Proverbs 3:21

ยถ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

My son {H1121}, let not them depart {H3868} from thine eyes {H5869}: keep {H5341} sound wisdom {H8454} and discretion {H4209}:

My son, don't let these slip from your sight; preserve common sense and discretion;

My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.

My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 3:21 (KJV)

Proverbs 3:21 is a direct and poignant exhortation from a father to his son, serving as a powerful reminder to continually embrace and apply the wisdom previously extolled in the chapter. It underscores the perpetual need to keep divine wisdom and discernment at the forefront of one's thoughts and actions.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader passage (Proverbs 3:1-20) where the father passionately urges his son to heed instruction, trust in the Lord, and value wisdom above all else. The preceding verses highlight the numerous blessings that accompany wisdom, such as length of days, peace, and prosperity (Proverbs 3:2, 16-18). Verse 21 acts as a crucial transition, moving from the acquisition of wisdom to its continuous retention and application. It's not enough to gain wisdom; one must actively prevent it from departing.

Key Themes

  • Retention of Wisdom: The phrase "let not them depart from thine eyes" emphasizes the active, ongoing effort required to keep wisdom and discretion present in one's life. It's a call to constant mindfulness, ensuring these virtues are always in view and guiding one's perspective and decisions. This continuous retention echoes the command to keep God's words in one's heart.
  • Sound Wisdom: This refers to practical, effective wisdom that leads to good outcomes and stability. It's not merely theoretical knowledge but the insight that allows one to navigate life successfully and righteously. The value of such wisdom is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs, often presented as more precious than rubies.
  • Discretion: This denotes good judgment, discernment, and the ability to make wise choices in complex situations. It implies thoughtful planning and careful consideration before acting, distinguishing between right and wrong, and understanding the implications of one's actions.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates two important Hebrew words here:

  • "Sound wisdom" comes from the Hebrew word tushiyyah (ืชึผื•ึผืฉืึดื™ึผึธื”), which conveys the idea of practical insight, effectual working, or substantial knowledge. It speaks to wisdom that is robust, reliable, and leads to successful results.
  • "Discretion" is from the Hebrew mezimmah (ืžึฐื–ึดืžึผึธื”), which refers to purpose, plan, or good judgment. It suggests the ability to devise and execute sound strategies, indicating prudence and careful consideration in one's conduct.

Practical Application

Proverbs 3:21 offers timeless guidance for living a life guided by God's principles:

  • Cultivate Continuous Awareness: Wisdom is not a one-time acquisition but a lifelong pursuit and application. We must actively seek to keep biblical principles and discernment at the forefront of our daily thoughts and decisions.
  • Apply Practical Wisdom: Strive not just for head knowledge but for wisdom that translates into righteous living and effective action. How can you apply biblical truths to your work, relationships, and personal choices?
  • Exercise Discernment: In a world filled with competing voices and complex challenges, the ability to discern truth from error, and good from evil, is paramount. Pray for and practice discretion in all areas of life, seeking God's guidance before making important decisions. The benefits of holding onto wisdom and discretion are manifold, promising a life of security and guidance.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 1:8

    This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

  • Deuteronomy 6:6

    And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

  • Deuteronomy 6:9

    And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

  • Deuteronomy 32:46

    And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law.

  • Deuteronomy 32:47

    For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

  • Proverbs 4:21

    Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

  • Hebrews 2:1

    ยถ Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip.
โ† Back