Proverbs 2:3

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

and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;

Cry out for insight and understanding.

That's right--if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer,

Truly, if you are crying out for good sense, and your request is for knowledge;

if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding;

Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,

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

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).