“He who trusts in his own mind is a fool”: “Trusts” translates the same verb as used in verse 25. “His own mind” is literally “his own heart” and refers to the person’s own intelligence or cleverness. Such a person is described as a “fool”; see 1.22 for “fool”.

“But he who walks in wisdom will be delivered”: “Walks in wisdom” means to live or conduct yourself wisely, or to live according to the teachings of the wise. “Will be delivered” means “escape danger” or “be safe.” See Good News Translation and the comments at 11.21.

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 .