“He who gives heed to the word will prosper”: “Gives heed” is literally “acts prudently or wisely.” “The word” renders a noun that can also mean matter or affair. Some interpreters think, however, that the second line restricts the sense of “the word” to refer either to “the word of the wise,” that is, the instruction given by the wise, or to the word or the instruction given by God. Good News Translation “what you are taught” probably means the instruction given by parents and teachers (so also New International Version). Bible en français courant takes it to be more general and says “Whoever reflects on a matter. . ..” New Revised Standard Version has revised Revised Standard Version to say “Those who are attentive to a matter. . ..” Revised English Bible gives a more restricted sense: “He who is shrewd in business. . ..” All of these are possible translations. “Prosper” is literally “find good” and means “to be successful,” “to end up well,” or “to be happy.”

“And happy is he who trusts in the Lord“: For “happy” see 14.21b. For “trusts in the Lord” see 3.5.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .