Proverbs 5:2
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
לִשְׁמֹ֥ר
That thou mayest regard
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֥ר
That thou mayest regard
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מְזִמּ֑וֹת
discretion
H4209
מְזִמּ֑וֹת
discretion
Strong's:
H4209
Word #:
2 of 5
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.Song of Solomon 4:11Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.Psalms 45:2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.Psalms 119:13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.Psalms 71:15My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.Proverbs 10:21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's persistent apostasy illustrated this principle - each generation required intentional transmission of covenant knowledge or it was lost. Judges records repeated cycles of faithfulness, neglect, apostasy, oppression. The warning here anticipates generational knowledge loss when diligence lapses.
Questions for Reflection
- What discretion or knowledge have you lost through inattention, and how can you recover it?
- What daily practices help you guard wisdom rather than allowing it to erode?
- How can you ensure the next generation receives wisdom you've gained?
Analysis & Commentary
Guarding discretion and preserving knowledge requires attentiveness to wisdom. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep/observe) and 'natsar' (preserve/guard) emphasize protective custody. Discretion and knowledge won't maintain themselves - they require vigilant defense against loss. This verse warns that wisdom, once gained, can be lost through neglect. Continuous effort preserves what careless inattention squanders.