Brother Knowledge

When I compare this version with a couple of other translations (I looked at NRSV and NIV), what I'm seeing is that the translator of The Message chose to personify wisdom and knowledge as people. That is, I think the personified wording is specific to this one English translation/paraphrase. There are places in Proverbs where Wisdom is described as though she's a person, but this doesn't seem to be one of them. The Message translator has taken considerable liberties with this passage.

With that said, if it helps you to envision Wisdom and Knowledge as two people who are fellow-travellers in life, go ahead and picture that. They're pretty good travelling companions, after all.

Nick01 said:

Hey, I wanted to talk to you guys about a bible verse I came across.

Proverbs 2:9-15
So now you can pick out what’s true and fair, find all the good trails! Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion. Good Sense will scout ahead for danger, Insight will keep an eye out for you. They’ll keep you from making wrong turns, or following the bad directions Of those who are lost themselves and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed, These losers who make a game of evil and throw parties to celebrate perversity, Traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.

Is Brother Knowledge a real person, or just a metaphor for God? I am also interested in Lady Wisdom becoming my friend. I wonder what that will be like.

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

The Message is a controversial translation and should not be taken as an accurate scriptural source for this very reason, adding the personification to wisdom and knowledge and therefore wanting more information on something that is in error to begin with. I don't mean to be harsh about this but if you continue to read from this source you will not know truth. Here is a better and more accurate translation. Blessings

NKJV
Proverbs 2: 9-15
Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
10 When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things,
13 From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice in doing evil,
And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked,
And who are devious in their paths;

Nick01 said:

Hey, I wanted to talk to you guys about a bible verse I came across.

Proverbs 2:9-15
So now you can pick out what’s true and fair, find all the good trails! Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion. Good Sense will scout ahead for danger, Insight will keep an eye out for you. They’ll keep you from making wrong turns, or following the bad directions Of those who are lost themselves and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed, These losers who make a game of evil and throw parties to celebrate perversity, Traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.

Is Brother Knowledge a real person, or just a metaphor for God? I am also interested in Lady Wisdom becoming my friend. I wonder what that will be like.

Thoughts?

Click to expand...

God's infinite wisdom is personified as a woman (lady wisdom) ... God's infinite knowledge is personified as (brother knowledge.)
so yes they are metaphors for God perfect wisdom and knowledge.