OET interlinear PROV 24:4

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 24:3–4 Saying 20

This saying teaches that a person needs to have wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to build and furnish a house. The saying refers mainly to a literal house and the nice things that are put in its rooms. But it also implies a stable and prosperous household.In Proverbs, the word bayit can be used both literally and figuratively. It sometimes refers literally to a “house” or “building.” Other times it refers figuratively to a “household” or “family.” In 24:3, the NCV translates it as “family.” All other versions have “house” or “home.” In English, “home” can refer to either a house or the people in the house. Commentaries that support a literal “house” as the main meaning include UBS, Fox, Hubbard, Ross, Toy, Whybray, Murphy, and McKane. The reference to “its rooms” in 24:4a strongly favor the interpretation of a literal “house” in 24:3a.

General Comment on 24:3a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel lines that are about building the house. For example:

Use wisdom and understanding to establish your home (CEV)

When people have wisdom and good sense, they build sturdy houses.

General Comment on 24:3–4

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the three parallel clauses in these two verses. For example:

By means of his wisdom, competence, and knowledge, a person builds a sturdy house with many rooms and buys valuable and beautiful things to put in it.

through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

• If he has knowledge, he is able to acquire wealth and fill its rooms with valuable and beautiful things.

• He also uses what he knows to put many kinds of expensive and desirable/lovely things in its rooms.