My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse urges us to "keep sound wisdom and discretion" not just as abstract concepts, but as active, guarded possessions. The phrasing suggests these qualities aren't passively received but must be intentionally protected and held onto, like precious treasures. This highlights that genuine wisdom requires constant vigilance and effort to maintain.
My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verses leading up to this point have been celebrating the immense value of wisdom, presenting it as a treasure that brings life and prosperity. Now, the father urges his son to actively hold onto this wisdom and the good judgment that comes with it, not letting it fade from his mind's eye, as if it were a precious jewel he's determined to keep.
The verse urges us to 'not lose sight' of something vital. What does it mean to keep wisdom perpetually before our eyes, not just in our heads?
The instruction "let not them depart from thine eyes" isn't about passively observing wisdom, but actively keeping it present in our minds and hearts. Think of it like keeping a treasured photograph or a guiding map always visible. It’s a call to constant meditation and internalizing these truths.
This means wisdom isn't a lesson learned once and filed away, but a dynamic, living principle that shapes our thoughts, decisions, and actions daily. When wisdom is constantly in view, it acts as a filter for the world around us, helping us discern what is true and good.
The verse mentions 'sound wisdom and discretion.' What are these two vital qualities, and how do they work together to guide us?
The Hebrew terms here paint a rich picture. 'Sound wisdom' (tushiyyah) refers to the true substance or essence of things – understanding reality as it truly is, grounded in God's truth. It’s about grasping what is foundational and real.
'Discretion' (mezimmah) is about purpose, resolution, and a well-formed plan. It's the ability to take that core understanding and apply it with thoughtful intention, making wise decisions and acting with good judgment. Together, they represent a complete package: knowing what is true and having the purposeful resolve to live by it.
Understand the original words
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tûšîyâ · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew term often signifies effective, practical insight or "success." It refers to the ability to discern and act with competence and godly intelligence in life.
mezimmâ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the capacity for prudent discernment, planning, and moral foresight. It involves the ability to devise good schemes or make deliberate, wise choices to avoid evil.
This passage directly alludes to Proverbs 3:21, warning believers not to 'drift away' from the truths they have heard, emphasizing the importance of holding onto sound teaching.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7Like Proverbs, this passage urges the constant repetition and meditation on God's commands, urging them to be 'on your heart' and 'talk of them' when you lie down and when you rise.'
Psalm 119:105This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of 'sound wisdom and discretion' as a lamp and a light for the path, showing how God's Word guides and illuminates our steps.
Colossians 3:16This New Testament passage echoes the sentiment of Proverbs by instructing believers to let the 'message of Christ dwell among you richly,' teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom.
bensonProverbs 3:21: "My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:"
Proverbs 3:21-22 . My son, let them not depart, &c. — Let me prevail with thee to keep these good instructions before the eyes of thy mind continually. Constantly and seriously meditate upon them, and thereby thou wilt attain and retain sound wisdom and discretion. So shall they be life unto thy soul — To thee, or thy person. They shall prolong thy life, and make it life indeed, namely, wise, holy, a…
clarkeProverbs 3:21: "My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:"
Let not them depart from thine eyes - Never forget that God, who is the author of nature, directs and governs it in all things; for it is no self-determining agent. Keep sound wisdom and discretion - תושיה ומזמה tushiyah umezimmah. We have met with both these words before. Tushiyah is the essence or substance of a thing; mezimmah is the resolution or purpose formed in reference to something good or…
The verse urges us to "keep sound wisdom and discretion" not just as abstract concepts, but as active, guarded possessions. The phrasing suggests these qualities aren't passively received but must be intentionally protected and held onto, like precious treasures. This highlights that genuine wisdom requires constant vigilance and effort to maintain.
The verses leading up to this point have been celebrating the immense value of wisdom, presenting it as a treasure that brings life and prosperity. Now, the father urges his son to actively hold onto this wisdom and the good judgment that comes with it, not letting it fade from his mind's eye, as if it were a precious jewel he's determined to keep.
The verses leading up to this point have been celebrating the immense value of wisdom, presenting it as a treasure that brings life and prosperity. Now, the father urges his son to actively hold onto this wisdom and the good judgment that comes with it, not letting it fade from his mind's eye, as if it were a precious jewel he's determined to keep.
"My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion," — The verse urges us to "keep sound wisdom and discretion" not just as abstract concepts, but as active, guarded possessions. The phrasing suggests these qualities aren't passively received but must be…
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Last reviewed October 2026