Proverbs 2:11

11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Proverbs 2:11 in Other Translations

KJV
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
ESV
11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
NLT
11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
MSG
11 Good Sense will scout ahead for danger, Insight will keep an eye out for you.
CSB
11 Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,

Proverbs 2:11 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 2:11

Discretion shall preserve thee
Which wisdom or the Gospel gives, or the Lord by the means of it; for the Gospel makes a man wise and discreet in the business of salvation, and in his conduct and deportment; and the discretion it gives him will put him upon his guard, and direct him to watch against every error, and every false way. And so the words may be rendered, "discretion will watch over thee"; to keep thee from everything pernicious in doctrine and practice. The Septuagint version renders it, "good counsel"; which wisdom gives, and the Gospel is full of; and which, if attended to, is a means of the preservation of the saints; understanding shall keep thee;
which is only the same thing expressed in other words. The Septuagint version renders it, "an holy thought"; and the Arabic version, "a just thought shall preserve thee in thy last times". What these are a means of keeping and preserving from is explained in the following verses.

Proverbs 2:11 In-Context

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways,

Cross References 1

  • 1. Proverbs 4:6; Proverbs 6:22
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