The author is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [These are the proverbs of Solomon]

Here the author is using the possessive form to describe proverbs that were written by Solomon. If this is not clear in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [The proverbs that were written by Solomon]

1:2–6 form one long sentence that lacks some of the words that a sentence in many languages would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [The purposes of these proverbs are to know wisdom and instruction]

To know and to understand here indicate two purposes for these proverbs. Use a natural way in your language to introduce purpose clauses. Alternate translation: [These proverbs are for the purpose of knowing … and they are for the purpose of understanding]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wisdom and instruction, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [wise and instructive things]

Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe sayings that give a person understanding. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: [sayings that give a person understanding]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of understanding, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [sayings of people who understand things]

Here, to receive indicates a third purpose for these proverbs. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a purpose clause. You may want to begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: [These proverbs are for the purpose of receiving instruction of]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of instruction, insight, righteousness, justice, and integrity, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [to be instructed in ways that are insightful, righteous, just, and honest]

Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe instruction that is characterized by insight, righteousness, justice, and integrity. If this is not clear in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: [instruction in how to have insight, righteousness, justice, and integrity]

Here, to give indicates a fourth purpose for these proverbs. Use a natural way in your language to introduce a purpose clause. You may want to begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: [These proverbs are for the purpose of giving naive ones prudence]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of prudence, knowledge, and discretion, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [what is prudent … what he should know and how he can be discreet]

Although the term young man is masculine, these proverbs are beneficial for both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [to young men and women]

This verse interrupts the list of purposes for the proverbs in 1:2–6 to add the idea that those who are already wise might use these to add to their wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could add parentheses, as in the ULT, or use a natural way in your language to indicate a parenthetical or background statement.

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first clause by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, so it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [let a wise one hear and increase insight, yes, may an understanding one acquire guidance]

The author is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the context. Alternate translation: [let a wise one hear these proverbs]

The author implies that this person will acquire guidance from these proverbs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [will acquire guidance from these proverbs]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of guidance, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [know how to live]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second clause emphasizes the meaning of the first clause by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that indicates that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [to understand a proverb and a parable, yes, to understand the words of the wise ones and their riddles]

Here, to indicates a fifth purpose for these proverbs. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a purpose clause. You may want to begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: [These proverbs are for the purpose of understanding a proverb and a parable]

Here, a proverb and a parable refer to these things in general, not to a specific proverb and parable. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use expressions that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [any proverb and any parable]

The author is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: [to understand the words of the wise ones]

Here, the author uses the term words to describe what the wise ones say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the sayings of]

Here, the author is using the possessive form to describe fear that a person should have for Yahweh. If this is not clear in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [The fear for Yahweh]

Here, beginning refers to the basis of something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [is the prerequisite for acquiring knowledge] or [is what knowledge is based upon]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Being deeply respectful of Yahweh] or [Revering Yahweh]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. See how you translated knowledge in 1:4. Alternate translation: [is what enables you to know what is true] or [allows you to think wisely]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wisdom and instruction, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated wisdom and instruction in 1:2. Alternate translation: [But fools do not care about being wise or learning from others]

This clause is a strong contrast with the previous clause. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a contrast. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: [By contrast, fools despise wisdom and instruction]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Hear, my son, the instruction of your father, yes, do not forsake the law of your mother]

Hear in the Bible often means “hear and obey.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language. Alternate translation: [Pay attention, my son, to the instruction of]

Although the term son is masculine, Solomon is using the word in a generic sense that could refer to either a male or female child. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [my offspring]

See how you translated instruction in 1:2.

Solomon is speaking about himself in the third person. If this would not be natural in your language, you could use the first person form. Alternate translation: [the instruction of me, your father]

This is a double negative, consisting of the negative particle not and the negative word forsake. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this. Alternate translation: [and heed]

Here, the word law is singular in form, but it refers to several laws as a group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the rules of]

For here indicates that what follows is a reason for the commands in the previous verse. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: [Obey these instructions because]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [they are a garland of grace for your head, yes, even pendants for your neck]

Here, the pronoun they refers to the instruction and teaching of one’s parents, as stated in the previous verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [the instruction and law from your parents are] or [the things your parents taught you are]

Here Solomon speaks of the rules and instructions that parents teach their children as if they were a garland or pendants. These two items make a person look more attractive to other people and may cause other people to respect that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use similes. Alternate translation: [they make you look more beautiful and respectable] or [they are like a garland of grace for your head and like pendants for your neck]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe a garland that is characterized by grace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different expression. Alternate translation: [are a gracious garland]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [a gracious garland] or [an attractive garland]

See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 1:8.

Solomon is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers understand how important it is to resist temptation from sinners. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: [should it happen that sinners entice you]

Solomon implies that the sinners would entice his son to sin with them. You could include this information if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: [if sinners entice you to join them in sinning, do not consent to sin with them]

Solomon is using a hypothetical situation to help his readers understand how sinners might entice someone to join them in sinning. Use the natural form in your language for expressing a hypothetical situation. Alternate translation: [Suppose they say]

Here, the pronoun they refers to sinners, as mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [those sinners say]

By us, the sinners are referring to themselves but not other people, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word that shows the connection between these two phrases. Alternate translation: [Let us lie in wait … Yes, let us hide to ambush]

Here, blood refers to violently murdering someone, which usually causes blood to come out of the person who is murdered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to shed blood] or [to murder someone]

Here, for and to introduce the purposes for these actions. The purpose for lying in wait is to shed blood. The purpose for hiding is to ambush someone. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate purposes. Alternate translation: [for the purpose of shedding blood. Let us hide for the purpose of ambushing]

The sinners are speaking of an innocent person in general, not of one particular innocent one. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: [some innocent person]

By us, the sinners are referring to themselves but not other people, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

The sinners speak of murdering people as if they were swallowing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Let us destroy them]

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [the living ones, like Sheol, yes, the whole ones, like those going down to a pit]

The sinners are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [like Sheol swallows people]

Here, Sheol is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could swallow someone. The idea of Sheol swallowing someone refers to how people are completely gone after they die and are buried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [like Sheol completely covers people]

The sinners are leaving out some of the words that a clause would need in many languages to be complete. If it would be helpful in your language, you could supply these words from the beginning of the verse. Alternate translation: [and let us swallow the whole ones]

Here, whole refers to being completely healthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and the healthy ones]

The sinners are leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [like those going down to a pit are swallowed]

The Israelites referred to dying as going down to Sheol or a pit. Here the sinners are saying that their victims are like those going down to a pit because those people will die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: [like those who die]

In this verse, the sinners use We and our to refer to themselves but not other people. Use the exclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

The sinners say all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [very much]

This is an idiom. It refers to joining with a group of people that will share the same life or destiny. Alternate translation: [You must join us and share our destiny]

Here, purse represents the contents of the purse, which would be money and valuables. They are saying that they will share equally whatever they steal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [everything that we steal we will share equally]

In this verse, the sinners use our to refer to themselves but not other people. However, they use us to include the person they are addressing. Use the appropriate form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 1:8.

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases in a way that would show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [do not walk on the road with them; I am saying, restrain your foot from their path]

Here Solomon speaks of walking with the sinners as a way to express associating with them, and he uses road and path to refer to the way that the sinners behave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [have nothing to do with those sinners; keep yourself from behaving like them]

Solomon is using one part of a person, the foot, to represent the whole person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [yourself]

For here indicates that what follows is a reason for the commands in the previous verse. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: [Do not walk with them because]

Here, “feet” represents the whole person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [they run]

Here Solomon speaks of how eager the sinners are to do evil as if their feet were running to do it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [they are quick to do evil]

The phrase pour out blood refers to violently murdering people, which usually causes blood to come out of the people who are murdered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to kill others]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [does someone spread out a net]

A net is a trap made of woven rope or string that hunters use to catch animals. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of trap, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [is the trap set up]

Here, eyes refers to what is seen with the eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in view of] or [in the sight of]

The phrase owner of wing refers to a bird. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly, as in the UST.

Here, but indicates a contrast between the bird mentioned in the previous verse and the sinners who speak in 1:11–14. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a contrast. You may want to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [By contrast, they]

This verse compares the sinners to the birds being hunted in the previous verse. But here it speaks of the sinners as both the hunters and the hunted. Unlike a bird that is smart enough to avoid a net, these sinners destroy themselves by doing sinful things that cause them to be killed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [but because they intend to kill others, they will be killed; their attempts to attack others will cost them their lives]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word that shows the connection between these two clauses. Alternate translation: [but they lie in wait for their blood; yes, they hide in ambush for their lives]

In this verse, the pronouns they and their refer to the sinners described in 1:10–16. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [but those sinners lie in wait for their own blood; those sinners hide in ambush for their own lives]

In this verse, for introduces the result of these actions. They lie in wait and hide in ambush and the result is that it costs them their blood and their lives. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate results. Alternate translation: [but they lie in wait, which costs them their blood; they hide in ambush, which costs them their lives]

See how you translated blood in 1:11.

Here Solomon uses paths to refer to the destiny of those sinners. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [are the destinies of]

Here Solomon uses the adjective all as a noun to mean “every person.” Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [all people]

Here, unjustly gain unjust gain is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: [who are greedy for unjust gain]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of gain, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [what they gain unjustly]

Here, the pronouns it and its refer to the unjust gain that is mentioned in the previous clause. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [that unjust gain takes the life of the unjust gain’s owner]

Solomon speaks of unjust gain as if it were a person who could kill its owner. He means that the wicked things that sinful people do to unjustly gain unjust gain will cause them to die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [unjust gain results in its owner dying] or [seeking unjust gain kills those who do it] or [it is as if unjust gain takes the life of its owner]

Here, the phrase takes the life of means to kill someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [it kills]

These two clauses and the two clauses of the next verse mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word that shows the connection between these two clauses. Alternate translation: [Wisdom calls out outside, indeed, she gives forth her voice in the open places]

In 1:20–33, Solomon speaks of Wisdom as if it were a woman speaking to the people. See the discussion of this in the Introduction for this chapter. By saying that Wisdom calls out or gives her voice, he means that wisdom is available to all people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [Wisdom is available openly; it is available freely] or [Wisdom is like a woman who calls out outside, like a woman who gives forth her voice in the open] or [It is as if wisdom calls out outside; it is as if wisdom gives forth its voice in the town square]

See how you translated the abstract noun Wisdom in 1:2.

Here, outside refers to the public space outside of one’s house where there would be many people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [in the streets]

This is an idiom that means she spoke very loudly. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [she lifts her voice] or [she speaks with a loud voice]

Here, open areas refers to large, outdoor public places where there would usually be many people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [in the marketplaces] or [in the plazas]

These two clauses and the two clauses of the previous verse mean basically the same thing. These two clauses emphasize the meaning of the first clause of the previous verse by repeating the same idea but naming different places in the city. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that would show that these clauses are repeating the same idea from the previous verse, not saying something different. Alternate translation: [Yes, at the head of the tumultuous places she calls out; yes, at the opening of the gates in the city she says her sayings]

Here, head refers to the place where busy streets intersect. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [At the intersection of streets in]

Here Solomon continues to speak of wisdom as if it were a woman who calls out or says her sayings. As in the previous verse, he means that wisdom is available to all people. Continue the strategy that you used in the previous verse. Alternate translation: [wisdom is available … it is available] or [it is as if wisdom calls out … it is as if wisdom says its sayings]

Solomon’s readers would have understood that the the opening of the gates in the city was a crowded place where many people gathered. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [at the opening of the gates in the city, where many people gather]

Here, says her sayings is an emphatic construction that uses a verb and its object that come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis.

1:22–33 are one long quotation that Solomon presents as if wisdom itself were speaking. Consider natural ways of introducing direct quotations in your language. Alternate translation: [She says, “Until when” or “It is as if Wisdom says, “Until when”]

Wisdom is using the question form to emphasize that these types of people should stop acting the way that they do. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [For too long the naive ones have loved naiveté, and mockers have delighted in mockery for themselves, and stupid ones have hated knowledge!]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of naiveté, mockery, and knowledge, you could express the same ideas in other ways. See how you translated knowledge in 1:4. Alternate translation: [thinking naively … mocking … knowing things]

Turn here implies turning one’s head in order to listen better to what someone is saying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [Turn your heads and listen]

Behold is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use some emphatic term or expression in your language that would have this same effect. Alternate translation: [Note this] or [Listen]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that would show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [I shall allow my spirit to gush forth to you, yes, I shall cause you to know my words]

Here, spirit refers to a person’s thoughts. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [my thoughts]

Wisdom telling the people what she thinks is spoken of as if her thoughts were a liquid that would come flowing out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I shall freely tell you what I think]

In this speech from verse 23 through verse 27, Wisdom addresses foolish people directly as a group. Therefore, use the plural forms of address in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Here, Wisdom uses the term words to describe what she says by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the things that I have to say]

Because here indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse is the reason for the result, which is stated in 1:26–27. Use the most natural way in your language to state a reason. If you divide 1:24–27 into two sentences, then you could either remove Because here and add a word to express result at the beginning of 1:26 as in the UST, or you could add the word “because” to each of the clauses of 1:24–25. Alternate translation: [Since]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that would show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [I have called and you have refused, yes, I have stretched out my hand and there was no one listening attentively] or [I have called and you have refused, because I have stretched out my hand and there was no one listening attentively]

Wisdom implies that people refused to listen to what she said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [and you have refused to listen to me]

This phrase stretched out my hand is an idiom that refers to beckoning someone or inviting a person to come. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I stretched out my hand to beckon you] or [I beckoned you]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Both of these clauses continue the reason that was begun in verse 24 with the word “because.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and or you could add the word “because” to each of the clauses. Alternate translation: [and you have ignored all my counsel, yes, my rebuke you did not accept] or [and because you have ignored all my counsel and because my rebuke you did not accept]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of counsel and rebuke, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [that I have counseled, and what I said to rebuke you]

1:26–27 state the result of what was stated in 1:24–25. If you divided 1:24–27 into two sentences and removed Because from 1:24, then you will need to add a word here to express the result of the reasons given in 1:24–25. Alternate translation: [As a result, I too] or [So, I too]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that shows that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [I too shall laugh at your calamity, yes, I shall mock when your dread comes]

The phrase translated as I too shifts the focus from the foolish people mentioned in 1:24–25 to the person speaking, who represents wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [I, in turn,] or [I, for my part,]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of calamity and dread, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [when you suffer … when you are scared]

Here, wisdom speaks of experiencing dread as if it were a person who comes to someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [when you experience dread]

See how you translated this phrase in the previous verse.

See how you translated dread and calamity in the previous verse.

Here, Wisdom compares the manner in which dread and calamity will happen to the sudden, destructive power of a storm or whirlwind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [powerfully … suddenly]

Here, wisdom speaks of experiencing distress and anguish as if they were objects that could come upon someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [when you experience distress and anguish]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of distress and anguish, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [distressing things that make you anguished]

The terms distress and anguish mean similar things. The two terms are used together here for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [distressing events]

These two sentences mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the sentences with a word that shows that the second sentence is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Then they will call out to me, but I will not answer. Yes, they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me]

In this verse, the pronoun they refers to the foolish people who ignored wisdom, as described in 1:22–27. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [those who ignored me will call out to me … those people will diligently seek me, but they will not find me]

Here, call out implies crying out for help. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [they will call out to me for help]

This phrase indicates that what follows in this verse and the next verse are the reasons why the foolish people will not find wisdom, as stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to express reasons. Alternate translation: [because]

See how you translated knowledge in 1:4.

See how you translated the fear of Yahweh in 1:7.

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [they did not want my counsel, yes, they despised my every rebuke]

In this verse, the pronoun they refers to the foolish people who ignored wisdom, as described in 1:22–27. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [those who ignored me did not want … and those people despised]

See how you translated the abstract nouns counsel and rebuke in 1:25.

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [And they will eat from the fruit of their way, yes, from their plans they will be satisfied]

Here, people suffering the consequences of their behavior are spoken of as if they were eating the fruit of their way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a similar idiom from your language or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And they will experience the consequences of their behavior]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and their plans will satisfy them]

Here, the word translated as satisfied means “to be made full of.” This word can have either a positive or negative meaning, but here the meaning is negative. It means that these foolish people will suffer the full consequences of their foolish plans. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [they will experience the consequences of their plans]

For here indicates that what follows in 1:32–33 is the conclusion to what Wisdom stated in 1:22–31. Alternate translation: [In conclusion,]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [the turning away of the naive ones will slay them, yes, false security will lead stupid ones to ruin]

Here, turning away is spoken of as if it were a person who could slay someone. This expression means that the naive ones will die because of their turning away. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [the naive ones will die because of their turning away] or [the turning away of the naive ones is like someone who will slay them]

Here, refusing to listen to wisdom is spoken of as turning away from the one who is speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the refusing to listen of the naive ones]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of false security, you could express the same idea with a different expression. Alternate translation: [wrongly feeling secure]

Here, false security is spoken of as if it were a person who could lead someone. This expression means that stupid ones will die because of their false sense of security. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [and stupid ones will be ruined because of their false security] or [false security of stupid ones is like someone who will ruin them]

But here indicates a strong contrast between the one who listens and “the naive ones,” who were mentioned in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a contrast. Alternate translation: [However, the one who listens]

Here, the possessive form describes dread that a person has for evil. If this is not clear in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [from dreading evil]

See how you translated the abstract nouns dread in 1:26 and evil in 1:16.

See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 1:8.

Here, if indicates the beginning of a conditional sentence that extends from this verse to 2:5. This is the first of three if clauses in this long sentence. If it would be clearer in your language, you could divide this long sentence into shorter sentences and indicate the condition along with the result in 2:5, as in the UST.

Valuing the father’s commandments is spoken of as if the commandments were a treasure and the person were a safe place to store that treasure. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and consider my commandments to be as valuable as a treasure]

The word translated as to here indicates that what follows in this verse explains the means by which a person can receive the sayings and commandments mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [by causing your ear to be attentive to wisdom, and by inclining your heart to understanding]

This phrase is an idiom that refers to forcing oneself to listen carefully. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [force yourself to listen attentively]

See how you translated the abstract nouns wisdom and understanding in 1:2.

In many languages this sentence would need the word “if” here in order to be complete. You could supply this word from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [if you incline your heart]

The phrase incline your heart is an idiom that refers to fully committing one’s mind or will to doing something. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [if you fully commit yourself to gaining understanding]

These two phrases mean similar things. The author is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [if for insightful understanding you lift up your voice to call out]

Here Solomon speaks of calling out to receive insight and understanding as if they were people whom someone could summon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to receive insight … to receive understanding]

In many languages this sentence would need the word “if” here in order to be complete. You could supply this word from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [if for understanding you lift up your voice]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of insight, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for what should be perceived]

See how you translated the abstract noun understanding in the previous verse.

This phrase is an idiom that refers to speaking loudly. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you speak with a loud voice]

These two phrases mean similar things. The author is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [if you diligently search for it like a valuable hidden treasure]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [if you seek it as if it were silver and search for it as if it were hidden treasures] or [if you seek it as you would seek silver and search for it as you would search for hidden treasures]

In this verse, the pronoun it refers to wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [you seek wisdom … search for wisdom]

Solomon is saying that wisdom is like silver and hidden treasures because those are items that people value greatly and work very hard to find. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [if you seek it diligently, like one seeks silver, and search for it diligently, like one searches for hidden treasures]

Here, then indicates that what follows is the result of meeting the conditions that are stated in 2:1–4. If you divided this long sentence in 2:1–5 into shorter sentences, then you will need to indicate the condition before the result here in this new sentence, as in the UST. Alternate translation: [If you do so, then the result will be that]

See how you translated this phrase in 1:7.

Obtaining the knowledge of God is spoken of as if the knowledge of God were an object that a person can find by searching for it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and you will have the knowledge of God]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe knowing God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [and you will find how to know God]

For here indicates that what follows is the reason why what Solomon stated in 2:1–4 is true. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: [This is due to the fact that]

See how you translated wisdom in 1:2 and knowledge and understanding in the previous verse.

Here, mouth represents Yahweh himself or what he says. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [from Yahweh comes knowledge and understanding]

Yahweh possessing sound wisdom that he gives to people is spoken of as if sound wisdom were an item that Yahweh stores up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [And he has sound wisdom to provide for the upright ones]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sound wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [soundly wise things]

Yahweh protecting his people is spoken of as if he were a shield. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he shields those walking with integrity]

Here, walking refers to how people behave. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [who conduct themselves with integrity]

See how you translated the abstract noun integrity in 1:3.

Here, to indicates that what follows is the purpose for Yahweh giving “sound wisdom” and being a “shield,” as stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a purpose. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [Yahweh does these things for the purpose of guarding]

Here, paths could refer to: (1) the behavior of people, in which case the meaning is similar to the next clause in the verse. Alternate translation: [those who behave justly]; (2) justice itself, as if it were paths. Alternate translation: [the path that is justice] or [justice]

Here Solomon speaks of the lives of God’s faithful ones as if they were a way or road. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and he will preserve the lives of his faithful ones]

Then here indicates that what follows is another result of meeting the conditions stated in 2:1–4. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate the result of meeting conditions. Alternate translation: [If you do those things, then the result will be that]

See how you translated the abstract nouns righteousness, justice, and integrity in 1:3.

Here Solomon speaks of wise behavior as if it were a good track. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [every good way of living]

See how you translated wisdom in 1:2 and knowledge in 1:4.

This phrase is an idiom that refers to fully knowing something. If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the same use of heart in 2:2. Alternate translation: [will be fully in your mind] or [will become a part of you] or [will be the way that you think]

Here, soul refers to the whole person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [will be pleasant to you]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Discretion will watch over you, yes, understanding will protect you]

Here Solomon speaks of discretion and understanding as if they were people who could protect and guard someone else. He means that someone who has discretion and understanding will be safe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [If you have discretion, you will be safe; if you have understanding, you will be secure]

See how you translated Discretion in 1:4 and understanding in 1:2.

2:11–17 are one long sentence. If you divide these verses into multiple sentences then you may need to repeat some phrases in order to make the meaning clear, as the UST does.

Here Solomon speaks of “discretion” and “understanding” as if they were people who could rescue someone. He means that people who have “discretion” and “understanding” will keep themselves away from harm. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to keep you away]

Here, to indicates that what follows is the purpose for “discretion” and “understanding” protecting a person, as stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a purpose. Alternate translation: [Discretion and understanding will protect you for the purpose of rescuing you]

This phase the way of evil could refer to: (1) the way of an evil person. This interpretation fits the context of the descriptions of evil people given in 2:12–17. Alternate translation: [from the way of an evil person]; (2) a way that is characterized by evil. Alternate translation: [from any evil way]

Here Solomon uses way to refer to how people behave. See how you translated this use of way in 1:15.

See how you translated the abstract noun evil in 1:16.

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and to rescue you from a man]

The word man here represents a type of person in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an expression that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [from any person]

See how you translated the same use of forsake in 1:8.

Here, the paths of straightness refers to behaving in a right manner. The word paths refers to human behavior, and straightness refers to being righteous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [doing what is right] or [acting rightly]

Here, to introduces the purpose for forsaking the paths of straightness. Use a natural way in your language to indicate purpose. Alternate translation: [for the purpose of walking]

This phrase refers to behaving in an evil manner. The biblical authors often use walk to refer to how someone behaves and they use darkness to refer to evil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to do what is evil] or [to behave in an evil manner]

See how you translated the abstract noun evil in 1:16.

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe perverse things that are characterized by evil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [evil perverse things]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [whose paths are crooked, yes, who go astray in their tracks]

Here Solomon refers to people’s wrong behavior as if they were walking on the wrong paths and tracks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [behavior is dishonest and who do things to deceive others]

Here, to indicates that what follows is another purpose for “discretion” and “understanding” guarding a person, as stated in the 2:11. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a purpose. If you divided up the long sentence in 2:11–17 into shorter sentences, then here, beginning a new sentence, you will need to repeat some information from 2:11. Alternate translation: [Discretion and understanding will guard you for the additional purpose of rescuing you]

Here Solomon refers to an immoral and adulterous woman as if she were a stranger or foreigner. The woman is strange or foreign not because she is from a different ethnic group, but because she belongs to another man; she is a stranger to the son’s own marriage. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly, as in the UST.

Solomon is speaking of any women who do these things, not of one particular woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use expressions that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [from any strange woman, from any foreign woman]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and to rescue you from a foreign woman]

Here Solomon speaks of this woman speaking seductively as if she were making what she says smooth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [who makes her sayings seductive]

Here, companion refers to the husband of the adulterous woman mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [the husband of]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe the companion whom this woman married while she was in her youth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [the companion whom she married in her youth]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of youth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the time when she was young]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe the covenant that this woman made with her God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [the covenant that she made with her God]

Here, covenant refers specifically to the covenant that a man and woman made with each other and God when they married. This covenant included promising not to commit adultery. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [the covenant that she made with her God when she married her husband]

For here indicates that what follows is the reason why “discretion” and “understanding” rescue a man from an adulterous woman, as stated in 2:16. Use the most natural way in your language to state a reason. Alternate translation: [Discretion and understanding will rescue you from her because]

These two phrases mean similar things. The author is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [involvement with her will totally destroy you]

Here, her house represents the woman herself and her activities. Alternate translation: [being involved with her takes you down]

Here Solomon speaks of death as a place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [results in a man dying] or [is a way to die]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. If necessary, you could supply these words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: [and her tracks sink down to the spirits of the dead] or [and her tracks lead to the spirits of the dead]

Here, Solomon speaks of the activities that a man would participate in with this woman as her tracks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [becoming involved with her]

Here, the spirits of dead ones refers to the place where people’s spirits go when they die, which was called “Sheol” in 1:12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the place where the spirits of dead people dwell] or [the place of the dead]

Here, enter refers to someone having sex with another person. This is a polite way of referring to something that is offensive or embarrassing in some cultures. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different polite way of referring to this act or you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [those who have sex with her] or [those who sleep with her]

Here, Solomon refers to being restored to a righteous life as a return from the path that leads to death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [will never again have a righteous life]

Solomon speaks of living in God’s way that leads to life with him as the paths of life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and he will never again live happily as God desires]

So here indicates that what follows is the result of what was stated in 2:11–19 as being true. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: [Because this is true,]

These two phrases mean similar things. The author is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [you shall walk in the way of the good ones, yes, keep the path of the righteous ones]

Solomon is using a future statement to give an instruction or command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command or instruction form. Alternate translation: [walk in the way of the good ones and keep the paths of the righteous ones]

Solomon is speaking of how people behave or live their lives as walking along a certain way or staying on certain paths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [you shall behave like … and the behaviors of]

For here indicates that what follows in 2:21–22 is the reason for what was stated in 2:11–20. Use an expression for this that is natural in your language. See how you translated a similar use of For in 1:32. Alternate translation: [Do this, because]

These two phrases mean similar things. The author is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [the blameless, upright ones will remain to dwell in the land]

Here, the land and it could refer to: (1) the land of Israel, which God had given to the Jewish people and which Solomon was ruling over when he wrote these proverbs. Alternate translation: [will dwell in the land of Israel … will remain in Israel] or [will dwell in our land … will remain in our land]; (2) the earth in general, in which case this would refer to staying alive. Alternate translation: [will dwell on the earth … will remain alive on the earth]

Here, the blameless refers to people who do what is right. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [and the people who do what is right]

Here, but indicates a strong contrast between the wicked and treacherous people in this verse and the “upright” and “blameless” people, who were mentioned in the previous verse. See how you translated a similar strong contrast in 1:33.

These two phrases mean similar things. The author is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [but wicked ones will be cut off from the land, yes, all the treacherous ones will be torn away from it]

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The context indicates that Yahweh will do the action. Alternate translation: [Yahweh will cut off … Yahweh will tear away]

Solomon speaks of Yahweh removing people from the land as if he were cutting those people off, like a person cuts a branch from a tree, or as if he were tearing those people away, like a person violently pulls someone off of something. Solomon does not state if these people are removed by being killed or by being forced to leave the land, so it is best to use general expressions for these phrases. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [will be removed … will be taken away]

See how you translated the land and it in the previous verse.

See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 1:8.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [do not forget my law, yes, my commandments let your heart guard]

Solomon is using a figure of speech here that expresses a strongly positive meaning by using a negative word, not, together with an expression that is the opposite of the intended meaning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning positively, as in the UST.

Here, the word law is singular in form, but it refers to several laws as a group. See how you translated this use of law in 1:8.

See how you translated the abstract noun commandments in 2:1.

See how you translated the same use of heart in 2:2.

Here Solomon speaks of a person’s heart as if it were a person who could guard something, and he speaks of commandments as if they were things that could be guarded. He means that he wants his son to remember these commandments in order to obey them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [remember to obey]

For here indicates that what follows is a reason for the commands in the previous verse. Use a connector in your language that makes it clear that what follows is a reason for what came before. Alternate translation: [Remember my commandments because]

If it would be helpful in your language, you could change the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: [they will add to you length of days and years of life and peace]

Here, length of days is an idiom that means “a long life.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a long life]

Here, years of life is an idiom that means “a long and fulfilling life.” If this phrase does not have that meaning in your language, you could use an idiom from your language that does have this meaning or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and a fulfilling life] or [and years of fulfilling life]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and a peaceful life]

Here, the pronoun they refers to the law and commandments mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [my law and commandments will add]

Here Solomon speaks of his commandments as if they could add length to a person’s life. He means that obeying his commandments will enable a person to live a long life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [obeying them will add to you] or [by obeying them you will add to yourself]

These three clauses mean basically the same thing. The second and third clauses emphasize the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a word that shows the connection between these three clauses. Alternate translation: [Do not let covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness leave you, yes, bind them on your throats, indeed, write them on the tablet of your heart]

Here Solomon speaks of covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness as if they were people who could leave someone. He means that a person should not stop being faithful and trustworthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Do not stop being faithful and trustworthy]

Solomon is using a figure of speech here, consisting of the negative particle not and the negative word leave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this. Alternate translation: [Retain covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [being faithful and trustworthy]

Here Solomon speaks of covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness as if they were objects that a person could tie around his neck like a necklace. He means that these are valuable qualities that people should display outwardly by their behavior. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [show them outwardly by how you behave] or [display them like one would wear a necklace]

See how you translated the same use of heart in 2:2.

Here Solomon speaks of the heart as if it were a tablet upon which someone could write covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness. He means that people should always remember to behave with covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [keep these things in your mind] or [always remember them, as if you had written them permanently on a tablet]

Here the word and introduces the result of obeying the commands stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate results. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [If you do these things, then you will find favor] or [This will result in you finding favor]

The word translated find is an imperative, but it communicates a good result rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a good result. Alternate translation: [and then you will get]

Here Solomon speaks of favor and good insight as if they were objects that a person could find. He means that God and man will show favor and good insight to the person who does what Solomon commanded in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and you will experience favor and good insight]

Here, eyes refers to seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in the judgment of]

Solomon is speaking of people in general, not of one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, use a more natural phrase. Alternate translation: [and others]

See how you translated heart in 2:2.

Here Solomon speaks of relying on one’s own understanding as if understanding were an object on which a person could lean. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [do not rely on your own understanding]

See how you translated the abstract noun understanding in 1:2.

Here Solomon speaks of a person’s actions as if they were ways or paths on which that person walks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [In all that you do … how you live]

Here, and introduces the result of obeying the commands stated in the previous verse and the beginning of this verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate results. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [If you do these things, then he himself will straighten] or [This will result in he himself straightening]

For emphasis, Solomon is explicitly stating a pronoun even though the meaning he is already there. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun himself. Alternate translation: [he indeed will straighten]

Here Solomon speaks of Yahweh showing people what they should do as if Yahweh were removing obstacles and smoothing out paths that people walk on. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and he himself will make clear to you what you should do] or [and he himself will guide your actions]

Here Solomon speaks of a person’s opinion as if that person were seeing something with his eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in your own opinion]

This clause is a strong contrast with the previous clause. While the previous clause said what a person should not do, this clause says what that person should do instead. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate a contrast. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [Rather, fear Yahweh and turn from evil]

Here Solomon speaks of refusing to do evil actions as if a person were turning away from evil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and do not commit evil acts]

See how you translated the abstract noun evil in 1:16.

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [It will be healing for your navel, yes, refreshment for your bones]

The pronoun It here refers to following the commands that Solomon stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [Obeying these commands will be]

Solomon is using parts of a person, the navel and bones, to represent a person’s whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [for your body … for your whole body]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous clause if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and it will be refreshment for your bones]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of refreshment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and will cause your bones to be refreshed]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [by giving from your wealth and by giving from the first of all your produce]

Here, first refers to the first crops that were harvested at harvest time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [and from the first crops harvested of]

Here, and introduces the result of obeying the command stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate result. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [If you do these things, then your storehouses will be filled with plenty] or [This will result in your storehouses being abundantly full]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [and your store houses will become abundantly full] or [and Yahweh will abundantly fill your storehouses]

The word storehouses refers to buildings or rooms where crops are stored after farmers have harvested them. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of storage place, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [your barns] or [your place for storing harvested crops]

Here, abundance refers to a plentiful amount of harvested crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [a plentiful amount of harvested crops]

The word vats refers to large containers in which the juice of grapes called new wine was processed into wine. If a very large amount of new wine was put in the vat, it could flow out and spill over the top of the vat. If your readers would not be familiar with wine or the way it is produced, you could refer to something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [and your storage containers for juice will become so extremely full that they break open]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of correction and rebuke, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: [Being corrected by … being rebuked by him]

See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 1:8.

For here introduces the reason for obeying the commands stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate reasons. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [Do not do these things, because]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous clause if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and like a father, he disciplines a son in whom he delights]

The phrase in whom he delights refers to the father’s affection for his son. It does not mean that the father approves of his son’s behavior. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [a son for whom he has great affection]

See how you translated the same use of son in 1:8.

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [Happy is a man who finds wisdom, yes, happy is a man who obtains understanding]

In this verse, a man represents a person in general, not one particular man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use expressions that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: [is a person … and a person]

Here Solomon speaks of attaining wisdom as if it were an object that a person finds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [who attains wisdom]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous clause if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and happy is a man who obtains understanding]

See how you translated the abstract nouns wisdom and understanding in 1:2.

For here indicates that what follows is the reason what was stated in the previous verse is true. Use the most natural way in your language to state a reason. Alternate translation: [This is due to the fact that]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the clauses with a word other than and that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: [better {is} its profit than the profit of silver, yes, better than the produce of gold is its produce]

Solomon is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a clause would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous clause if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and better than the produce of gold is its produce]

In this verse, its refers to wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [is wisdom’s profit … wisdom’s produce]

Although the word profit usually refers to money that someone earns, Solomon uses it here to refer to a benefit in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [is its benefit than the benefit of silver]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe the profit or wealth that one gains by having silver. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [than the benefit one gets from having silver]

Although the word produce usually refers to harvested crops, Solomon uses it here to refer to a benefit in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [and than gold, its benefit]

In 3:15–18 Solomon speaks of wisdom as if it were a woman. See the discussion of this in the Chapter Introduction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [It … with it]

The word translated coral pearls could also refer to precious stones called “rubies.” Either word refers to an item that is extremely valuable. If your readers would not be familiar with coral pearls or rubies, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [is more precious than valuable stones] or [is more precious than something that is extremely valuable]

See how you translated this idiom in 3:2.

In this verse, her refers to wisdom as if it were a woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [is in wisdom’s right hand; in wisdom’s left hand]

Here Solomon speaks of wise people receiving length of days, riches, and honor as if they were objects received from the right and left hands of wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [is received by those who have wisdom; those who have wisdom receive riches]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of honor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and being honored]

These two phrases mean similar things. Solomon is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: [Her way of life is one of peaceful pleasantness]

Her and her here refer to wisdom as if it were a woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Wisdom’s ways … wisdom’s paths]

In this verse, ways and paths refer to how being wise guides a person’s behavior. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Wise behavior is behavior of … wise behavior brings peace]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe ways that result in pleasantness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [are ways that lead to pleasantness]

Here Solomon implies that peace is the result of following wisdom’s paths. Use a natural way in your language to indicate result. Alternate translation: [lead to being peaceful] or [result in living peacefully]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another Alternate translation: [are what is peaceful]

She and her here refer to wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [Wisdom … of wisdom, and those who grasp wisdom]

Here Solomon is using the possessive form to describe a tree with fruit that sustains life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [is a tree that gives life] or [is a tree with fruit that sustains life]

Here Solomon speaks of wisdom as if it were a tree that gives life to those who eat its fruit. He means that wisdom causes a person to live a long and happy life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly or use a simile. Alternate translation: [results in a good life for the ones who take hold of her] or [is like a tree that sustains the lives of the ones who take hold of her]

Here Solomon refers to people who persist in being wise as if they take hold of or grasp wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to the ones who obtain wisdom, and those who hold on to wisdom]

Here Solomon speaks of Yahweh creating the earth as if he were laying the foundation of a building. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [created the earth]

See how you translated the abstract nouns wisdom in 1:2 and understanding in 2:2.

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea as in the UST.

Here, depths refers to bodies of water that were deep under the earth’s surface. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [the underground bodies of water]

Here, broke open refers to: (1) the water from the depths bursting out from under the ground and coming to the surface of the earth. Alternate translation: [burst forth water onto the earth]

See how you translated the same use of this phrase in 1:8.

If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: [guard prudence and discretion, do not let them depart from your eyes]

Here Solomon speaks of someone not forgetting something as if he were always able to see that thing with his eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [do not forget them]

Here Solomon speaks of prudence and discretion as if they were things that could be guarded. He means that he wants his son to remember these qualities in order to practice them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [remember to practice]

See how you translated the abstract nouns prudence and discretion in 1:4.

Here, and introduces the result of obeying the commands stated in the previous verse. Use the most natural way in your language to indicate results. You may need to start a new sentence. Alternate translation: [and this will result in them being] or [If you do this, then they will be]

Here, they refers to the “prudence” and “discretion” mentioned in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this explicitly. Alternate translation: [and prudence and discretion will be]

See how you translated the same use of soul in 2:10.