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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 2:8 to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 2:8 - The Benefits of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints." /><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'; 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And He preserves the way of His saints (believers).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that he may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of his faithful followers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That he may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of his saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God sees that justice is done, and he watches over everyone who is faithful to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />That he may guard the paths of judgment, and preserve the way of his saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />in order to guard those on paths of justice and to watch over the way of his godly ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />guarding the paths of the just and protecting the way of his faithful ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />to guard the paths of the righteous and to protect the way of his pious ones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his faithful ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />To keep the paths of judgment, "" And He preserves the way of His saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To keep the paths of judgment, And the way of His saints He preserveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To guard the paths of judgment, and he will watch the way of his godly ones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Keeping the paths of justice, and guarding the ways of saints. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />serving the paths of justice, and guarding the ways of sanctity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Guarding the paths of justice, protecting the way of his faithful ones, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He keeps the paths of justice, and preserves the ways of his saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he keeps the ways of justice; the ways of his pure ones he will preserve.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />That He may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of His godly ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that he may guard the righteous ways: and he will preserve the way of them that fear him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/2-8.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=262" 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">7</span>He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5341.htm" title="5341: lin·ṣōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To watch, guard, keep. A primitive root; to guard, in a good sense Or a bad one.">to guard</a> <a href="/hebrew/734.htm" title="734: ’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ (N-cpc) -- A way, path. From 'arach; a well-trodden road; also a caravan.">the paths</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">of justice</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: yiš·mōr (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">and protect</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: wə·ḏe·reḵ (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/2623.htm" title="2623: ḥă·sī·ḏō (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Kind, pious. From chacad; properly, kind, i.e. pious.">of His saints.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.…<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="/psalms/121-3.htm">Psalm 121:3-8</a></span><br />He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. / Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. / The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23-24</a></span><br />The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. / Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Psalm 91:11-12</a></span><br />For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Isaiah 26:3-4</a></span><br />You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. / Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Psalm 23:3-4</a></span><br />He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. / Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">1 Peter 1:5</a></span><br />who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:3</a></span><br />But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/25-9.htm">Psalm 25:9-10</a></span><br />He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. / All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Psalm 32:8</a></span><br />I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">Psalm 34:15</a></span><br />The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a></span><br />For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-2.htm">Psalm 41:2</a></span><br />The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to give him over to the will of his foes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-10.htm">Psalm 97:10</a></span><br />Hate evil, O you who love the LORD! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-20.htm">Psalm 145:20</a></span><br />The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-16.htm">Isaiah 42:16</a></span><br />I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints.</p><p class="hdg">keepeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-20.htm">Proverbs 8:20</a></b></br> I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/1-6.htm">Psalm 1:6</a></b></br> For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/23-3.htm">Psalm 23:3</a></b></br> He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.</p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-21.htm">Proverbs 3:21-24</a></b></br> My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-3.htm">Deuteronomy 33:3,26-29</a></b></br> Yea, he loved the people; all his saints <i>are</i> in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; <i>every one</i> shall receive of thy words… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">1 Samuel 2:9</a></b></br> He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Care</a> <a href="/psalms/102-23.htm">Course</a> <a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Godly</a> <a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Guarding</a> <a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/psalms/146-6.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/psalms/146-6.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/psalms/146-6.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-15.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/psalms/143-11.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Preserves</a> <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Preserveth</a> <a href="/psalms/121-4.htm">Preserving</a> <a href="/psalms/146-9.htm">Protects</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-31.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Care</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Course</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Godly</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/songs/3-8.htm">Guarding</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-24.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-15.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-13.htm">Paths</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Preserves</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Preserveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Preserving</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-22.htm">Protects</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/daniel/7-18.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Way</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-12.htm">Ways</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>to guard the paths of justice</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's role in overseeing and maintaining justice. In the biblical context, justice is a central theme, reflecting God's character and His desire for righteousness among His people. The "paths of justice" can be seen as the moral and ethical guidelines established by God, which are meant to lead to a just society. In the Old Testament, justice is often associated with the law given to Moses, which provided a framework for living in a way that honors God and respects others (<a href="/deuteronomy/16-20.htm">Deuteronomy 16:20</a>). The imagery of "guarding" suggests active protection and vigilance, indicating that God is deeply involved in ensuring that justice prevails. This aligns with other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/37-28.htm">Psalm 37:28</a>, which states that the Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints. The concept of justice is also fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect justice and righteousness (<a href="/isaiah/42.htm">Isaiah 42:1-4</a>).<p><b>and protect the way of His saints</b><br>The term "saints" refers to those who are set apart for God, often used to describe the faithful followers of God in both the Old and New Testaments. The "way" signifies the journey or lifestyle of the believers, which God promises to protect. This protection is not merely physical but also spiritual, ensuring that the faithful are guided and preserved in their walk with God. The historical context of ancient Israel involved numerous threats, both external and internal, yet God's promise was to safeguard His people as they followed His commandments. This assurance is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection (<a href="/philippians/4-7.htm">Philippians 4:7</a>). The protection of the saints is ultimately realized in Jesus Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, guiding and guarding His flock (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-15</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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_saints.htm">The Saints</a></b><br>- Refers to the faithful followers of God, those who are set apart for His purposes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/paths_of_justice.htm">Paths of Justice</a></b><br>- Symbolic of the righteous and fair ways that align with God's laws and principles.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>- The protector and guide of those who follow His ways, ensuring justice and righteousness prevail.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_way.htm">The Way</a></b><br>- Represents the journey or lifestyle of the believer, characterized by adherence to God's commandments.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_protection.htm">God's Protection</a></b><br>God actively guards and protects those who walk in His ways, ensuring that justice prevails in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to pursue justice in our actions and decisions, reflecting God's character in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/walking_in_righteousness.htm">Walking in Righteousness</a></b><br>The "way of His saints" implies a lifestyle of holiness and obedience to God's commandments, which requires intentionality and commitment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance.htm">Divine Guidance</a></b><br>Trust in God's guidance as He leads us on the paths of justice, knowing that His wisdom surpasses our understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithful_living.htm">Faithful Living</a></b><br>Our faithfulness to God is met with His faithfulness to us, as He promises to protect and guide us through life's challenges.<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/why_do_devout_people_face_injustice.htm">Proverbs 2:8 promises God will protect His faithful—why, then, do many devout people face injustice or calamity? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_mercy_shown_in_1_sam_2_25.htm">1 Samuel 2:25 suggests the Lord intended to kill Eli's sons--how does this reconcile with the concept of a merciful, forgiving deity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_17's_view_on_suffering_contradict_other_scriptures.htm">In Job 5:17, why is suffering portrayed as proof of divine discipline, and does this contradict other scriptures where suffering occurs without such a cause?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_reject_some_sacrifices.htm">Proverbs 15:8: Why does a just and loving God reject certain sacrifices yet accept others if He's truly impartial?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">He keepeth the paths of judgment</span>--i.e., protects those who walk in them.<p><span class= "bld">His saints.--</span>Or rather, <span class= "ital">His ardent worshippers </span>(<span class= "ital">chasidim</span>)<span class= "ital">, </span>a term used in the Pentateuch (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm" title="And of Levi he said, Let your Thummim and your Urim be with your holy one, whom you did prove at Massah, and with whom you did strive at the waters of Meribah;">Deuteronomy 33:8</a>) of the tribe of Levi, for their zeal in God's service (Exodus 32), and of very frequent occurrence in the Psalter. The word "saint" rather implies dedication to God, as Israel was a "holy nation (<a href="/exodus/19-6.htm" title="And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.">Exodus 19:6</a>) to God, and Christians (<a href="/philippians/1-1.htm" title="Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:">Philippians 1:1</a>) are now in the same position. The term <span class= "ital">ch?sid, </span>at the time of the Maccabees, was assumed by such "as were voluntarily devoted to the law" (<a href="//apocrypha.org/1_maccabees/2-42.htm" title="Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.">1 Maccabees 2:42</a>), in opposition to those who favoured the Greek religion and culture.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He keepeth the paths of judgment.</span> This verse is explanatory of the latter hemistich of ver. 7, and points out more fully in what way God is a Protector of his saints. Some connect the Hebrew infinitive <span class="hebrew">לִנְצור</span> (<span class="accented">lin'tsor</span>), "to watch or keep," with "them that walk uprightly," and translate, "them that walk uprightly by keeping the paths of judgment;" but this is to transfer the idea of protection from God to such persons. The verb signifies specially "to defend, to preserve from danger," as in <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Proverbs 22:12</a>, "The eyes of the Lind preserve knowledge; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> defend or protect it from danger." It is God who "keepeth the paths of judgment," as he alone has the power to do so. He watches over all that walk therein, guides, superin. tends, and protects them. <span class="accented">The paths of judgment</span>; or rather, <span class="accented">justice</span>, <span class="hebrew">ךארְהות מִשְׁפָט</span> (<span class="accented">at'khoth mishpat</span>). The abstract is here used for the concrete, and the phrase means "the paths of the just," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the paths in which the just walk, or "those who walk justly" (Mercerus). This expression corresponds with "the way of his saints," just as "keep" and "preserve" are synonymous verbs, both meaning "to guard, keep safe, or protect." <span class="cmt_word">He preserveth the way of his saints.</span> God does this <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> by his preventing grace, as in <a href="/psalms/66-9.htm">Psalm 66:9</a>, "He suffereth not our feet to slip." Cf. Hannah's song, "He will keep the feet of his saints" (<a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">1 Samuel 2:9</a>); <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> by angelic agency, as in <a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Psalm 91:11</a>, "He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways." The saints are ever under the watchful care and mighty protection of Jehovah. <span class="accented">His saints</span> (<span class="hebrew">חֲסִידָו</span> <span class="accented">khasidav</span>); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the pious towards God, the godly, those in whose hearts the principles of sanctity have been implanted, and who cherish earnest inward love to God, and "walk righteously" and "speak uprightly" (<a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Isaiah 33:15</a>). It is remarkable that the word saints only occurs once (in this passage) in the Proverbs. During the period of the Maccabaean Wars, a party or sect, which aimed at ceremonial purity, claimed for themselves the title of <span class="accented">Chasidim</span> or <span class="accented">Asidaeans</span> (<span class="greek">Ἀσιδαῖοι</span>), as expressive of their piety or devotion. They are those whom Moses called "men of holiness," <a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Exodus 22:31</a> (<span class="hebrew">ואֲנְשֵׁיאּקֹדֶשׁ</span>, <span class="accented">v'an'shev-kodesh</span>); cf. <a href="/psalms/89-5.htm">Psalm 89:5</a>; <a href="/psalms/149-1.htm">Psalm 149:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/89-8.htm">Psalm 89:8</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/33-3.htm">Deuteronomy 33:3</a>; <a href="/daniel/7-18.htm">Daniel 7:18, 22, 22, 25</a>. Under the Christian dispensation, the saints are those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-2.htm">1 Corinthians 1:2</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1</a>), and who are holy in all manner of conversation (<a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">1 Peter 1:25</a>; 1 Macc. 2:42 1 Macc. 7:13; 2 Macc. 14:6); see Bishop Lightfoot, 'Colossians and Philemon,' diss. 2, p. 355. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/2-8.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">to guard</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֭נְצֹר</span> <span class="translit">(lin·ṣōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">the paths</span><br /><span class="heb">אָרְח֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·rə·ḥō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_734.htm">Strong's 734: </a> </span><span class="str2">A well-trodden road, a caravan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of justice</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּ֑ט</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and protect</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמֹֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine 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">the way</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדֶ֖רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏe·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of His saints.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲסִידָ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·sî·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2623.htm">Strong's 2623: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kind, pious</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/2-8.htm">Proverbs 2:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 2:8 That he may guard the paths (Prov. 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