a man’s greatest treasure

BBB blogger Peter Kirk will be married on Saturday to a lady he says is “the most beautiful woman in the world.” The Bible says his bride is a gift from God, “a man’s greatest treasure” (CEV). As my wedding present to Peter and Lorenza, I will quote from several translations of Proverbs 18:22.

Peter, I wish you and Lorenza many joyful years together. Mazel tov!

A man’s greatest treasure
is his wife—she is a gift from the LORD. (CEV)

The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the LORD. (NLT)

When a man finds a wife, he finds something good.
It shows that the LORD is pleased with him. (NCV)

The one who finds a a wife finds what is enjoyable,
and receives a pleasurable gift from the LORD. (NET)

He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD. (ESV)

He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD (NIV, TNIV)

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD. (HCSB)

Whoever finds a wife finds what is good,
and receives favor from the LORD. (ISV)

If any of you would like to comment on any of these translations or add another one, or add your own wishes to Peter and Lorenza, feel free to do so.

This entry was written by Wayne Leman, posted on October 23, 2009 at 4:05 am, filed under Bible Translation. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

10 Comments

Kevin Sam

Posted October 23, 2009 at 7:17 am | Permalink

Putting aside what is technically correct, I like HCSB and ESV rendering of “a good thing” just because it sounds hip. And “treasure” and “enjoyable”? Also true…but a good thing covers it all.

Peter, enjoy your new wife, treasure her because she is good thing from the Lord!
ElShaddai Edwards

Posted October 23, 2009 at 9:39 am | Permalink

Perhaps for more British flavour, the REB:

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing; he has won favour from the Lord.”

and the NEB:

“Find a wife, and you find a good thing; so you will earn the favour of the Lord.”

Congratulations, Peter!
Scripture Zealot

Posted October 23, 2009 at 4:35 pm | Permalink

Congratulations Peter. What a great thing God has created (marriage) and you get to participate in it.
Jeff
Nathan

Posted October 23, 2009 at 5:57 pm | Permalink

Congrats!
Dave Black

Posted October 24, 2009 at 12:34 am | Permalink

Peter and Lorenza, my best wishes to you both.
exegete77

Posted October 24, 2009 at 12:58 pm | Permalink

Whoever finds a wife finds something good
and has obtained favor from the Lord. (God’s Word)

Congratulations, Peter and Lorenza. May God richly bless you in your life together as husband and wife.

Rich S
J. K. Gayle

Posted October 24, 2009 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

Because you do read this:

ὃς εὗρεν γυναῖκα ἀγαθήν, εὗρεν χάριτας,
ἔλαβεν δὲ παρὰ θεοῦ ἱλαρότητα.

מָצָא אִשָּׁה מָצָא טֹוב וַיָּפֶק רָצֹון מֵיְהוָה׃

Blessings to you both for years to come!
Dru

Posted October 24, 2009 at 8:50 pm | Permalink

Every blessing and best wishes to you both.
Edward Pothier

Posted October 25, 2009 at 3:22 pm | Permalink

Congratulations.
I guess we can expect a flood of Song of Songs blogposts.
Peter Kirk

Posted November 2, 2009 at 6:49 pm | Permalink

Thanks! Only just seen this. Lorenza and I really appreciate all your wishes.

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