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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 3:21 My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/3-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/20_Pro_03_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 3:21 - The Blessings of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment." /><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/3-21.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/3-21.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/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 21</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="/ad1.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/3-20.htm" title="Proverbs 3:20">◄</a> Proverbs 3:21 <a href="/proverbs/3-22.htm" title="Proverbs 3:22">►</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/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, <i>see that</i> they do not escape from your sight; Comply with sound wisdom and discretion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My son, let them not vanish from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My son, let them not depart from your sight; Keep sound wisdom and discretion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My son, let them not deviate from your eyes; Guard sound wisdom and discretion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My son, let them not escape from your sight, But keep sound wisdom and discretion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Maintain sound wisdom and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Maintain your competence and discretion. My son, don&#8217t lose sight of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />My son, let not them depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My son, do not lose sight of these things. Use priceless wisdom and foresight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />My son, do not let wisdom leave your sight. Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />My child, do not let them escape from your sight; safeguard sound wisdom and discretion. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My son, let not them depart from thy eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My son! Do not let them turn from your eyes, "" Keep wisdom and thoughtfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> My son! let them not turn from thine eyes, Keep thou wisdom and thoughtfulness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />My son, they shall not depart from thine eyes: keep counsel and meditation:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My son, let not these things depart from thy eyes: keep the law and counsel: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />My son, let not these things move away from your eyes. Preserve law as well as counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My son, do not let these slip from your sight: hold to deliberation and planning; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />My son, let not my commandments depart from your eyes; keep my doctrine, and my counsels;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My son, let not your eyes depart from keeping my teaching and my counsels.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />My son, let not them depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>My</i> son, let <i>them</i> not pass from <i>thee</i>, but keep my counsel and understanding:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-21.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=483" 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/3.htm">The Blessings of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">My son,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3868.htm" title="3868: yā·lu·zū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To turn aside, depart. A primitive root; to turn aside, i.e. to depart, be perverse.">lose</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: mê·‘ê·ne·ḵā (Prep-m:: N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">sight of this:</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: nə·ṣōr (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">Preserve</a> <a href="/hebrew/8454.htm" title="8454: tu·šî·yāh (N-fs) -- Or tushiyah; from an unused root probably meaning to substantiate; support or ability, i.e. help, an undertaking, understanding.">sound judgment</a> <a href="/hebrew/4209.htm" title="4209: ū·mə·zim·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Purpose, discretion, device. From zamam; a plan, usually evil, sometimes good.">and discernment.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.…<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="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Proverbs 4:5-7</a></span><br />Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. / Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. / Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">Proverbs 2:10-11</a></span><br />For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. / Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Proverbs 8:10-11</a></span><br />Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<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="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16</a></span><br />How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.<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="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Proverbs 19:8</a></span><br />He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:</p><p class="hdg">let</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1-3</a></b></br> My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9</a></b></br> Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a></b></br> And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: … </p><p class="hdg">keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Proverbs 2:7</a></b></br> He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: <i>he is</i> a buckler to them that walk uprightly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-46.htm">Deuteronomy 32:46,47</a></b></br> And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Discretion</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-17.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Thoughtfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/104-35.htm">Vanish</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-19.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Discretion</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-6.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-3.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Thoughtfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-18.htm">Vanish</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-5.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">various exhortations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">The gain of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Exhortation to goodness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">the different state of the wicked and upright</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'; 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It reflects the tradition of passing down wisdom from one generation to the next, emphasizing the importance of family and community in spiritual education. The term "son" can also be seen as a term of endearment and responsibility, suggesting a close relationship between the teacher and the learner.<p><b>do not lose sight of this:</b><br>This admonition underscores the importance of focus and vigilance in maintaining wisdom. In the biblical context, "losing sight" can imply neglect or distraction, which are common themes in Proverbs. The call to attention suggests that wisdom is not static but requires active engagement and continual remembrance. This echoes <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a>, where the Israelites are instructed to keep God's commandments always before them.<p><b>Preserve sound judgment and discernment.</b><br>"Sound judgment" and "discernment" are key themes in Proverbs, representing the ability to make wise decisions and understand complex situations. In the Hebrew context, these qualities are gifts from God, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom in <a href="/1_kings/3-9.htm">1 Kings 3:9-12</a>. The preservation of these qualities implies a proactive effort to cultivate and protect them, much like a treasure. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The call to preserve these attributes suggests their fragility and the ease with which they can be compromised by sin or folly.<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 known for his wisdom, which he received from God. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom for living a righteous life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_son.htm">The Son</a></b><br>Represents the reader or the recipient of wisdom. In a broader sense, it can be any believer seeking to live according to God's principles.<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. These books focus on practical living and understanding the fear of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_wisdom.htm">Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom and discernment are treasures that should be actively preserved and sought after. They are not passive qualities but require intentional effort to maintain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_preservation.htm">Active Preservation</a></b><br>The Hebrew root for "preserve" (natsar) implies guarding or keeping watch over something valuable. Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds with wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_daily_life.htm">Discernment in Daily Life</a></b><br>Discernment helps in making decisions that align with God's will. It involves understanding and applying God's truth in various situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_distractions.htm">Avoiding Distractions</a></b><br>In a world full of distractions, believers must focus on maintaining sound judgment, avoiding influences that lead away from God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit aids in developing discernment and wisdom, guiding believers into all truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_king_jehoram_joram.htm">Who was King Jehoram/Joram in biblical history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_fearing_hell.htm">What does the Bible say about fearing hell?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_the_false_cause_fallacy.htm">How can you avoid the false cause fallacy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_married_people_have_opposite-sex_friends.htm">Can married individuals have opposite-sex friends?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">My son, let not them depart from thine eyes.</span> After the description of the power of Wisdom exhibited in creating and sustaining the earth, the exhortation to keep Wisdom steadily before the eyes, and the promises of Divine protection, appropriately follow. Since Wisdom is so powerful, then, the teacher argues, she is worthy of being retained and guarded, and able to protect. <span class="accented">Let them not depart</span> (<span class="accented">al-yaluzu</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "let them not escape or slip aside from your mind (cf. Vulgate, <span class="accented">ne</span> <span class="accented">effluant haec ab oculis ruts</span>). They are to be as frontiers between your eyes, as a ring upon your finger. <span class="accented">Yaluzu</span>, from <span class="accented">luz</span>, "to bend aside," <span class="accented">defiectere, a via declinare</span>, which see in <a href="/proverbs/2-15.htm">Proverbs 2:15</a>, ought probably to be written <span class="accented">yellezu</span>, on the analogy of the corresponding passage in <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Proverbs 4:21</a>. The LXX. renders absolutely <span class="greek">μὴ</span> <span class="greek">παραῥῤύης</span>, "do not thou pass by," from <span class="greek">παραῥῤύω</span>, "to flow by," "to pass by, recede" (cf. <a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a>, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to these things, lest at any time we should let them slip (<span class="greek">μὴ ποτε</span> <span class="greek">παραῥῤυῶμεν</span>)," quoted probably from the LXX. of this passage). The Targum Jonathan reads <span class="accented">ne vilescat</span>, "let it," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> wisdom, "not become worthless." <span class="accented">Them</span>, included in the verb <span class="accented">yaluzu</span> of which it is subject in the original, is to be referred either to "sound wisdom and discretion" of ver. 21b - so Gejerus, Cartwright, Geier, Umbreit, Hitzig, Zockter, Plumptre (a similar trajection occurs in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-5.htm">Deuteronomy 32:5</a>, and is used, as here, to give vividness to the description): or to "wisdom, understanding, knowledge," of the preceding verses - so Delitzsch and Holden. The first view in every way seems preferable, and it is no objection to it that "sound wisdom" (<span class="accented">tushiyyah</span>) and "discretion" (<span class="accented">m'yimmah</span>) are feminine, while the verb "depart" (<span class="accented">yaluzu</span>) is masculine (see Gesenius, *Gram.,' § 147). The Syriac reads, "Let it not become worthless (<span class="accented">ne vile fit</span>) in thine eyes to keep my doctrine and my counsels." <span class="cmt_word">Keep sound wisdom and discretion.</span> <span class="accented">Keep</span>; <span class="accented">n'zor</span>, kal imperative of <span class="accented">natsar</span>, "to watch, guard." For "sound wisdom" (<span class="accented">tushiyyah</span>), see <a href="/proverbs/2-7.htm">Proverbs 2:7</a>. Here used for "wisdom" (<span class="accented">kokhmah</span>), as "discretion" (<span class="accented">m'zimmah</span>) for "understanding" (<span class="accented">t'vunah</span>), to contrast the absolute wisdom and insight of God with the corresponding attributes in man (see Zockler, <span class="accented">in loc.</span>). They belong to God, but are conferred on those who seek after Wisdom, and are then to be guarded as priceless treasures. The Vulgate reads, <span class="accented">custodi legem et consilium</span>; and the LXX., <span class="greek">τήρησον δὲ ἐμὴν βουλὴν καὶ ἔννοιαν</span>, "<span class="accented">g</span>uard my counsel and thought." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-21.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">My son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֭נִי</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lose</span><br /><span class="heb">יָלֻ֣זוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·lu·zū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3868.htm">Strong's 3868: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside, to depart, be perverse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sight of this:</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֵינֶ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ê·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Preserve</span><br /><span class="heb">נְצֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṣōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - 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 /><br /><span class="word">sound judgment</span><br /><span class="heb">תֻּ֝שִׁיָּ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(tu·šî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8454.htm">Strong's 8454: </a> </span><span class="str2">Support, ability, help, an undertaking, understanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and discernment.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְזִמָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·zim·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:21 My son let them not depart (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/3-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 3:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/3-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 3:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 3:22" /></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>