Proverbs 2:11 Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you: There is an important distinction between the understanding of the meaning of Divine discoveries and the perception of their excellence and truth. Knowledge in Scripture, with which salvation is connected, includes the latter. The knowledge of anything means the knowledge of its real and distinctive properties. The apostle speaks of "spiritual discernment." "Discretion" and, "understanding" in this connection mean self-jealousy arising from self-knowledge. The knowledge of ourselves includes the knowledge, theoretical and experimental, of the unlimited deceitfulness of our own hearts. And this, connected with a right knowledge of the sources of temptation as they exist in such abundance and variety around us, will inspire and maintain discretion. He will "watch unto prayer," and not merely trust to his own discretion. Diffidence of self and confidence in God constitute the discretion of the spiritual man. The two sources of temptation for youth are wicked men and wicked women. The "evil man" speaketh froward things, i.e., words of perverse rebellion, of a spirit stubborn, refractory, scornful, self-willed. These work seductively on youthful minds of a particular temperament; especially on those who have a craze for independence. The "evil man's" ways are crooked ways, changing from purpose at wayward inclination. The "strange woman" represents all seducers to immorality and sensual indulgences, and such have a special influence on youth. (R. Wardlaw,D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:WEB: Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you, |
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