or.mah denotes shrewd capability, shown both in deceptive schemes and in prudence joined with wisdom and knowledge.

The attested uses divide between shrewdness used for deception or planned harm and a prudent quality associated with instruction, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The latter use is more frequent in the supplied Proverbs passages, while Exodus 21:14 and Joshua 9:4 show it in harmful or deceptive action.

1. Prudent discernment in instruction and wisdom · dominant

   In Proverbs 1:4, the noun occurs in the purpose of giving a quality to the simple, alongside knowledge and discretion for the youth. In Proverbs 8:12 the APB renders the clause “I, wisdom, dwell with craftiness,” followed by knowledge of plots; Proverbs 8:5 addresses simple ones and fools with a call to understand prudence.

   Proverbs 1:4Proverbs 8:12Proverbs 8:5
2. Shrewdness in deception or planned harm · common

   In Exodus 21:14, the noun occurs in a clause about acting with premeditation against a neighbor in order to kill; the APB renders the action as killing “by craftiness.” In Joshua 9:4, it describes people who acted shrewdly as they prepared old provisions, sackcloth, and wineskins.

   Exodus 21:14Joshua 9:4

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “craftiness” in Exodus 21:14, Joshua 9:4, Proverbs 1:4, and Proverbs 8:12, while Proverbs 8:5 uses “prudence.” These renderings confirm the clauses' overall presentation rather than fixing a separate English equivalent in each verse.