Amsal 23:1

23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,

consider carefully ¹  what ²  is before you,

Amsal 30:32

30:32 If you have done foolishly by exalting yourself ³ 

or if you have planned evil,

put ⁴  your hand over your mouth!

[23:1]  ¹ tn The construction uses the imperfect tense of instruction with the infinitive absolute to emphasize the careful discernment required on such occasions. Cf. NIV “note well”; NLT “pay attention.”

[23:1]  ² tn Or “who,” referring to the ruler (so ASV, NAB, TEV).

[30:32]  ³ tn The construction has the בְּ (bet) preposition with the Hitpael infinitive construct, forming a temporal clause. This clause explains the way in which the person has acted foolishly.

[30:32]  ⁴ tn Heb “hand to mouth.” This express means “put your hand to your mouth” (e.g., Job 40:4, 5); cf. NIV “clap your hand over.”