King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Complete Jewish Bible:
discretion will watch over you, and discernment will guard you.
Berean Standard Bible:
Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,
American Standard Version:
Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee:
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Discretion{H4209} shall preserve{H8104} thee, understanding{H8394} shall keep{H5341} thee:
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 4:6
- Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Ephesians 5:15
- See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Psalms 25:21
- Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Ecclesiastes 10:10
- If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom [is] profitable to direct.
Proverbs 6:22
- When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
Proverbs 6:24
- To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Ecclesiastes 9:15
- Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 2:11
Proverbs 2:11 is part of a larger section in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, the wise king of Israel. This verse encapsulates a key theme in wisdom literature: the importance of discretion and understanding in navigating life's challenges. In the historical context, the wisdom books of the Bible, including Proverbs, were highly valued for their practical advice on ethical living and successful governance.
The verse itself, "Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee," emphasizes two crucial virtues. Discretion refers to the ability to make prudent decisions, being cautious and circumspect in one's actions. It implies a thoughtful consideration of consequences before speaking or acting, which can protect a person from harm or foolish mistakes. Understanding, on the other hand, is the deeper insight into life's situations, enabling one to grasp the significance and implications of different circumstances. This kind of understanding is not just intellectual knowledge but also moral and practical wisdom that guides one in maintaining a virtuous and secure life.
In essence, Proverbs 2:11 suggests that by exercising discretion, one can avoid unnecessary risks and dangers, while understanding serves as a guardian, ensuring that one's life remains on a stable and righteous path. These virtues are presented as protective forces, shielding the individual from the pitfalls that can lead to personal ruin or moral failure. The verse reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which held that acquiring wisdom was essential for a well-ordered and prosperous life, both individually and collectively for the community.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4209
There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְזִמָּה
Transliteration: mᵉzimmâh
Pronunciation: mez-im-maw'
Description: from זָמַם; a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity); (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. - Strong's Number: H8104
There are 440 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁמַר
Transliteration: shâmar
Pronunciation: shaw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). - Strong's Number: H8394
There are 42 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּבוּן
Transliteration: tâbûwn
Pronunciation: taw-boon'
Description: and (feminine) תְּבוּנָה; or תּוֹבֻנָה; from בִּין; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice; discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. - Strong's Number: H5341
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָצַר
Transliteration: nâtsar
Pronunciation: naw-tsar'
Description: a primitive root; to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.); besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man).