Proverbs 2 7

Proverbs 2:7 kjv

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 2:7 nkjv

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

Proverbs 2:7 niv

He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

Proverbs 2:7 esv

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

Proverbs 2:7 nlt

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

Proverbs 2 verses

Proverbs 2 7 Meaning

Proverbs 2:7 declares that God actively reserves and provides profound wisdom for those who live with moral rectitude, and He Himself acts as a protective bulwark for individuals who maintain blamelessness and sincerity in their conduct. This verse highlights the divine source of true wisdom and protection, conditional upon human uprightness.

Proverbs 2 7 Context

Proverbs chapter 2 forms part of a fatherly instruction, a heartfelt appeal to a son to seek, welcome, and cherish wisdom. The preceding verses (Proverbs 2:1-5) establish the precondition: diligent effort in searching for wisdom as one would for hidden treasures. Verse 7 specifically reveals the divine consequence of such a pursuit, combined with a life of integrity. This wisdom is not abstract intellectual knowledge but practical guidance for righteous living. The broader context of Proverbs contrasts the "way of wisdom" with the "way of wickedness," promising divine blessing and protection to those who choose the former and warning of peril for those who stray. Culturally, these instructions reflect the parental teaching traditions in ancient Israel, aimed at raising a generation grounded in covenantal living, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures where wisdom might be sought from human ingenuity or idolatrous practices. This verse implicitly teaches that true wisdom and security come solely from the one true God, not from false gods or human cleverness.

Proverbs 2 7 Word analysis

• He stores up (יָצַר - yatsar / אָצַר - 'atsar): The verb 'אָצַר' ('atsar) means to gather, to lay up, to treasure, or to reserve. It implies a deliberate and active accumulation or holding in reserve for a specific purpose. This suggests that God doesn't just spontaneously provide wisdom, but has a pre-prepared, rich treasury of it specifically set aside for the benefit of His faithful followers.
• sound wisdom (תּוּשִׁיָּה - tushiyah): This unique Hebrew word refers to deep wisdom, effective wisdom, enduring counsel, or abiding success. It's not mere knowledge, but wisdom that is substantive, foundational, and leads to successful, stable outcomes. It’s practical understanding for a moral and effective life, distinct from superficial insight.
• for the upright (לַיְשָׁרִים - layisharim): Refers to those who are morally straight, honest, equitable, and righteous in character and conduct. Their path is not twisted or deceptive. It emphasizes inner character leading to outward integrity.
• he is (הוּא - hu): The pronoun emphasizes God Himself. It is He, Yahweh, who directly provides this protection.
• a shield (מָגֵן - magen): A defensive weapon, indicating protection, defense, and security against attack or danger. Used metaphorically, it signifies God's active protection and guardianship over His people, guarding them from evil.
• to those who walk (לְהֹלְכֵי - leholkhei): The participle emphasizes a continuous action, a way of life, or habitual conduct. It refers to their ongoing journey or behavior, stressing consistent practice rather than isolated acts.
• in integrity (בַּתֹּם - batom): The noun 'תֹּם' (tom) denotes completeness, blamelessness, sincerity, wholeness, or integrity of character and action. It speaks of a unified inner being, where intentions and actions align with truth and righteousness, free from duplicity.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He stores up sound wisdom": This phrase portrays God as the sovereign dispenser of true, practical, and effective wisdom. It is not something earned or invented by humans but a divine provision held in reserve.
• "for the upright": Specifies the recipients of this divine provision. It is exclusively for those whose character is marked by righteousness and moral straightness. This highlights the conditional nature of God's profound wisdom; it is bestowed upon the humble and morally sound, not the arrogant or deceitful.
• "he is a shield": A powerful metaphor illustrating God's active and personal protection. It means God Himself intervenes to defend, preserve, and safeguard the lives and spiritual well-being of His devoted.
• "to those who walk in integrity": This reiterates and expands on "the upright," specifying their continuous lifestyle. "Walking" signifies an entire manner of life and conduct, emphasizing a consistent journey marked by sincerity, blamelessness, and wholeness of character, particularly in adherence to God's ways.

Proverbs 2 7 Bonus section

The verse not only states what God does but also reveals His very nature: a Provider and a Protector who cares deeply about the moral character of His children. The divine wisdom ('tushiyah') given is not a tool for self-gain but empowers the individual to walk a path that glorifies God. The link between God's provision and the recipient's character reinforces the covenantal understanding present throughout Scripture—God blesses those who walk in His ways. It is a powerful affirmation that a righteous life, pursued wholeheartedly, activates the most profound blessings of God’s guidance and guardianship.

Proverbs 2 7 Commentary

Proverbs 2:7 presents a powerful divine promise, anchoring both practical wisdom and active protection in the character and actions of the Almighty. It's not a passive promise but an assurance of God's engagement in the lives of His faithful. "He stores up sound wisdom" underscores that divine wisdom ('tushiyah') is a reserved treasure, readily available but only to those who align their lives with His principles. This wisdom isn't just theoretical knowledge but profound insight leading to practical, effective living, navigating life's complexities with divine clarity. Furthermore, "he is a shield" portrays God as an active, personal defender. This shield protects not from all earthly harm, but from the snares of evil, the corrupting influence of unrighteousness, and the spiritual dangers that threaten integrity. The verse stresses the dual condition: it is "for the upright" and "to those who walk in integrity." This reiterates the vital link between a righteous character (uprightness) and consistent, blameless conduct (walking in integrity). God's profound provisions—wisdom for direction and protection from harm—are intrinsically connected to a life lived in accordance with His will, marked by sincerity and wholeness of heart. This motivates a life of seeking God's truth and living consistently by it, knowing that His protective hand and guiding wisdom are reserved for those who honor Him.

Examples for practical usage:

• A leader facing a moral dilemma finds clear guidance through prayer and adherence to biblical principles, demonstrating God's "sound wisdom."
• Someone tempted by fraud remains steadfast due to an internal conviction cultivated by a life of integrity, experiencing God as their "shield" against temptation.