Why a good person should suffer is a theme in the Prophets (Jer 20.7-8), the Psalms (Psa 37; 73.12-14), and the Wisdom writings (Job 5.17; 9.22-24; 10.1-3). In this verse the connector “for” introduces the reason why a person should accept or welcome the Lord‘s correction.

“The Lord reproves him whom he loves”: “Reproves” renders the active verb form of the noun “reproof” used at the end of verse 11. Here we may say, for example, “corrects the faults,” “punishes the mistakes,” or “rebukes the wrongs.” The matching pair “love” and “delight” were used in 1.22 in reference to being simple and scoffing. To “love” means to have affection for someone and in some languages is expressed figuratively; for example, “to hold in one’s heart” or “to keep someone in one’s mind.”

“As a father the son in whom he delights”: There is some problem with the second line of this verse. Revised Standard Version follows the Hebrew text as we have it, “like a father.” However, the Septuagint translators understood the Hebrew text they had to mean “and he makes suffer.” Therefore New English Bible says “and he punishes a favorite son,” which Revised English Bible retains as “and he punishes the son who is dear to him.” The Hebrew Old Testament Text Project committee was equally divided between those favoring the present Hebrew text and those favoring the Septuagint. As a result the committee recommended that translators choose one text and place the other one in a note. Some modern versions avoid the use of “father” and “son” in favor of the inclusive “parent” and “child”; for example, Contemporary English Version “just as parents correct their favorite child.” :”Delights” translates a different word than the one used in 1.22. The sense here is to be pleased with, to take pleasure in. Both Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version are good models.

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 .