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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 2:11 Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/2-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_02_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 2:11 - The Benefits of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/2-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/2-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm" title="Proverbs 2:10">◄</a> Proverbs 2:11 <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm" title="Proverbs 2:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, Understanding will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Discretion will keep you, Discernment will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, Understanding <i>and</i> discernment will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sound judgment and good sense will watch over you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Discretion shall watch over thee, understanding shall keep thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Foresight will protect you. Understanding will guard you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Your insight and understanding will protect you <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Discretion will protect you; understanding will watch over you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will protect you, understanding will guard you, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Thoughtfulness watches over you, "" Understanding keeps you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Thoughtfulness doth watch over thee, Understanding doth keep thee,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Meditation shall watch over thee, understanding shall guard thee:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Counsel shall keep thee, and prudence shall preserve thee, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />then counsel must guard you, and prudence must serve you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />prudence will watch over you; and understanding will guard you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Intelligence shall preserve you, and the understanding of the pious men shall deliver you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A good mind will keep you and the intelligence of the good will deliver you<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Discretion shall watch over thee, Discernment shall guard thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />good counsel shall guard thee, and holy understanding shall keep thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=280" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/2.htm">The Benefits of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4209.htm" title="4209: mə·zim·māh (N-fs) -- Purpose, discretion, device. From zamam; a plan, usually evil, sometimes good.">Discretion</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: tiš·mōr (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">will watch over you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: tə·ḇū·nāh (N-fs) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">and understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: ṯin·ṣə·rek·kāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs:: 2mse) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">will guard you,</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-66.htm">Psalm 119:66</a></span><br />Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a></span><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a></span><br />And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14-16</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. / The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. / “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a></span><br />The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a></span><br />Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” / Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had made this request. / So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-125.htm">Psalm 119:125</a></span><br />I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Hebrews 5:14</a></span><br />But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-21.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:21</a></span><br />but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a></span><br />And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Proverbs 4:6</a></b></br> Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-22.htm">Proverbs 6:22-24</a></b></br> When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and <i>when</i> thou awakest, it shall talk with thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-21.htm">Psalm 25:21</a></b></br> Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Discretion</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Protect</a> <a href="/psalms/146-4.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Thoughtfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/psalms/130-6.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Discretion</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Protect</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Thoughtfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-6.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">wisdom promises godliness to her children</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">and safety from evil company</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">and direction in good ways</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Discretion will watch over you</b><br>Discretion refers to the ability to make wise decisions and to discern right from wrong. In the biblical context, discretion is often associated with wisdom, which is a central theme in the book of Proverbs. The Hebrew word for discretion implies a sense of purpose and careful thought. This phrase suggests that discretion acts as a protective measure, guiding individuals away from harmful choices and towards a path of righteousness. In the broader biblical narrative, discretion is seen as a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate the complexities of life. The concept of being "watched over" implies divine protection, reminiscent of <a href="/psalms/121-5.htm">Psalm 121:5</a>, where the Lord is described as a keeper who watches over His people.<p><b>and understanding will guard you</b><br>Understanding in this context refers to a deep comprehension of God's will and the moral order He has established. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but a spiritual insight that aligns with God's truth. The idea of understanding as a guard suggests a defensive role, protecting the believer from spiritual and moral dangers. This aligns with the biblical theme of God providing wisdom to those who seek it, as seen in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The imagery of being "guarded" evokes the sense of a fortress or shield, providing safety and security. This protection is not just physical but also spiritual, safeguarding the heart and mind from deception and sin. Understanding, as a divine gift, points to the ultimate source of wisdom, which is found in Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his writings, seeking to guide them in living a life pleasing to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes, focusing on practical and philosophical insights into life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discretion.htm">The Role of Discretion</a></b><br>Discretion involves making wise choices and avoiding harmful situations. It acts as a safeguard in our decision-making process.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_as_a_guard.htm">Understanding as a Guard</a></b><br>Understanding provides insight into the consequences of our actions, helping us to avoid pitfalls and stay on the right path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_wisdom.htm">Seeking Wisdom</a></b><br>Actively seek wisdom through prayer, study, and reflection. God promises to provide wisdom to those who ask.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_protective_nature_of_wisdom.htm">The Protective Nature of Wisdom</a></b><br>Just as a guard protects a city, wisdom and understanding protect our hearts and minds from spiritual and moral dangers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application_of_wisdom.htm">Practical Application of Wisdom</a></b><br>Apply wisdom in everyday situations, such as relationships, work, and personal challenges, to live a life that honors God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'guard_your_heart'_mean.htm">What does 'guard your heart' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_share_faith_with_opposite_gender.htm">How do you share faith with the opposite gender?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_proverbs_11_22_say_on_beauty.htm">What does Proverbs 11:22 symbolize about misplaced beauty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_confidentiality.htm">What does the Bible teach about confidentiality?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Discretion shall preserve thee.</span> <span class="accented">Discretion</span> (<span class="hebrew">מְזַמָּת</span> <span class="accented">m'zimoth</span>), as in <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Proverbs 1:4</a>, is the outward manifestation of wisdom; it tests what is uncertain, and avoids danger (Hitzig). The word carries with it the idea of reflection or consideration (see <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21</a>; <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2</a>; <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Proverbs 8:12</a>) The LXX. reads, <span class="greek">βουλὴ καλή</span>, "good counsel;" and the Vulgate, <span class="accented">concilium. Shall preserve thee.</span> The idea of protection and guarding, which is predicated of Jehovah in ver. 8, is here transferred to discretion and understanding, which to some extent are put forward as personifications. <span class="cmt_word">Understanding</span> (<span class="hebrew">תְבוּנָה</span>, <span class="accented">t'vunah</span>), as in <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11</a>; the power of distinguishing and separating, and, in the case of conflicting interests, to decide on the best. <span class="cmt_word">Shall keep;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> keep safe, or in the sense of watching over or guarding. The two verbs "to preserve" (<span class="hebrew">שָׁמַר</span> <span class="accented">shamar</span>) and "to keep" (<span class="hebrew">נָצַר</span>, <span class="accented">natsar</span>), LXX. <span class="greek">τήρειν</span>, occur together again in <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Proverbs 4:6</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Discretion</span><br /><span class="heb">מְ֭זִמָּה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·zim·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4209.htm">Strong's 4209: </a> </span><span class="str2">A plan, evil, sometimes good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will watch over you,</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁמֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּבוּנָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will guard you,</span><br /><span class="heb">תִנְצְרֶֽכָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯin·ṣə·rek·kāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5341.htm">Strong's 5341: </a> </span><span class="str2">To watch, guard, keep</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-11.htm">Proverbs 2:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:11 Discretion will watch over you (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 2:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 2:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 2:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>