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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 5:2 that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/5-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_05_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 5:2 - Avoiding Immorality" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.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/5-1.htm" title="Proverbs 5:1">◄</a> Proverbs 5:2 <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm" title="Proverbs 5:3">►</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/5.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/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then you will show discernment, and your lips will express what you’ve learned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That thou mayest regard discretion, and <i>that</i> thy lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />That you may preserve discretion, And your lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So that you may maintain discretion And your lips may comply with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />That you may observe discretion And your lips may reserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />That you may observe discretion, And your lips may reserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />That you may keep discretion And that your lips may guard knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />That you may exercise discrimination <i>and</i> discretion (good judgment), And your lips may reserve knowledge <i>and</i> answer wisely [to temptation].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that you may maintain discretion and your lips safeguard knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that you may maintain discretion and your lips safeguard knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />you will have sound judgment, and you will always know the right thing to say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />That thou mayest preserve discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />so that you may act with foresight and speak with insight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then you will know how to behave properly, and your words will show that you have knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />so you may carefully practice discretion and your lips preserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />in order to safeguard discretion, and that your lips may guard knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To observe thoughtfulness, "" And your lips keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To observe thoughtfulness, And knowledge do thy lips keep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To watch meditation, and thy lips shall guard knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />That thou mayst keep thoughts, and thy lips may preserve instruction. Mind not the deceit of a woman. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />so that you may guard your thinking, and so that your lips may preserve discipline. Do not pay attention to the deceit of a woman.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />That you may act discreetly, and your lips guard what you know. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so that you may hold on to prudence, and your lips may guard knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />That you may heed counsel and that your lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />So that you heed counsel and your lips will keep knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that thou mayest keep good understanding, and the discretion of my lips gives thee a charge. Give no heed to a worthless woman;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/5-2.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=759" 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/5.htm">Avoiding Immorality</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">that you may maintain</a> <a href="/hebrew/4209.htm" title="4209: mə·zim·mō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Purpose, discretion, device. From zamam; a plan, usually evil, sometimes good.">discretion</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā (N-fdc:: 2ms) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">and your lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: yin·ṣō·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">may preserve</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: wə·ḏa·‘aṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil,…<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/4-5.htm">Colossians 4:5-6</a></span><br />Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. / Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<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="/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="/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="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:12</a></span><br />For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-98.htm">Psalm 119:98-100</a></span><br />Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a></span><br />It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.<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/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21-23</a></span><br />My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. / They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. / Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Proverbs 8:12-14</a></span><br />I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. / To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. / Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.<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="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Proverbs 14:8</a></span><br />The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Proverbs 16:21</a></span><br />The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction.<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">That you may regard discretion, and that your lips may keep knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">thy lips</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21</a></b></br> The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2,7</a></b></br> The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Proverbs 16:23</a></b></br> The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Discretion</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-20.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-21.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">Reflection</a> <a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/job/38-23.htm">Reserve</a> <a href="/psalms/119-168.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Thoughtfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-35.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Discretion</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-12.htm">Reflection</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-35.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-5.htm">Reserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Ruled</a> <a href="/philippians/4-10.htm">Thoughtfulness</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-6.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-1.htm">Solomon exhorts to wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">He shows the mischief of unfaithfulness and riot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-15.htm">He exhorts to contentedness, generosity, and chastity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/5-22.htm">The wicked are overtaken with their own sins</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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This concept is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Proverbs, which emphasizes the importance of living a life guided by wisdom and understanding. The Hebrew word for discretion can also imply a sense of purpose and careful planning. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, discretion was highly valued as it was essential for maintaining social harmony and personal integrity. This phrase encourages the reader to cultivate a thoughtful and prudent approach to life, aligning with the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom from God (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>).<p><b>and your lips may preserve knowledge</b><br>The preservation of knowledge through one's speech highlights the importance of communication in conveying wisdom and truth. In the biblical context, the lips are often seen as instruments of both blessing and destruction (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). This phrase underscores the responsibility of believers to speak truthfully and wisely, ensuring that their words reflect the knowledge and understanding they have received from God. The idea of preserving knowledge connects to the broader biblical narrative of passing down divine wisdom through generations, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children. This aligns with the prophetic role of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>), embodying and communicating divine truth to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as 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/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a></b><br>The primary audience is Solomon's son, but by extension, it includes all who seek wisdom and understanding from God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a></b><br>Proverbs is set in the context of ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discretion.htm">The Importance of Discretion</a></b><br>Discretion is the ability to make wise decisions and avoid unnecessary risks. It is crucial for maintaining a life that honors God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preserving_knowledge.htm">Preserving Knowledge</a></b><br>Our words should reflect the knowledge and wisdom we have received from God. This means speaking truthfully and wisely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart_and_mind.htm">Guarding the Heart and Mind</a></b><br>By maintaining discretion and preserving knowledge, we guard our hearts and minds against the deceit and folly of the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_wisdom_in_daily_life.htm">The Role of Wisdom in Daily Life</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just theoretical; it is practical and should be applied in everyday decisions and interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God, and we should continually seek it through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sexual_desires.htm">What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bright_morning_star.htm">What does asking God for wisdom imply?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_secrets_biblical.htm">Is keeping secrets aligned with biblical teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_pharaoh_deny_knowing_israel's_god.htm">Exodus 5:2: Why would Pharaoh deny any knowledge of Israel's God if Moses was supposedly raised in the royal court?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - This verse expresses the purposes or results of the preceding admonition. The first is, <span class="cmt_word">that thou mayest regard discretion</span> (Hebrew, <span class="accented">lishmor m'zimmoth</span>); literally, <span class="accented">to guard reflection</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in other words, that thou mayest maintain thoughtfulness, observe counsel, set a proper guard or control over thy thoughts, and so restrain them within proper and legitimate limits, or form such resolutions which, being well considered and prudential, may result in prudent conduct. The word <span class="accented">m'zimmoth</span>, however, does not travel beyond the sphere of what is conceived in the mind, and consequently does not mean conduct (as Holden conceives), except in a secondary sense, as that thoughts and plans are the necessary preliminaries to action and conduct. Muffet, <span class="accented">in loc.</span>, explains, "that thou mayest not conceive in mind any evil or vanity." The word <span class="accented">m'zimmoth</span> is the plural of <span class="accented">m'zimmmah</span>, which occurs in <a href="/proverbs/1-4.htm">Proverbs 1:4</a>. This word generally means any plan, project, device, either in a good or bad sense. In the latter sense it is applied to intrigue and deceitful conduct, as in <a href="/proverbs/24-8.htm">Proverbs 24:8</a>. It is here used in a good sense. Indeed, Delitzsch remarks that the use of the word in a good sense is peculiar to the introductory part of the Proverbs (ch. 1-9.). The Vulgate renders. "That thou mayest guard thy thoughts or reflection (<span class="accented">ut custodias cogitationes</span>)." So the LXX., <span class="greek">Ἵνα φυλάξῃς ἔννοιαν ἀγαθήν</span>, "That thou mayest guard good reflection," the adjective <span class="greek">ἀγαθή</span> being introduced to note the sense in which the <span class="greek">ἔννοια</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> act of thinking, properly, is to be understood. The prefix <span class="hebrew">לִ</span> ("to") before <span class="accented">shamar</span>, "to guard," in <span class="accented">lishmor</span>, expresses the purpose, as in <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2</a>, <span class="accented">et alia.</span> The second end in view is, that <span class="cmt_word">thy lips may keep knowledge;</span> literally, <span class="accented">and thy lips shall keep knowledge.</span> Those lips keep or preserve knowledge which literally retain the instruction of Wisdom (Zockler), or which allow nothing to pass them which does not proceed from the knowledge of God (Delitzsch), and which, when they speak, give utterance to sound wisdom. The meaning may be illustrated by <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3</a>, "I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." The same expression occurs in <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7</a>, "For the priest's lips should keep knowledge," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> preserve and give utterance to it. Where "the lips keep knowledge," there they are protected against the lips of the strange woman, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> against her allurements, because they will be fortified with purity. <span class="accented">Thy lips</span>; <span class="accented">s'phatheyka</span> is the dual of the feminine noun <span class="accented">saphah</span>, "a lip." The teacher designedly uses this word instead of "thy heart" (cf. <a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">Proverbs 3:1</a>), because of the contrast which he has in mind, and which be produces in the next verse. The LXX., Vulgate. and Arabic add, "Attend not to the deceitful woman," which Houbigant and Schleusner think is required by the context. The addition, however, is without authority (Holden). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/5-2.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">that you may maintain</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">discretion</span><br /><span class="heb">מְזִמּ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·zim·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<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">and your lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפָתֶ֥יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may preserve</span><br /><span class="heb">יִנְצֹֽרוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yin·ṣō·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<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">knowledge.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝דַ֗עַת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/5-2.htm">Proverbs 5:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:2 That you may maintain discretion that your (Prov. 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