Parallel PROV 23:23

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 23:22–25 Saying 16

In this saying, the father advises his son to pay attention to his father and mother (23:22). He should learn from them the truth that will make him wise (23:23). This will make them very happy (23:24–25).

The father’s role in giving birth to the son is mentioned twice. The mother’s role is mentioned once. This threefold mention strongly reminds the son that he owes his very life to both parents, so he should listen to them with respect.

Invest in truth and never sell it—

• Be^(sing) diligent to learn/acquire what is true. Do not ignore/reject it.

• Do everything you can to learn/gain the truth that they teach you. Be careful not to forget it.

(combined/reordered)

• Do everything possible to learn what is true, to become wise, and to understand what you^(sing) have been taught. Always value these things and do not forget them.

in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

• Be sure to gain/get wisdom, pay attention when you^(sing) are instructed, and add to your ability to understand.

• Yes, try hard to become wise, to learn and understand the meaning of their advice.

General Comment on 23:23a–b

Some English versions arrange the parallel parts as the BSB has done. They have the positive and negative commands to “buy/invest in” and “not sell” the truth in the first line. They put the other three things in the second line. For example:

^23aBuy truth and do not sell it;

^23bbuy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. (ESV)

Other versions reorder the parallel parts so that all four things occur together. For example:

Truth, wisdom, learning, and good sense—these are worth paying for, but too valuable for you to sell. (GNT)

Notice that the GNT puts both commands in the last part of the verse. The CEV (see the quote in 23:23a) puts one command at the beginning and the other command at the end.

You may use any of these options. The positive and negative commands reinforce the same meaning. Within the parallel lines, they refer equally to truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.