation
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 17:27 tn Heb “the one knowing knowledge.” The cognate accusative underscores the meaning of the participle—this is a truly knowledgeable person.
- Proverbs 17:27 sn The participle חוֹשֵׂךְ (khosekh) means “withholds; restrains; refrains; spares; holds in check,” etc. One who has knowledge speaks carefully.
- Proverbs 17:27 tn Heb “cool of spirit.” This genitive of specification describes one who is “calm” (so NCV, TEV, CEV) or “even-tempered” (so NIV, NLT); he is composed.
Proverbs 17:27
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 17:27
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
27 One who spares words is knowledgeable;
one who is cool in spirit has understanding.(A)
Proverbs 25:15
New English Translation
Proverbs 25:15
New English Translation
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 25:15 tn Heb “long of anger” or “forbearance” (so NASB).
- Proverbs 25:15 tn The two imperfect verbs in this line may be nuanced as potential imperfects because what is described could happen, but does not do so as a rule.
- Proverbs 25:15 tn The “tongue” is a metonymy of cause; and so the expression here refers to soft or gentle speech. This fits well with the parallel idea of patience (“long of anger”)—through a calm patient persuasion much can be accomplished. Some English versions relate this figure directly to the persuasion of a ruler in the previous line (cf. TEV “can even convince rulers”).
- Proverbs 25:15 sn The idea of breaking a bone uses the hardest and most firm part of the body in contrast to the “softness of the tongue.” Both are figurative, forming a comparison. A gentle speech can break down any stiff opposition.
Proverbs 25:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 25:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue can break bones.(A)
New English Translation (NET)
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New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.