OET interlinear PROV 23:14

Section 22:17–24:22: Here are thirty sayings of wise people

This section follows the main collection of Solomon’s proverbs (10:1–22:16). It differs in significant ways from this preceding section:These differences were summarized from a number of commentaries, including UBS (page 472), Waltke (2004, page 22), and Hubbard (page 351).

1. The preceding section has mostly two-line proverbs that are one verse in length. This section has proverbs of a different form. They are sayings that range from one to seven verses. Most of the sayings are two or three verses in length. Each saying will be marked as a separate paragraph in the Notes.

2. Many of the proverbs in the preceding section express a general principle. They are not addressed specifically to the readers. Most of the sayings here contain direct commands. They advise the reader or listener either to follow wise behavior or avoid foolish behavior. Most of the sayings also give a reason or motive for following the command.

3. As in chapters 1–9, the author addresses his reader or listener as a father who advises his son. He uses second person commands and pronouns (you^(sing)). See the note on 23:15 for a list of verses where the words “my son” occur.

Some other headings for this section are:

Thirty Wise Sayings (CEV)

Words of the Wise (ESV)

Thirty Sayings of the Wise (NIV11)

Verse 22:20 mentions “thirty sayings,” but the Hebrew text itself does not number the sayings. Some versions that use the word “thirty” in the section heading also give a number as a separate heading for each saying. The GNT and CEV start numbering the sayings at 22:22. They have a total of thirty-one paragraphs. In these versions, the first paragraph (22:17–21) serves as an introduction to the thirty sayings (22:22–24:22).Scholars who identify 22:17–21 as the first saying include Hubbard (page 352), Fox (page 707), and Waltke (2004, page 22). Scholars who identify these verses as an introduction to the sayings that follow include Whybray (page 325) and Murphy (page 170). See also the NET footnote (b) on 22:16. Whether these introductory verses form the first saying or simply introduce the following sayings, all scholars agree that they function as an introduction to the whole section. Other versions, such as the NIV, NCV, and NLT, divide the paragraphs in the same way but do not have separate headings for each section. You may use either option in your translation.The NIV11 gives a number as a separate heading for each saying. But it counts the first paragraph as the first saying, and has a total of thirty paragraphs. Other versions have more or fewer paragraphs. For example, the ESV and NRSV have fifteen paragraphs. The NJB has thirty-four. Still other versions, such as the RSV, NET, and NJPS, do not group the verses into sayings or paragraphs.

For the convenience of those who decide to identify the number of each saying in their translation, the Notes will put the number in the paragraph headings, using the same numbering system as the GNT or CEV. These numbers will not be used in the Display.

Paragraph 23:13–14 Saying 12

This saying reassures parents that physical punishment will have a positive effect in a child’s life. It will spare him from a premature death.

Verses 23:13b and 23:14b both describe the result of punishing a child by giving him a beating. Verse 23:13b explains what will not happen. Verse 23:14b explains what will happen. Together the two verses imply that if parents do not discipline their children, the children will die as a result.

Proverbs with a similar theme include 19:18 and 22:15. See the notes on those two verses. Make sure that you account for the similarities and differences when you translate this saying. In 22:15, the words for “discipline,” “rod,” and “child” are the same as here.

Strike him with a rod,

• The truth is that proper punishment

• If you^(sing) beat them with a cane/stick,

and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.

• will actually save/spare him from an early death.

• you^(sing) will improve their character so that they do not go early to the place of the dead.

General Comment on 23:13–14

In some languages, it may be redundant to repeat the almost identical clauses in 23:13b and 23:14a. Two ways to avoid unacceptable redundancy are:

• Use different expressions in 23:13b and 23:14a. For example:

  ^13aDon’t fail to discipline your children.

  ^13bThey won’t die if you spank them.

  ^14a Physical discipline

  ^14bmay well save them from death. (NLT)

• Combine the almost identical clauses into one clause. For example, the GNT combined 23:13b and 23:14a. It has:

  ^13aDon’t hesitate to discipline children. ^13b/14aA good spanking won’t kill them.

  ^14bAs a matter of fact, it may save their lives.