Proverbs 2:11 - Exposition

Discretion shall preserve thee. Discretion ( מְזַמָּת , m'zimoth ) , as in Proverbs 1:4 , is the outward manifestation of wisdom; it tests what is uncertain, and avoids danger (Hitzig). The word carries with it the idea of reflection or consideration (see Proverbs 3:21 ; Proverbs 5:2 ; Proverbs 8:12 ) The LXX . reads, βουλὴ καλή , "good counsel;" and the Vulgate, concilium. Shall preserve thee. The idea of protection and guarding, which is predicated of Jehovah in Proverbs 1:8 , is here transferred to discretion and understanding, which to some extent are put forward as personifications. Understanding ( תְבוּנָה , t'vunah ) , as in Proverbs 2:11 ; the power of distinguishing and separating, and, in the case of conflicting interests, to decide on the best. Shall keep; i.e. keep safe, or in the sense of watching over or guarding. The two verbs "to preserve" ( שָׁמַר , shamar ) and "to keep" ( נָצַר , natsar ) , LXX . τήρειν , occur together again in Proverbs 4:6 .