Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, DiscretionThe Hebrew word for "discretion" is "mezimmah," which can also be translated as "prudence" or "thoughtfulness." In the context of Proverbs, discretion involves the ability to make wise decisions and to foresee the consequences of one's actions. It is a quality that allows a person to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and care. Discretion is not merely about avoiding trouble but about actively choosing the path of righteousness. In a historical context, discretion was highly valued in ancient Israelite society, as it was seen as a means of maintaining social harmony and personal integrity. Will protect you
The phrase "will protect you" comes from the Hebrew root "shamar," which means "to guard" or "to keep." This implies a proactive safeguarding, much like a shepherd who watches over his flock. In the biblical sense, protection is not just physical but also moral and spiritual. The wisdom that comes from discretion acts as a shield against the temptations and pitfalls of life. In the broader scriptural context, God's protection is often linked to His covenant promises, where He assures His people of His constant care and guidance. And understanding
"Understanding" is translated from the Hebrew word "binah," which signifies insight or discernment. It is the ability to see beyond the surface and grasp the deeper truths of a situation. Understanding is a gift from God, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom to govern Israel (1 Kings 3:9). In the book of Proverbs, understanding is closely associated with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. It is through understanding that one can discern God's will and live in accordance with His commandments. Will guard you
The phrase "will guard you" uses the same Hebrew root "shamar" as "will protect you," reinforcing the idea of vigilant oversight. In ancient times, a guard was responsible for the safety and security of a city or a person. Similarly, understanding acts as a sentinel for the soul, keeping it safe from false teachings and moral corruption. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), highlighting the continuity of this protective theme throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. Israel- The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his writings, seeking to guide them in living a life pleasing to God. 3. Wisdom Literature- Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes, focusing on practical and philosophical insights into life. Teaching Points The Role of DiscretionDiscretion involves making wise choices and avoiding harmful situations. It acts as a safeguard in our decision-making process. Understanding as a GuardUnderstanding provides insight into the consequences of our actions, helping us to avoid pitfalls and stay on the right path. Seeking WisdomActively seek wisdom through prayer, study, and reflection. God promises to provide wisdom to those who ask. The Protective Nature of WisdomJust as a guard protects a city, wisdom and understanding protect our hearts and minds from spiritual and moral dangers. Practical Application of WisdomApply wisdom in everyday situations, such as relationships, work, and personal challenges, to live a life that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of discretion in Proverbs 2:11 relate to the choices you make in your daily life? 2. In what ways can understanding guard you against making poor decisions? Can you think of a recent example? 3. How does seeking wisdom from God, as encouraged in James 1:5, impact your ability to exercise discretion and understanding? 4. Reflect on a time when you felt protected by wisdom or understanding. What was the situation, and how did it unfold? 5. How can you incorporate the teachings of Proverbs 2:11 into your prayer life, asking God for guidance and protection? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 4:6-7- This passage emphasizes the protective nature of wisdom, similar to how discretion and understanding guard us in Proverbs 2:11. Philippians 4:7- The peace of God, which transcends understanding, guards our hearts and minds, paralleling the protective role of discretion and understanding. James 1:5- Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, highlighting the importance of seeking divine guidance to gain discretion and understanding. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Discernment, Discretion, Guard, Preserve, Protect, Purposes, Thoughtfulness, Understanding, Watch, Watching, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 2:11 5480 protection Proverbs 2:6-11 8367 wisdom, importance of Library The Beginning and End of Wisdom
PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of GodThe Red Lamp.
Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 2:11 NIVProverbs 2:11 NLTProverbs 2:11 ESVProverbs 2:11 NASBProverbs 2:11 KJV
Proverbs 2:11 Commentaries
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