Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
discretion will watch over you, and discernment will guard you.
Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,
Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee:
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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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.
Proverbs 2:11 highlights the invaluable protective qualities of wisdom, specifically focusing on discretion and understanding. This verse assures the reader that cultivating these virtues will lead to safety and preservation in life.
Context of Proverbs 2:11
This verse is part of a larger exhortation in Proverbs chapter 2, where King Solomon, or the wise teacher, urges his son (and the reader) to diligently seek and embrace wisdom. The chapter begins by listing the blessings and benefits of pursuing wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Proverbs 2:1-5). It promises that if one truly seeks wisdom like silver and searches for it as for hidden treasures, they will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Verse 11 acts as a summary of the protective outcomes of such a pursuit, leading to a life guarded from evil paths and perverse speakers.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Proverbs 2:11 offers timeless advice for navigating life's complexities. In a world full of choices, temptations, and conflicting information, the cultivation of discretion and understanding is paramount. For believers, this means seeking God's wisdom through His Word and prayer (James 1:5). Practically, it encourages:
Ultimately, this verse reminds us that wisdom is not just about knowing facts, but about living skillfully and safely under God's guidance, allowing trust in the Lord to direct our paths.