Proverbs 2:10

¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

When wisdom {H2451} entereth {H935} into thine heart {H3820}, and knowledge {H1847} is pleasant {H5276} unto thy soul {H5315};

For wisdom will enter your heart, knowledge will be enjoyable for you,

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul.

For wisdom shall enter into thy heart, And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;

Commentary

Proverbs 2:10 beautifully describes the internal blessing and satisfaction that comes from genuinely embracing divine wisdom and knowledge. This verse serves as a culmination of the exhortations found earlier in Proverbs 2, which urge the listener to seek wisdom diligently.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Proverbs 2:1-22) where Solomon, the presumed author, encourages his son (and by extension, all readers) to actively pursue wisdom. The preceding verses lay out the conditions for acquiring wisdom: receiving the speaker's words, hiding his commandments, inclining the ear to wisdom, and applying the heart to understanding (Proverbs 2:1-5). If these conditions are met, the Lord grants wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). Verse 10 then describes the delightful internal experience that results from this successful pursuit and reception of wisdom.

Key Themes

  • Internalization of Wisdom: The phrase "wisdom entereth into thine heart" emphasizes that true wisdom is not merely intellectual assent or theoretical knowledge. It's a deep, transformative understanding that penetrates the very core of one's being. The heart, in biblical thought, is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will, signifying a profound personal adoption of truth.
  • Joy and Delight in Knowledge: "Knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul" highlights the intrinsic satisfaction and joy that accompanies genuine understanding. Unlike fleeting worldly pleasures, the acquisition of divine knowledge brings lasting contentment and inner peace. It suggests that truth, when truly embraced, resonates deeply with the human spirit and satisfies its deepest longings.
  • The Benefits of Seeking Godly Counsel: This verse underscores the positive outcomes of heeding divine instruction and pursuing spiritual insight. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses in Proverbs 2, which describe how this internalized wisdom leads to discretion and understanding that preserve and keep one from evil paths and wicked individuals.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Heart" (Hebrew: lev or leb): In Hebrew thought, the lev is much more than just the emotional center. It represents the totality of one's inner being—the mind, will, affections, and conscience. So, "wisdom entereth into thine heart" means it becomes an integral part of one's thinking, decision-making, and moral compass.
  • "Soul" (Hebrew: nephesh): The nephesh refers to the whole person, the living being, including one's desires, appetites, and inner self. When "knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul," it signifies a deep, satisfying contentment that fulfills the very essence of who you are. It's not just intellectual agreement but a profound sense of well-being and joy.

Practical Application

Proverbs 2:10 encourages believers to actively seek and embrace wisdom, recognizing that it is not a burdensome duty but a source of profound joy and inner peace. It reminds us that true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord, transforms us from within. When God's truth becomes part of our very being, it brings delight and satisfaction that the world cannot offer. This verse calls us to move beyond superficial understanding to a deep internalization of God's Word, allowing it to shape our character and guide our lives, leading to a life of discernment and genuine contentment.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 15:16

    Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

  • Job 23:12

    Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Proverbs 24:13

    ¶ My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:

  • Proverbs 24:14

    So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

  • Proverbs 18:1

    ¶ Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

  • Proverbs 18:2

    ¶ A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
← Back