Proverbs 2:11
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Original Language Analysis
מְ֭זִמָּה
Discretion
H4209
מְ֭זִמָּה
Discretion
Strong's:
H4209
Word #:
1 of 5
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
תִּשְׁמֹ֥ר
shall preserve
H8104
תִּשְׁמֹ֥ר
shall preserve
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
עָלֶ֗יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֗יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 5
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Proverbs 4:6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.Ephesians 5:15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,Psalms 25:21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.Ecclesiastes 10:10If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
Historical Context
Cities in ancient Israel depended on watchmen and guards for security. Solomon applies this familiar concept to moral and spiritual vigilance, showing wisdom's defensive necessity.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual dangers has God's wisdom helped you avoid recently?
- How can you strengthen your discretion to better guard your heart?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Discretion and understanding function as protective guards, preserving believers from destructive choices. The military imagery ('preserve,' 'keep') suggests active defense against spiritual enemies. Reformed theology emphasizes that this preservation is God's work through sanctifying grace, using wisdom as the means of protection.