Proverbs 5:2

KJV

That thou mayest regard discretion, and [that] thy lips may keep knowledge.

KJV (with Strong's)

That thou mayest regard {H8104} discretion {H4209}, and that thy lips {H8193} may keep {H5341} knowledge {H1847}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you will preserve discretion and your lips keep watch over knowledge.

Berean Standard Bible

that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.

American Standard Version

That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 5:2 articulates a foundational purpose for heeding wisdom's instruction: to cultivate profound internal discernment and to diligently steward one's verbal expressions. It posits that true wisdom is not merely an intellectual acquisition but an active, disciplined practice of the mind and tongue, serving as an indispensable safeguard against moral compromise. This verse underscores the necessity of prudence and integrity in navigating life's perilous paths, particularly the seductive allure of destructive influences, by ensuring that one's thoughts are discerning and one's speech is aligned with truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 5:2 serves as a pivotal statement of intent immediately following the direct paternal exhortation in [Proverbs 5:1](/proverbs/5-1 "Proverbs 5:1 - Attention to Wisdom") to attend to wisdom and understanding. The entire chapter of [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Adultery") is a stark and urgent warning against the "strange woman" or adulteress, who personifies sexual temptation and its devastating consequences. Verse 2 explains the crucial *why* behind the father's counsel: the son must internalize these instructions so that he may possess and effectively deploy discretion and knowledge. These qualities are presented as the essential defensive mechanisms against the deceptive words and destructive path of the seductress, whose "lips drip honey" and whose "speech is smoother than oil," yet whose "end is bitter as wormwood" ([Proverbs 5:3-4](/proverbs/5-3-4 "Proverbs 5:3-4 - The Deceptive Allure of the Adulteress")). Therefore, Proverbs 5:2 is not an isolated aphorism but an integral and foundational component of a sustained argument advocating for moral purity and the avoidance of illicit relationships.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the family unit was the primary and most vital institution for education, moral formation, and the transmission of cultural and religious values. Fathers, as the authoritative heads of their households, bore the solemn responsibility of imparting wisdom, ethical principles, and covenantal instruction to their children, especially their sons, preparing them for righteous living within the community. The figure of the "strange woman" (זָרָה, *zarah*), often translated as "foreign woman" or "adulteress," represented not only a literal individual who engaged in illicit sexual behavior but also, more broadly, the embodiment of ungodly influences, seductive philosophies, and societal temptations that threatened the purity of covenantal faith, the integrity of the family, and the well-being of the community. Such women might have been cult prostitutes, those operating outside the established social and moral norms, or even those who simply lured young men away from their familial and communal responsibilities. The profound emphasis on "lips" and "knowledge" in this verse reflects a culture where oral tradition, public discourse, and spoken testimony were paramount. One's reputation and social standing were intimately tied to the integrity and wisdom of their speech, and the ability to speak discerningly and truthfully was a highly valued attribute, particularly in a society where legal, social, and religious interactions heavily relied on spoken counsel and testimony.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Wisdom as a Guardian and Protector**. Discretion and knowledge are not merely abstract intellectual pursuits but active, dynamic virtues that protect the individual from folly, deception, and ultimately, destruction, particularly from moral pitfalls. This aligns seamlessly with the book's overarching message that wisdom leads to abundant life, while folly inevitably leads to death and ruin (e.g., [Proverbs 4:10-19](/proverbs/4-10-19 "Proverbs 4:10-19 - The Two Paths")). Secondly, it highlights the profound **Interconnectedness of Inner Character and Outward Expression**. The internal cultivation of "discretion" (encompassing prudence, good judgment, and sagacity) is directly and inextricably linked to the external manifestation of "lips that keep knowledge." This emphasizes that true wisdom is holistic, profoundly impacting both one's thoughts and one's words, a concept echoed in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart"), which advises guarding the heart above all else, for from it flow the very springs of life. Finally, the verse significantly contributes to the theme of **Moral Discernment and Purity**, serving as a vital counterpoint and preventative measure against the array of temptations detailed in the remainder of [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Adultery"), asserting that a disciplined mind and a carefully guarded tongue are absolutely essential for maintaining a righteous and undefiled path.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **regard (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." In this specific context, it signifies an active, diligent guarding or observing of discretion. It is not a passive reception of wisdom but an intentional and continuous act of paying close attention to, preserving, and maintaining this quality, much like a watchman assiduously guards a city wall. It implies a commitment to vigilance.
* **discretion (Hebrew, _mᵉzimmâh'_):** From H4209, a versatile term denoting "a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)." Here, within a positive moral context, it refers to prudence, sound judgment, thoughtful planning, and sagacity. It represents the crucial ability to devise and execute wise and sound plans, particularly vital when navigating complex, morally ambiguous, or tempting situations. It is the capacity for careful consideration and judicious decision-making.
* **keep (Hebrew, _nâtsar'_):** From H5341, a primitive root meaning "to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)." Similar to *shâmar*, but often carrying an emphasis on preserving or maintaining something valuable from loss or corruption. Here, it implies actively safeguarding knowledge, preventing its dissipation or distortion, and ensuring its proper and beneficial use through one's verbal expressions. It suggests a protective stewardship over truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That thou mayest regard discretion":** This clause articulates the primary purpose and desired outcome for the son's diligent attention to his father's instruction. The verb "regard" (שָׁמַר, *shâmar*) conveys a sense of watchful, careful attention, a diligent guarding or observing. The son is called to actively cultivate, protect, and internalize "discretion" (מְזִמָּה, *mᵉzimmâh*), which encompasses prudence, sound judgment, and the capacity to form wise and discerning plans. This represents an essential internal discipline, a deliberate development of the mind and heart to discern accurately between right and wrong, good and evil, particularly when confronted with morally ambiguous or tempting circumstances. It underscores the profound necessity of thoughtful consideration and deliberate choice over impulsive or unexamined reactions.
* **"and [that] thy lips may keep knowledge":** This second clause reveals the outward manifestation and practical consequence that flows from the cultivation of internal discretion. The development of an inner discerning spirit naturally leads to the proper stewardship of one's speech. "Lips" (שִׂפְתֶיךָ, *sâphâh*) serve as a metonym for one's words, communication, and verbal expressions. To "keep" (נָצַר, *nâtsar*) knowledge means to guard, preserve, and maintain it through one's verbal output. This implies speaking truth, offering wise and edifying counsel, diligently refraining from foolish, deceptive, or harmful words, and purposefully using speech to uphold righteous principles and convey sound understanding. It powerfully underscores that true wisdom is not merely a silent, internal state but finds its vital and necessary expression through disciplined, discerning, and purposeful communication.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 5:2 masterfully employs **Parallelism**, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetry, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**. In this structure, the second line effectively reiterates, reinforces, or expands upon the idea presented in the first line, often utilizing slightly different imagery or phrasing. The phrase "That thou mayest regard discretion" is beautifully paralleled by "and [that] thy lips may keep knowledge," suggesting an intrinsic connection where the internal act of cultivating discretion (a function of the mind and heart) is both manifested and protected by lips that carefully guard knowledge (an external act of speech). This parallelism profoundly emphasizes the holistic nature of wisdom, encompassing both one's inner thought processes and one's outward verbal expressions. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet effective use of **Metonymy** where "lips" stand in for the broader concept of "speech" or "words," highlighting the physical instrument through which knowledge is preserved, communicated, and applied. The verse's overall grammatical structure also functions as a **Purpose Clause**, clearly articulating the *why* behind the preceding exhortation to listen to wisdom, framing the cultivation of discretion and the careful stewardship of knowledge as the intended and vital outcomes of such attentiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 5:2 establishes a profound theological connection between an individual's internal state of wisdom and their external conduct, particularly as expressed through their speech. The "discretion" it calls for is not merely worldly shrewdness or cunning, but a divinely informed prudence that enables one to discern God's will, understand His truth, and apply it effectively to the complexities of life. This verse grounds the practical outworking of wisdom in the very character of God, who is the ultimate source of all true knowledge, understanding, and discernment. It suggests that a life lived in alignment with God's revealed truth will naturally manifest in discerning thoughts and righteous speech, thereby acting as a powerful bulwark against the deceptive allure and destructive consequences of sin. The emphasis on "keeping" knowledge with one's lips implies a steadfast commitment to truth, a resistance to the lies and temptations that pervade the fallen world, and ultimately, reflects a deep-seated reverence for the divine order and the integrity of God's Word.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guarding the Heart")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak")
* [Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Gracious and Seasoned Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an increasingly complex and information-saturated world, where misinformation and constant temptations abound, the ancient call to "regard discretion" and for "lips to keep knowledge" resonates with profound contemporary relevance. This verse challenges us to move beyond being passive consumers of ideas and to become intentional cultivators of discernment. It urges us to develop the internal capacity to critically evaluate what we hear, see, and read, to weigh every choice against the unchanging standard of biblical truth, and to make decisions that truly honor God and lead to flourishing life. Furthermore, Proverbs 5:2 serves as a potent reminder of the immense power inherent in our words. In an age of instant communication, social media, and pervasive digital interaction, the discipline of "keeping knowledge" with our lips means exercising extreme caution and wisdom in what we post, share, and comment on. It calls us to use our speech to build up, to encourage, to inform truthfully, and to share the wisdom of God, diligently refraining from gossip, slander, divisive rhetoric, or thoughtless words that can cause irreparable harm. This principle compels us to ensure that our external expressions are consistently aligned with the internal wisdom and integrity we profess, applying to every facet of our lives, from intimate personal interactions to broad public discourse.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively "regard discretion" in my daily life, and what spiritual practices help me cultivate a more discerning spirit?**
* **In what specific ways do my "lips keep knowledge" in my conversations and digital interactions, and where might I need to grow in this discipline?**
* **What steps can I take to better align my internal thoughts, intentions, and convictions with my external words and actions?**
* **Considering the temptations and deceptions I face, what areas of my life require a greater exercise of discretion and the more careful guarding of knowledge through my speech?**

### FAQ
**What does "regard discretion" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: To "regard discretion" means to actively cultivate, value, and diligently apply good judgment, prudence, and thoughtful planning in all areas of life. For believers, this implies seeking wisdom that is profoundly rooted in God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Practically, it means taking the necessary time to pray, reflect, and seek divine guidance before making significant decisions, carefully evaluating all advice and information against the unchanging principles of Scripture, and developing a discerning spirit that can accurately distinguish between truth and error, righteousness and evil. It is about being intentional and deliberate in our choices, rather than impulsive, easily swayed by worldly pressures, or driven by fleeting desires. This is especially crucial when navigating moral dilemmas or facing the seductive temptations, as vividly highlighted in [Proverbs 5](/proverbs/5 "Proverbs 5 - Warning Against Adultery") itself.

**How does "lips may keep knowledge" relate to our communication in the digital age?**

Answer: In the digital age, where communication is instantaneous, global, and often unfiltered, the mandate that "lips may keep knowledge" takes on profound and urgent significance. It calls us to exercise extreme caution, wisdom, and responsibility in what we post, share, and comment on across all online platforms. "Keeping knowledge" in this context means using our words to edify, to inform truthfully, to reflect God's wisdom, and to promote understanding, rather than spreading misinformation, engaging in gossip, participating in divisive speech, or contributing to negativity. It implies a steadfast commitment to truth, integrity, and grace in all our online interactions, ensuring that our digital "lips" are diligently guarding and conveying sound knowledge, thereby contributing to a culture of grace, truth, and genuine understanding, as powerfully encouraged in [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 5:2 directly instructs the individual on cultivating wisdom for moral protection and righteous living, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest theological meaning are found perfectly embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a wise man, but the very embodiment of perfect discretion and the living Word of God, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Unlike fallen humanity, whose discretion is often flawed and whose lips frequently fail to keep knowledge, Jesus perfectly "regarded discretion" in His every thought, intention, and action, always discerning the Father's will and executing it flawlessly and without deviation ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does Only What He Sees the Father Doing")). His "lips perfectly kept knowledge," as He spoke only the words of God, teaching with unparalleled authority, grace, and truth, revealing divine reality to a fallen and confused world ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man")). He is the ultimate "wise man" to whom the Proverbs ultimately point, offering not just instruction but the divine power to live wisely through His indwelling Spirit. Through saving faith in Him, believers are granted access to His inexhaustible wisdom and are supernaturally empowered to live lives increasingly marked by true discretion and knowledge, reflecting His character and speaking His truth, thus fulfilling the spirit of this proverb in a new covenant reality ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 16:23

¶ The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

Malachi 2:6

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Proverbs 15:7

¶ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.

Song Of Solomon 4:11

Thy lips, O [my] spouse, drop [as] the honeycomb: honey and milk [are] under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments [is] like the smell of Lebanon.

Proverbs 15:2

¶ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Psalms 71:15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].