The phrase "one who lacks heart" to describe a class of fool first shows up about two-thirds of the way through the prologue to Proverbs (Proverbs 1-9), and then occasionally through the rest of the book. I find the phrase particularly evocative, if somewhat elusive. It suggests the fool is lacking some essential component of personality, or even humanity. If "heart, soul, strength" refers to the whole person (Deuteronomy 6:5), then the fool, by his wicked choices, has rendered himself incapable of loving the Lord.
Make of that suggestion what you like, but I think you'll agree the expression is challenging and provokes reflection and meditation, as the Proverbs are intended to do. I'm disappointed, then, to turn to the standard English versions and find they choose to translate "one who lacks heart" as "one without understanding." I think that's true, to be sure, but I also think that unnecessarily limits the range of meaning and association possible in the original choice of words.
This is an excellent illustration of my major complaint against paraphrase in Bible translations (especially those claiming to be literal, "essentially" or otherwise). The practice shuts out legitimate interpretive options and deprives the reader of the Scriptures' literary richness.
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