Proverbs 2 10

Proverbs 2:10 kjv

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

Proverbs 2:10 nkjv

When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,

Proverbs 2:10 niv

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Proverbs 2:10 esv

for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

Proverbs 2:10 nlt

For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.

Proverbs 2 verses

Proverbs 2 10 Meaning

Proverbs 2:10 declares the internal, personal benefits that come from diligently seeking and embracing wisdom and understanding as described in the preceding verses. It promises that true wisdom will not merely reside externally, but will genuinely take root within one's deepest being – the heart – influencing thoughts, emotions, and will. Concurrently, knowledge, which flows from this wisdom, will be perceived not as a burden but as profoundly pleasant and satisfying to the entire inner person, or soul. This verse speaks to the intrinsic reward and transforming power of living according to godly discernment.

Proverbs 2 10 Context

Proverbs chapter 2 opens with an earnest paternal appeal (Pro 2:1-4) for the "son" (or any learner) to actively and intensely pursue wisdom and understanding. It employs rich metaphors of searching for hidden treasure to emphasize the effort required. Verses 5-9 then transition to the divine promise that God himself grants wisdom and knowledge to those who seek Him, thereby protecting and guiding them. Verse 10 acts as the first stated, intrinsic consequence or blessing that flows directly from the diligent pursuit and reception of wisdom, initiating a description of the practical benefits that extend through the rest of the chapter, particularly protection from evil paths and people (Pro 2:11-19). This verse articulates that wisdom isn't an external imposition but an internal delight, foundational for understanding later teachings.

Proverbs 2 10 Word analysis

• For (Kiy - כִּי): Functions here as an explanation or consequence, introducing the outcome of the diligent pursuit described in verses 1-9. It connects the action of seeking to the benefit received.
• wisdom (chokhmah - חָכְמָה): Not merely intellectual prowess, but the practical skill and ability to live righteously and prudently according to God's standards. It involves moral discernment and applied knowledge for effective living.
• will enter (tavo - תָבֹוא): Future tense, active voice. It signifies that wisdom isn't simply heard but will actually "come into" or "reside within" the individual, suggesting a dwelling or habitation rather than a transient visit. This emphasizes the internal acceptance and transformation.
• your heart (libbeḵa - לִבֶּךָ): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the core of a person's being – the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It signifies complete absorption and integration into one's very essence, affecting all aspects of personality and decision-making.
• and knowledge (weda'at - וְדַעַת): This refers to experiential knowing and discernment, a deep, practical understanding derived from wisdom. It's not just factual information but a profound acquaintance with truth, distinguishing good from evil, and God's ways from man's.
• will be pleasant (yin'am - יִנְעַם): Future tense, indicates that knowledge will be "delightful," "agreeable," or "sweet." It suggests an inherent enjoyability and deep satisfaction, contrasting with any perception of it being burdensome or distasteful.
• to your soul (leʹnap̄šeka - לְנַפְשֶׁךָ): The "soul" (nefesh) encompasses the entire inner self, including desires, life force, and the individual personality. The pleasantness extends to one's deepest affections and essence, providing profound contentment and inner peace.

Words-group analysis

• wisdom will enter your heart: This phrase speaks to the internalization and indwelling nature of true wisdom. It indicates that wisdom doesn't remain an external set of rules but becomes a transformative power that permeates and shapes the individual's inner life, thoughts, and motivations from the very core of their being. This is a profound change, not superficial conformity.
• knowledge will be pleasant to your soul: This emphasizes the profound personal satisfaction and delight that comes from truly acquiring and experiencing godly knowledge. It portrays wisdom and knowledge not as academic disciplines but as sources of deep spiritual and emotional contentment, appealing to the whole person (the "soul"), fulfilling their deepest needs and bringing inner joy rather than drudgery.

Proverbs 2 10 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the personification of wisdom, a theme extensively developed later in Proverbs (especially chapter 8), where wisdom is portrayed as an active entity capable of entering and indwelling. It highlights that the benefit of wisdom is not merely external prosperity or reputation, though those may follow (Pro 3:16), but primarily an inner transformation and deep, lasting satisfaction. The "entering" of wisdom and the "pleasantness" of knowledge suggest a symbiotic relationship; as one internalizes divine truth, it becomes an enjoyable and enriching experience, profoundly affecting the inner man. This also sets a foundation for understanding New Testament teachings on Christ as the embodiment of wisdom (1 Cor 1:24, 30) and the Holy Spirit as the revealer of spiritual truth, where faith truly transforms the heart and renews the mind.

Proverbs 2 10 Commentary

Proverbs 2:10 unveils the profound internal reward awaiting those who earnestly seek and embrace God's wisdom. Far from being a mere intellectual exercise or a strict code, wisdom is presented as a living essence that will personally indwell the heart, the control center of human thought, feeling, and will. This means wisdom is not just accumulated facts but an internal compass guiding every facet of life. Subsequently, the practical knowledge stemming from this wisdom will become deeply satisfying and enjoyable to the soul, impacting one's innermost desires and personality with profound delight. It reassures the seeker that the pursuit of truth leads to intrinsic contentment, an internal "sweetness" that far surpasses external riches or fleeting pleasures, solidifying the idea that walking in God's ways is inherently rewarding and pleasant.Examples: A person struggling with difficult decisions finds clarity and peace when seeking God's counsel. An individual prone to anxiety discovers calmness and purpose by allowing biblical wisdom to shape their thoughts.