Proverbs 3:21
My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 3:21
My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just tell us to have wisdom, but to actively keep it, like guarding a precious treasure. It’s about making sure these vital principles don't "slip away" from our minds, but are constantly held before the "eyes of our understanding."
The teacher has been extolling the virtues and benefits of wisdom, presenting it as a guide that protects and enriches life. Now, he urges his listener to actively hold onto this wisdom, not letting it fade from their minds or be lost among other concerns, for it is the foundation for everything good that follows.
The verse urges us to 'keep' something precious. What is it, and why does it need constant guarding?
Proverbs 3:21 calls us to 'keep sound wisdom and discretion.' This isn't just about knowing things; it's about internalizing and holding onto a way of living guided by God's truth.
Beyond Intellectual Ascent
The commentators highlight that 'let not them depart from thine eyes' refers to the 'eyes of the mind.' This means we're not just supposed to intellectually acknowledge wisdom, but to have it constantly present in our thoughts and motivations. It's about making God's wisdom the lens through which we view everything.
Active Guarding
The command to 'keep' isn't passive. It implies an active effort to guard this wisdom, to prevent it from slipping away or becoming worthless in our estimation. It's a treasure to be protected, not just a lesson to be learned.
What are 'sound wisdom' and 'discretion' really about, and how do they shape our lives?
The verse uses two key terms that point to the core of godly living: 'sound wisdom' (tushiyyah) and 'discretion' (mezimmah).
The Substance of Truth
'Sound wisdom' refers to the solid, substantial truth or essence of things – understanding reality as God sees it. It's about grasping the foundational principles that govern His creation and His Word.
Purposeful Action
'Discretion' is the ability to form wise purposes and make sound judgments based on that wisdom. It’s the practical application of truth, the resolve to act in accordance with God's will. It’s what allows us to navigate life's complexities with godly insight.
Life and Beauty
When we actively pursue and keep these, the rest of the passage promises they bring 'life to your soul' and are 'a graceful addition to your neck.' This shows that embracing God's wisdom isn't just about avoiding bad outcomes; it's about experiencing true vitality and finding genuine beauty and honor in our lives.
Understand the original words
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 echoes the imagery of not letting things 'slip away' (translated as 'drift away' or 'slip from,' depending on the translation), urging believers to pay closer attention to the truths they've heard.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7This Old Testament passage commands the Israelites to constantly keep God's words in their hearts and talk about them diligently, mirroring the idea in Proverbs of keeping wisdom 'before your eyes'.
Psalm 119:105The psalmist declares, 'Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,' illustrating how profound wisdom and discretion (God's word) act as guiding principles for life's journey.
Colossians 3:16This New Testament verse encourages letting the 'message of Christ dwell among you richly,' emphasizing the importance of internalizing and actively engaging with divine wisdom and instruction.
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 doesn't just tell us to have wisdom, but to actively keep it, like guarding a precious treasure. It’s about making sure these vital principles don't "slip away" from our minds, but are constantly held before the "eyes of our understanding."
The teacher has been extolling the virtues and benefits of wisdom, presenting it as a guide that protects and enriches life. Now, he urges his listener to actively hold onto this wisdom, not letting it fade from their minds or be lost among other concerns, for it is the foundation for everything good that follows.
The teacher has been extolling the virtues and benefits of wisdom, presenting it as a guide that protects and enriches life. Now, he urges his listener to actively hold onto this wisdom, not letting it fade from their minds or be lost among other concerns, for it is the foundation for everything good that follows.
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"My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion," — The verse doesn't just tell us to have wisdom, but to actively keep it, like guarding a precious treasure. It’s about making sure these vital principles don't "slip away" from our minds, but are…