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Proverbs 1:4
New English Translation
Proverbs 1:4
New English Translation
4 To impart[a] shrewdness[b] to the morally naive,[c]
a discerning[d] plan[e] to the young person.[f]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:4 tn Heb “to give.” The infinitive construct with ל (lamed) here introduces the fourth purpose of the book, now from the perspective of the teacher. It is what the wise instructor, or sage, wants to impart to the naive youths.
- Proverbs 1:4 tn The noun עָרְמָה (ʿormah) “prudence, shrewdness, craftiness” (BDB 791 s.v.) or “cleverness” (HALOT 886 s.v. 1) refers to a shrewd plan of action, viewed positively or negatively. It is used negatively of planned deception (Josh 9:4) and premeditated murder (Exod 21:14). The related adjective described the serpent as “shrewd, crafty, cunning” (Gen 3:1); it describes cunning plans (Job 5:12) and deception (Job 15:5). The related verb describes a wicked concocted plan (Ps 83:4). The term is used positively of a morally prudent lifestyle (Prov 8:5, 12; 15:5; 19:25). There is no virtue for simpletons to be unaware in this world; they need to be wise as serpents. Proverbs provide a morally shrewd plan for life.
- Proverbs 1:4 tn Heb “the naive” or “simpleton.” The substantival adjective פֶּתִי (peti) means “simple; open-minded” in the sense of being open and easily influenced by either wisdom or folly (BDB 834 s.v.; HALOT 989 s.v. I פֶּתִי). The simpleton is easily enticed and misled (Prov 1:32; 7:7; 9:6; 22:3; 27:12); believes everything, including bad counsel (Prov 14:15); lacks moral prudence (Prov 8:5; 19:25); needs discernment (Prov 21:11); but is capable of learning (Prov 9:4, 16). The related verb means “to be wide open; open-minded; enticed, deceived” (BDB 834). The term describes one easily persuaded and gullible, open to any influence, good or bad (cf. NLT “the simpleminded”). This is the “wide-eyed youth” who is headed for trouble unless he listens to the counsel of wisdom.
- Proverbs 1:4 tn Heb “knowledge and purpose.” The noun דַּעַת (daʿat, “knowledge”) may be nuanced “discernment” here (HALOT 229 s.v. I דַּעַת 4). The nouns דַּעַת וּמְזִמָּה (daʿat umezimmah, “discernment and purpose”) form a hendiadys (two nouns joined with vav to describe the same thing). The first noun functions adjectivally and the second functions as a noun: “discerning plan.” This parallels “a shrewd plan for the morally naive” or “a discerning plan for the young person.”
- Proverbs 1:4 tn The noun מְזִמָּה (mezimmah) may mean (1) “plan” or (2) “discretion” (BDB 273 s.v.; HALOT 566 s.v.). It describes the ability to make plans or formulate the best course of action for gaining a goal (C. H. Toy, Proverbs [ICC], 7). The related verb זָמַם (zamam) means “to plan; to devise” (BDB 273 s.v.; HALOT 272 s.v. I זמם; e.g., Gen 11:6). Here the nouns “knowledge and plan” (דַּעַת וּמְזִמָּה, daʿat umezimmah) form a hendiadys: knowledge of how to form and carry out a morally wise plan for life.
- Proverbs 1:4 tn Heb “young man” or “youth.” The term sometimes applies to an assistant, or servant, or someone in training for a higher position.sn As this second clause does not begin with “and” in Hebrew, it may be understood as an expansion what it means to impart shrewdness.
Proverbs 1:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 1:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 to teach shrewdness to the simple,
knowledge and prudence to the young—(A)
Proverbs 1:32
New English Translation
Proverbs 1:32
New English Translation
32 For the waywardness[a] of the
simpletons will kill[b] them,
and the careless ease[c] of fools will destroy them.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 1:32 tn Heb “turning away” (so KJV). The term מְשׁוּבַת (meshuvat, “turning away”) refers to moral defection and apostasy (BDB 1000 s.v.; cf. ASV “backsliding”). The noun מְשׁוּבַת (“turning away”) which appears at the end of Wisdom’s speech in 1:32 is from the same root as the verb תָּשׁוּבוּ (tashuvu, “turn!”) which appears at the beginning of this speech in 1:23. This repetition of the root שׁוּב (shuv, “to turn”) creates a wordplay: Because fools refuse to “turn to” wisdom (1:23), they will be destroyed by their “turning away” from wisdom (1:32). The wordplay highlights the poetic justice of their judgment. But here they have never embraced the teaching in the first place; so it means turning from the advice as opposed to turning to it.
- Proverbs 1:32 sn The Hebrew verb “to kill” (הָרַג, harag) is the end of the naive who refuse to change. The word is broad enough to include murder, massacre, killing in battle, and execution. Here it is judicial execution by God, using their own foolish choices as the means to ruin.
- Proverbs 1:32 tn Heb “complacency” (so NASB, NIV, NRSV, NLT); NAB “smugness.” The noun שַׁלְוַה (shalvah) means (1) positively: “quietness; peace; ease” and (2) negatively: “self-sufficiency; complacency; careless security” (BDB 1017 s.v.), which is the sense here. It is “repose gained by ignoring or neglecting the serious responsibilities of life” (C. H. Toy, Proverbs [ICC], 29).
Proverbs 1:32
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 1:32
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
32 For waywardness kills the simple,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;(A)
Proverbs 7:7
New English Translation
Proverbs 7:7
New English Translation
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 7:7 tn Heb פֶּתִי (peti, “naive, simpleton”).sn This naive young man who lacked wisdom is one of the פֶּתִי (peti) simpletons, lacking keen judgment, one void of common sense (cf. NAB, NASB, NRSV, NLT) or understanding (cf. KJV, ASV). He is young, inexperienced, featherbrained (so D. Kidner, Proverbs [TOTC], 75).
- Proverbs 7:7 tc Heb “sons.” The MT reads בַבָּנִים (vabbanim) “among the sons,” perhaps meaning “young men” (cf. Song 2:3; HALOT 138, s. v. I בֵּן). Based on the Syriac, Targum, and Vulgate, perhaps the text should read בַנְבָלִים (vanevalim, “among the fools”).
- Proverbs 7:7 tn Heb “lad” or “youth.”
- Proverbs 7:7 tn The term לֵב (lev, “mind, heart”) is used as a metonymy of association for what one does with the mind (thinking), and so refers to discernment, wisdom, good sense.
Proverbs 7:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 7:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
7 and I saw among the simple ones,
I observed among the youths,
a young man without sense,(A)
Proverbs 8:5
New English Translation
Proverbs 8:5
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 8:5 tn The imperative of בִּין (bin) means “to understand; to discern.” The call is for the simple to understand what wisdom is, not just to gain it.
- Proverbs 8:5 tn Heb “heart.” The noun לֵב (lev, “heart”) often functions metonymically for wisdom, understanding, discernment.
Proverbs 8:5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 8:5
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
acquire intelligence, you who lack it.(A)
Proverbs 9:4
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Proverbs 9:4
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:4 tn Heb “[As for one] lacking of mind—she has said to him.” The pronominal suffix is a resumptive pronoun, meaning, “she has said to the [person] lacking of mind.”
- Proverbs 9:4 tn The Hebrew word לֵב (lev) means both the “heart” and the “mind.” By metonymy, the mind stands for understanding or judgment.
- Proverbs 9:4 tn The Hebrew switches to the perfect verb form to introduce the speech in the following verses. It lets us know what her message has been. It is possible that the imperfect verb in the previous verse should be understood as a past habitual, “she would call” or as a preterite (without the vav consecutive), “she called.” tc The LXX supports the reading of the verb as a perfect. But at the similar construction in 9:16, the LXX reads a participle, which would be present time. The consonants are the same for both forms. It is possible that the verb should be read as a participle in both verses. The present tense could certainly fit the context.
Proverbs 9:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 9:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 “You who are simple, turn in here!”
To those without sense she says,(A)
Proverbs 9:16
New English Translation
Proverbs 9:16
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 9:16 tn The word לֵב (lev; “heart, mind”). By metonymy, the mind stands for understanding or judgment.
- Proverbs 9:16 tc The LXX reads “she exhorts saying” a present indicative plus a participle. This implies a verb missing in the Hebrew and reading the vav plus perfect verb וְאָמְרָה (veʾamerah, “and has said”) as a participle וְאֹמְרָה (veʾomerah, “and says”). The participle would be present time. The consonants are the same for both forms and the present tense could certainly fit the context. The loss of another verb might explain the presence of the conjunction vav beginning the form. tn Heb “And [as for one] lacking of mind—and she has said to him.” The expression is almost identical to v. 4, except this verse adds the conjunction vav twice. The parallel is deliberate, showing the competing appeals for those passing by.
Proverbs 9:16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 9:16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
16 “You who are simple, turn in here!”
And to those without sense she says,
Proverbs 14:15
New English Translation
Proverbs 14:15
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Footnotes
- Proverbs 14:15 sn The contrast is with the simpleton and the shrewd. The simpleton is the young person who is untrained morally or intellectually, and therefore gullible. The shrewd one is the prudent person, the one who has the ability to make critical discriminations.
- Proverbs 14:15 tn Heb “his step”; cf. TEV “sensible people watch their step.”
Proverbs 14:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 14:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 The simple believe everything,
but the clever consider their steps.
Proverbs 19:25
New English Translation
Proverbs 19:25
New English Translation
25 Flog[a] a scorner, and as a result the simpleton[b] will learn prudence;[c]
correct a discerning person, and as a result he will understand knowledge.[d]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 19:25 tn The Hiphil imperfect תַּכֶּה (takkeh) is followed by another imperfect. It could be rendered: “strike a scorner [imperfect of instruction] and a simpleton will become prudent.” But the first of the parallel verbs can also be subordinated to the second as a temporal or conditional clause. Some English versions translate “beat” (NAB “if you beat an arrogant man”), but this could be understood to refer to competition rather than physical punishment. Therefore “flog” has been used in the translation, since it is normally associated with punishment or discipline.
- Proverbs 19:25 sn Different people learn differently. There are three types of people in this proverb: the scorner with a closed mind, the simpleton with an empty mind, and the discerning person with an open mind (D. Kidner, Proverbs [TOTC], 135). The simpleton learns by observing a scoffer being punished, even though the punishment will have no effect on the scoffer.
- Proverbs 19:25 sn The word is related to “shrewdness” (cf. 1:4). The simpleton will learn at least where the traps are and how to avoid them.
- Proverbs 19:25 tn The second half begins with הוֹכִיחַ (hokhiakh), the Hiphil infinitive construct. This parallels the imperfect tense beginning the first half; it forms a temporal or conditional clause as well, so that the main verb is “he will understand.”sn The discerning person will learn from verbal rebukes. The contrast is caught in a wordplay in the Midrash: “For the wise a hint [rʾmizo], for the fool a fist [kurmezo]” (Mishle 22:6).
Proverbs 19:25
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 19:25
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove the intelligent, and they will gain knowledge.(A)
Proverbs 21:11
New English Translation
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.
Footnotes
- 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).
- 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.
Proverbs 21:11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 21:11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple become wiser;
when the wise are instructed, they increase in knowledge.(A)
Proverbs 22:3
New English Translation
Proverbs 22:3
New English Translation
3 A shrewd person[a] saw[b] danger[c] and hid[d] himself,
but the naive passed on by and paid for it.[e]
Footnotes
- Proverbs 22:3 sn The contrast is between the “shrewd” (prudent) person and the “simpleton.” The shrewd person knows where the dangers and pitfalls are in life and so can avoid them; the naive person is unwary, untrained, and gullible, unable to survive the dangers of the world and blundering into them.
- Proverbs 22:3 tn All the verbs in this verse are perfect forms, so past tense in English. They portray events that have happened as prototypical of what commonly happens.
- Proverbs 22:3 tn Heb “evil,” a term that is broad enough to include (1) “sin” as well as (2) any form of “danger” (NIV, NCV, NRSV, NLT) or “trouble” (TEV, CEV). The second option is more likely what is meant here: The naive simpleton does not see the danger to be avoided and so suffers for it.
- Proverbs 22:3 tc The Kethib is a Niphal imperfect, while the Qere is a Niphal perfect. The perfect form matches the rest of the verbs in the verse and is followed here.
- Proverbs 22:3 tn The verb עָנַשׁ (ʿanash) means “to fine” specifically. In the Niphal stem it means “to be fined,” or more generally, “to be punished.” In this line the punishment is the consequence of blundering into trouble—they will pay for it.
Proverbs 22:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Proverbs 22:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 The clever see danger and hide,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
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.