Proverbs 2:9
Proverbs 2:9 in Multiple Translations
Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice, And equity, yea, every good path.
Then you will have knowledge of righteousness and right acting, and upright behaviour, even of every good way.
Then you will be able to recognize what is right and just and fair, in fact all that is good in the way you should live.
Then shalt thou vnderstand righteousnes, and iudgement, and equitie, and euery good path.
Then understandest thou righteousness, And judgment, and uprightness — every good path.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; and every good path.
Then shalt thou understand justice, and judgment, and equity, and every good path.
If you ask God for wisdom, you will understand what is right and just [DOU] to do, and you will know the right way to conduct your life,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 2:9
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 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֗ז
תָּ֭בִין
צֶ֣דֶק
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
וּ֝/מֵישָׁרִ֗ים
כָּל
מַעְגַּל
טֽוֹב
אָ֗ז
ʼâz
H227
then
Adv
תָּ֭בִין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
צֶ֣דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-ms
וּ֝/מֵישָׁרִ֗ים
mêyshâr
H4339
uprightness
Conj | N-mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מַעְגַּל
maʻgâl
H4570
track
N-ms
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 2:9
אָ֗ז
ʼâz
H227
"then"
Adv
This Hebrew word refers to a past time or place, often used to describe something that happened earlier. It can also be used as a conjunction to show a cause-and-effect relationship. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) then, at that time 1a) temporal expressions 1a1) then (past) 1a2) then, if...then (future) 1a3) earlier 1b) logical expressions 1b1) in that case 1b2) that (being so)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: beginning, for, from, hitherto, now, of old, once, since, then, at which time, yet. See also: Genesis 4:26; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 2:5.
תָּ֭בִין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
צֶ֣דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וּ֝/מֵישָׁרִ֗ים
mêyshâr
H4339
"uprightness"
Conj | N-mp
Uprightness refers to being fair and just, as seen in the Bible. It can also mean smoothness or straightness, often used to describe doing things rightly.
Definition: 1) evenness, uprightness, straightness, equity 1a) evenness, level, smoothness 1b) uprightness, equity 1c) rightly (as adv)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: agreement, aright, that are equal, equity, (things that are) right(-eously, things), sweetly, upright(-ly, -ness). See also: 1 Chronicles 29:17; Proverbs 2:9; Psalms 9:9.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַעְגַּל
maʻgâl
H4570
"track"
N-ms
This word refers to a path or track, either physical or figurative. It can also describe a circular rampart or entrenchment. In the Bible, it is translated as path, trench, or way.
Definition: 1) entrenchment, track 1a) circumvallation, entrenchment 1b) track
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: going, path, trench, way(-side). See also: 1 Samuel 17:20; Proverbs 2:15; Psalms 17:5.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 2:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 2:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 2:9
Context — The Benefits of Wisdom
7He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,
8to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints.
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,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 6:16 | This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ |
| 2 | Psalms 143:8–10 | Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. |
| 3 | Matthew 7:13–14 | Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. |
| 4 | Isaiah 48:17 | Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go. |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:2–6 | for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. |
| 6 | Psalms 25:8–9 | Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:99 | I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. |
| 8 | John 14:6 | Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. |
| 9 | Psalms 32:8 | I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. |
Proverbs 2:9 Summary
Proverbs 2:9 says that when we seek wisdom and knowledge, we will be able to discern what is right and wrong, and make good decisions. This means we will be able to tell the difference between good and bad choices, and choose the path that honors God (Psalms 119:105). By seeking God's wisdom, we can trust that He will guide us on the right path, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6. As we seek discernment, we can have confidence that God will help us make good decisions and live a life that pleases Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to discern righteousness and justice in Proverbs 2:9?
Discerning righteousness and justice means having a deep understanding of what is right and wrong, and being able to make decisions that align with God's will, as seen in Psalms 119:66 and Proverbs 1:3.
How can I develop the ability to discern every good path?
Developing discernment comes from seeking wisdom and knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 2:9, and also from reading and applying God's Word, as seen in Psalms 119:105 and Joshua 1:8.
Is discernment only for certain people, or can anyone develop it?
Anyone can develop discernment by seeking God and His wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 2:9 and James 1:5, where it says that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God and He will give it to us generously.
How does discernment impact my daily life?
Discernment impacts our daily life by guiding our decisions and helping us to navigate challenging situations, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to discern righteousness and justice, and how can I apply Proverbs 2:9 to those areas?
- How can I prioritize seeking wisdom and knowledge in my daily life, and what role does Scripture play in this pursuit?
- In what ways can I trust God to guide me on every good path, and how can I practically apply Proverbs 2:9 to my decision-making process?
- What are some potential consequences of not seeking discernment, and how can I avoid those pitfalls in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 2:9
Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment,.... This is another fruit and effect of the Gospel, and of a spiritual understanding of it; that besides the knowledge of God, and how to behave
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 2:9
Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; (yea), every good path - if thou shall duly seek wisdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
Then; when thou hast done thy part, expressed , &c., and God in answer to thy desires hath given thee wisdom, ; or when it is with thee, as it follows, . Righteousness, and judgment, and equity; all the parts of thy duty to man, as well as the fear of God, , which contains all duties to God. These three words are used here, as also , to signify the same thing. Every good path; the practice of all virtues and graces.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
Proverbs 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.Ver. 9. Then shalt thou understand righteousness.] Not as cognoscitiva, standing in speculation; but as directiva vitae, a rule of life. Knowledge is either apprehensive only, or affective also. This differs from that, as much as the light of the sun, wherein is the influence of an enlivening power, from the light of torches.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
Verse 9. Then shalt thou understand] He who is taught of God understands the whole law of justice, mercy, righteousness, and truth; God has written this on his heart. He who understands these things by books only is never likely to practise or profit by them.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 2:9
9. Then — Referring back to Proverbs 2:1-4, from which the instructor started out with the same particle as at Proverbs 2:5.
Sermons on Proverbs 2:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
寻访古道 - Finding the Old Path by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being captivated by the glory of Christ. He shares that his own devotion to Christ is not based on discipline or religious |
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Overcoming Sexual Sin by Jason Robinson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in harmony with one another in the church. He explains that when believers are in symphony with each other, they can |
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Many Aspire, Few Attain by Walter A. Henrichsen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make |
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Loving the Appearing of Christ by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the lack of conviction and moral compass in society, even among those who claim to know God. He references Jeremiah 6:16, where God calls fo |
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The Baptism of Fire by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It |
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Vocational Fellowship - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a crisis that has been reached in the lives of the people. They are experiencing unrest, weariness, and a sense of futility. Some have accepte |
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Ever Increasing Light by Danny Bond | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission, which is to spread the gospel to all corners of the world. He uses a story about a family |