Proverbs 22:3

Context

22:3 A shrewd person¹ sees danger² and hides himself,

but the naive keep right on going³ and suffer for it.⁴

Acts 24:25

Context
24:25 While Paul⁵ was discussing⁶ righteousness, self-control,⁷ and the coming judgment, Felix⁸ became⁹ frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity,¹⁰ I will send for you.”

[22:3] ¹sn The contrast is between the “shrewd” (prudent) person and the “simpleton.” The shrewd person knows where the dangers and pitfalls are in life and so can avoid them; the naive person is unwary, untrained, and gullible, unable to survive the dangers of the world and blundering into them.

[22:3] ²tn Heb “evil,” a term that is broad enough to include (1) “sin” as well as (2) any form of “danger” (NIV, NCV, NRSV, NLT) or “trouble” (TEV, CEV). The second option is more likely what is meant here: The naive simpleton does not see the danger to be avoided and so suffers for it.

[22:3] ³tn Heb “go on”; the word “right” is supplied in the translation to clarify the meaning: The naive person, oblivious to impending danger, meets it head on (cf. TEV “will walk right into it”).

[22:3] ⁴tn The verb עָנַשׁ (’anash) means “to fine” specifically. In the Niphal stem it means “to be fined,” or more generally, “to be punished.” In this line the punishment is the consequence of blundering into trouble – they will pay for it.

[24:25] ⁵tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[24:25] ⁶tn Or “speaking about.”

[24:25] ⁷tn Grk “and self-control.” This καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.

[24:25] ⁸sn See the note on Felix in 23:26.

[24:25] ⁹tn Grk “becoming.” The participle γενόμενος (genomenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

[24:25] ¹⁰tn Or “when I find time.” BDAG 639 s.v. μεταλαμβάνω 2 has “καιρὸν μ. have an opportunity = find time…Ac 24:25.”