Proverbs 2:11 kjv

Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Proverbs 2:11 nkjv

Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,

Proverbs 2:11 niv

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Proverbs 2:11 esv

discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,

Proverbs 2:11 nlt

Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.

Proverbs 2 verses

Proverbs 2 11 Meaning

Proverbs 2:11 states that spiritual and moral discretion, coupled with profound understanding, serve as protective and guarding forces in a person's life. These qualities act as practical defenses, steering one away from perilous paths, evil influences, and destructive choices by enabling wise judgment and foresight.

Proverbs 2 11 Context

Proverbs 2 is a powerful instructional poem where a father implores his son to actively seek, cherish, and obey wisdom and understanding. It portrays wisdom not as a static concept but as a dynamic force that provides real-world benefits. Verses 1-10 outline the conditions: if one truly desires and strives for wisdom (seeking it like hidden treasures), then divine knowledge and understanding will be granted by the Lord. Verse 11 directly follows this premise, presenting the immediate positive outcome: discretion and understanding will protect and guard the individual. The subsequent verses (Proverbs 2:12-22) elaborate on what this protection entails, specifically from the "way of evil" men and the deceptive allure of the "forbidden woman." Thus, verse 11 serves as a bridge, linking the diligent pursuit of wisdom to its practical function in averting spiritual, moral, and physical dangers, implicitly positioning God-given wisdom against the deceptive 'wisdom' or ways of the world.

Proverbs 2 11 Word analysis

• Discretion: (Hebrew: מְזִמָּה, mezimmah). This term here carries a positive connotation of good judgment, careful planning, foresight, and wise counsel. It signifies the ability to formulate sensible purposes and plans, thinking ahead to the consequences of actions. In other contexts, mezimmah can refer to evil schemes, highlighting the two-edged nature of human intentionality—it can be used for good or for evil. Here, it denotes wisdom's capacity for righteous, strategic thought.

• will protect you: (Hebrew: יִשְׁמְרֶךָּ, yishmerekka from the root שָׁמַר, shamar). This verb means "to keep," "to watch over," "to guard," or "to preserve." It implies an active and continuous safeguarding against harm. It suggests that discretion acts as an immediate and effective defense, preventing one from falling into error or danger.

• and understanding: (Hebrew: תְּבוּנָה, t'vunah). This refers to deep discernment, insight, and the ability to comprehend, differentiate, and connect various pieces of knowledge into a coherent whole. It's not just knowing facts but understanding their relationships and implications. This comprehension allows one to discern right from wrong and truth from deception.

• will guard you: (Hebrew: תִּנְצֹרֶךָּ, tintzorekka from the root נָצַר, natzar). Similar to shamar, natzar also means "to guard," "to preserve," or "to watch over carefully." However, natzar often conveys a sense of preserving something precious or cherishing, suggesting that understanding doesn't just block harm but actively holds and preserves one's well-being and moral integrity.

• "Discretion will protect you": This phrase emphasizes the active defense provided by good judgment and foresight. It's the practical wisdom that allows one to anticipate dangers and make choices that steer clear of them. It enables preventive measures.

• "Understanding will guard you": This complements the first phrase by focusing on the deeper insight that allows for discernment. Understanding doesn't just help avoid immediate pitfalls; it preserves the very foundation of one's character and direction, acting as a constant moral compass. Together, these two parallel phrases reinforce the dual yet complementary functions of God-given wisdom: proactive protection and diligent preservation of one's path and being.

Proverbs 2 11 Bonus section

The wisdom spoken of in Proverbs 2:11 is not merely human intellect or cleverness but rather wisdom that is rooted in the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7; 9:10). This implies a moral and spiritual framework that guides discretion and understanding. Therefore, the protection offered is comprehensive, extending beyond physical safety to encompass spiritual and moral integrity. The parallel structure of the Hebrew poetic line (discretion protects, understanding guards) reinforces the idea that these two qualities work in concert, offering a robust, multi-faceted defense against the world's dangers. The personification of wisdom throughout Proverbs highlights its active, almost living, role in the life of the one who embraces it, emphasizing its dynamic and beneficial nature.

Proverbs 2 11 Commentary

Proverbs 2:11 succinctly articulates a primary benefit of actively pursuing divine wisdom: security and preservation. It promises that foresight (discretion) will proactively defend an individual, acting as a bulwark against folly, impulsive decisions, and evil influences. Concurrently, deep insight (understanding) will diligently preserve one's path and person. This is not passive defense, but an active, intelligent guiding force that originates from God. Wisdom, in this context, empowers believers to discern truth, see through deception, and make choices that lead to safety and integrity, both morally and practically. It acts as an inner shield against the moral snares (like the adulteress) and violent dangers (like wicked men) that Proverbs warns against, ultimately directing one to walk in the righteous and life-giving ways of the Lord.