Proverbs 2:11
Proverbs 2:11 in Multiple Translations
Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Discretion shall watch over thee; Understanding shall keep thee:
Wise purposes will be watching over you, and knowledge will keep you;
Good decisions will keep you on track; thinking logically will keep you safe.
Then shall counsell preserue thee, and vnderstanding shall keepe thee,
Thoughtfulness doth watch over thee, Understanding doth keep thee,
Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you,
Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
Counsel shall keep thee, and prudence shall preserve thee,
If you know [PRS] how to choose what is right to do and if you understand what God wants you to do, God will protect you and guard you and keep you safe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְ֭זִמָּה
תִּשְׁמֹ֥ר
עָלֶ֗י/ךָ
תְּבוּנָ֥ה
תִנְצְרֶֽ/כָּה
מְ֭זִמָּה
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
N-fs
תִּשְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עָלֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
תְּבוּנָ֥ה
tâbûwn
H8394
understanding
N-fs
תִנְצְרֶֽ/כָּה
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:11
מְ֭זִמָּה
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
תִּשְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
עָלֶ֗י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
תְּבוּנָ֥ה
tâbûwn
H8394
"understanding"
N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
תִנְצְרֶֽ/כָּה
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:11
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
9Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
10For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul.
11Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you,
12to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perversity, 13from those who leave the straight paths to walk in the ways of darkness,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:6 | Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:15 | Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, |
| 3 | Psalms 25:21 | May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 10:10 | If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:9–11 | How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:15–18 | Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.” The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:22–24 | When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. |
Proverbs 2:11 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 2:11, tells us that when we have God's wisdom in our hearts, He gives us discretion, or the ability to make good choices, and understanding, which helps us see things from His perspective. This discretion and understanding serve as a kind of guardian, watching over us and protecting us from harm, as seen in Proverbs 4:23. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can trust that He will give us the discretion and understanding we need to navigate life's challenges, just as He promises in Psalm 32:8 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'discretion' mean in Proverbs 2:11?
Discretion in this verse refers to the ability to make wise and informed decisions, as guided by God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10. This discretion will watch over and protect us from harm.
How does understanding guard us according to Proverbs 2:11?
Understanding, as mentioned in this verse, is the ability to comprehend and apply God's truth in our lives, which serves as a guardian against the evil influences and temptations that surround us, as warned in Proverbs 4:23 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Is discretion and understanding something we can develop on our own?
While we can learn and grow in discretion and understanding through experience and study, Proverbs 2:11 suggests that these qualities are ultimately a result of God's wisdom entering our hearts, as stated in Proverbs 2:10, and are therefore a gift from Him, as seen in James 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 2:12-14.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse is relevant to our daily lives because it reminds us that God's wisdom and understanding are essential for navigating life's challenges, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and that He is faithful to provide us with the discretion and understanding we need to make wise decisions and avoid harm.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need God's discretion and understanding to guide me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's truth and apply it to my daily decisions?
- In what ways have I seen God's wisdom and discretion at work in my life, and how can I trust Him more fully in the future?
- What are some potential consequences of not seeking God's discretion and understanding in my decision-making, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:11
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
From wicked courses, and the mischiefs which attend upon them; as is particularly expressed in the following verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:Ver. 11. Discretion.] Heb., Thoughtfulness, or good advisement. Cogito quasi coagito. Notat sereitatem, such as is that of the wife "to please her husband," casting this way and that way how to give best content: or that of the good housewife to "build her house," studying in every business how to set everything in order, as the carpenter studies how to set every part of the frame in joint. Becman, μεριμνα.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
Verse 11. Discretion shall preserve thee] מזמה mezimmah. See on Proverbs 1:4. Here the word is taken in a good sense, a good device. The man invents purposes of good; and all his schemes, plans, and devices, have for their object God's glory and the good of man: he deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things he shall stand. Coverdale translates, "Then shall COUNSEL preserve thee." A very good translation, much better than the present.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 2:11
11. preserve] Rather: watch over, R.V.; φυλάξει, LXX.; custodiet, Vulg.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:11
OF WISDOM IN FROM EVIL , Proverbs 2:10-22. 10, 11. When wisdom entereth — Here the instructor starts out again, in a different train of thought, to show the effects of a sanctified education in
Sermons on Proverbs 2:11
| Sermon | Description | |
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A Life Changing Prayer by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ceaseless prayer and provides a six-fold request for believers to pray for one another. He encourages fathers and mothers t |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not b |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Bondage and Liberty by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the freedom that comes from being in Christ Jesus. He warns against using this freedom as an e |
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(Hebrews - Part 44): The Root of Bitterness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant and watchful in their spiritual lives. He compares the challenges and dangers faced by believers to va |
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Dealing With the Pressure of Time by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as person |
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(Biblical Family) Biblical Womanhood - Part 3 by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Ephesians chapter 5, specifically verses 15-22. He identifies a pattern of three threes in these verses: three contrasts, three commands, and |