that you may maintain discretion
Discretion in the biblical context refers to the ability to make wise decisions and to discern right from wrong. This concept is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Proverbs, which emphasizes the importance of living a life guided by wisdom and understanding. The Hebrew word for discretion can also imply a sense of purpose and careful planning. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, discretion was highly valued as it was essential for maintaining social harmony and personal integrity. This phrase encourages the reader to cultivate a thoughtful and prudent approach to life, aligning with the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom from God (James 1:5).

and your lips may preserve knowledge
The preservation of knowledge through one's speech highlights the importance of communication in conveying wisdom and truth. In the biblical context, the lips are often seen as instruments of both blessing and destruction (Proverbs 18:21). This phrase underscores the responsibility of believers to speak truthfully and wisely, ensuring that their words reflect the knowledge and understanding they have received from God. The idea of preserving knowledge connects to the broader biblical narrative of passing down divine wisdom through generations, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments to their children. This aligns with the prophetic role of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), embodying and communicating divine truth to humanity.

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as 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. The Audience
The primary audience is Solomon's son, but by extension, it includes all who seek wisdom and understanding from God.

3. The Setting
Proverbs is set in the context of ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.The Importance of Discretion
Discretion is the ability to make wise decisions and avoid unnecessary risks. It is crucial for maintaining a life that honors God.

Preserving Knowledge
Our words should reflect the knowledge and wisdom we have received from God. This means speaking truthfully and wisely.

Guarding the Heart and Mind
By maintaining discretion and preserving knowledge, we guard our hearts and minds against the deceit and folly of the world.

The Role of Wisdom in Daily Life
Wisdom is not just theoretical; it is practical and should be applied in everyday decisions and interactions.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
True wisdom comes from God, and we should continually seek it through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers.Verse 2. - This verse expresses the purposes or results of the preceding admonition. The first is, that thou mayest regard discretion (Hebrew, lishmor m'zimmoth); literally, to guard reflection; i.e. in other words, that thou mayest maintain thoughtfulness, observe counsel, set a proper guard or control over thy thoughts, and so restrain them within proper and legitimate limits, or form such resolutions which, being well considered and prudential, may result in prudent conduct. The word m'zimmoth, however, does not travel beyond the sphere of what is conceived in the mind, and consequently does not mean conduct (as Holden conceives), except in a secondary sense, as that thoughts and plans are the necessary preliminaries to action and conduct. Muffet, in loc., explains, "that thou mayest not conceive in mind any evil or vanity." The word m'zimmoth is the plural of m'zimmmah, which occurs in Proverbs 1:4. This word generally means any plan, project, device, either in a good or bad sense. In the latter sense it is applied to intrigue and deceitful conduct, as in Proverbs 24:8. It is here used in a good sense. Indeed, Delitzsch remarks that the use of the word in a good sense is peculiar to the introductory part of the Proverbs (ch. 1-9.). The Vulgate renders. "That thou mayest guard thy thoughts or reflection (ut custodias cogitationes)." So the LXX., Ἵνα φυλάξῃς ἔννοιαν ἀγαθήν, "That thou mayest guard good reflection," the adjective ἀγαθή being introduced to note the sense in which the ἔννοια, i.e. act of thinking, properly, is to be understood. The prefix לִ ("to") before shamar, "to guard," in lishmor, expresses the purpose, as in Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 2:2, et alia. The second end in view is, that thy lips may keep knowledge; literally, and thy lips shall keep knowledge. Those lips keep or preserve knowledge which literally retain the instruction of Wisdom (Zockler), or which allow nothing to pass them which does not proceed from the knowledge of God (Delitzsch), and which, when they speak, give utterance to sound wisdom. The meaning may be illustrated by Psalm 17:3, "I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." The same expression occurs in Malachi 2:7, "For the priest's lips should keep knowledge," i.e. preserve and give utterance to it. Where "the lips keep knowledge," there they are protected against the lips of the strange woman, i.e. against her allurements, because they will be fortified with purity. Thy lips; s'phatheyka is the dual of the feminine noun saphah, "a lip." The teacher designedly uses this word instead of "thy heart" (cf. Proverbs 3:1), because of the contrast which he has in mind, and which be produces in the next verse. The LXX., Vulgate. and Arabic add, "Attend not to the deceitful woman," which Houbigant and Schleusner think is required by the context. The addition, however, is without authority (Holden).

Parallel Commentaries ...


that you may maintain
לִשְׁמֹ֥ר (liš·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

discretion
מְזִמּ֑וֹת (mə·zim·mō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4209: A plan, evil, sometimes good

and your lips
שְׂפָתֶ֥יךָ (śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā)
Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin

may preserve
יִנְצֹֽרוּ׃ (yin·ṣō·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep

knowledge.
וְ֝דַ֗עַת (wə·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847: Knowledge


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 5:2 That you may maintain discretion that your (Prov. Pro Pr)