Proverbs 2:3

indeed, if ¹  you call out for ²  discernment ³  – raise your voice ⁴  for understanding –

1Ki 3:9-12; 1Ch 22:12; Ps 25:4,5; Ps 119:34,73,125,169; Pr 3:6; Pr 8:17; Lu 11:13; Eph 1:17,18; Jas 1:5

¹ tn Both particles retain their individual meanings, otherwise the verse would begin with a strong adversative and be a contrast to what has been said.

² tn Heb “summon.”

³ sn The noun recalls the second purpose of the book (1:2). It is also cognate to the last word of 2:2, forming a transition. The two objects of the prepositions in this verse are actually personifications, as if they could be summoned.

⁴ tn Heb “give your voice”; the expression is idiomatic for raising or lifting the voice to make a sound that carries further (e.g., Jer 2:15). This deliberate expression indicates that something significant is being uttered. J. H. Greenstone says, “If it [understanding] does not come at your first call, raise your voice to a higher pitch, put forth greater efforts” (Proverbs, 17).