Proverbs 5:2
Proverbs 5:2 in Multiple Translations
that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
So that you may be ruled by a wise purpose, and your lips may keep knowledge.
so you can make good decisions and protect knowledge with your lips.
That thou maiest regarde counsell, and thy lippes obserue knowledge.
To observe thoughtfulness, And knowledge do thy lips keep.
that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
That thou mayst keep thoughts, and thy lips may preserve instruction. Mind not the deceit of a woman.
If you do that, you will be able to choose wisely what to do, and you will know the right things to say [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 5:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר
מְזִמּ֑וֹת
וְ֝/דַ֗עַת
שְׂפָתֶ֥י/ךָ
יִנְצֹֽרוּ
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מְזִמּ֑וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
plot
N-fp
וְ֝/דַ֗עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
Conj | N-fs
שְׂפָתֶ֥י/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
יִנְצֹֽרוּ
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 5:2
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מְזִמּ֑וֹת
mᵉzimmâh
H4209
"plot"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a plan or plot, which can be either good or evil. It appears in the Bible as a device, discretion, or intent. In the KJV, it is translated as a wicked device or witty invention.
Definition: 1) purpose, discretion, device, plot 1a) purpose 1b) discretion 1c) devices (evil)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly. See also: Job 21:27; Proverbs 3:21; Psalms 10:2.
וְ֝/דַ֗עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
שְׂפָתֶ֥י/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
יִנְצֹֽרוּ
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 5:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 5:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 5:2
Context — Avoiding Immorality
1My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight,
2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, 4in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:23 | The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:7 | The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. |
| 3 | Malachi 2:6–7 | True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 4:11 | Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon. |
| 5 | Psalms 45:2 | You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:2 | The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. |
| 8 | Psalms 71:15 | My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:13 | With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth. |
| 10 | Proverbs 20:15 | There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. |
Proverbs 5:2 Summary
Proverbs 5:2 is telling us to be careful with our words and actions, so that we can be wise and make good choices. This means thinking before we speak, and making sure that our words are kind and truthful, as seen in Ephesians 4:32. When we do this, we are preserving knowledge and sharing wisdom with others, which is a way of honoring God and showing love to those around us (Matthew 12:36-37). By being mindful of our words and actions, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and brings joy to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'maintain discretion' in Proverbs 5:2?
Maintaining discretion means being careful and wise in our thoughts, words, and actions, as seen in Proverbs 10:32, where it says that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, and in Proverbs 22:1, which emphasizes the importance of a good name, indicating a need for discretion in all areas of life.
How do our lips 'preserve knowledge'?
Our lips preserve knowledge when we speak wisely and truthfully, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:13, which contrasts the lips of the righteous with the lips of the wicked, and in Ephesians 4:29, which instructs us to let our words be seasoned with salt, that they may minister grace to the hearers.
Why is it important to preserve knowledge?
Preserving knowledge is important because it helps us to make wise decisions and to share wisdom with others, as seen in Proverbs 9:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and in Psalm 119:66, which asks God to teach us knowledge and good judgment.
How can we apply Proverbs 5:2 in our daily lives?
We can apply Proverbs 5:2 by being mindful of our words and actions, and by seeking wisdom from God, as encouraged in James 1:5, which says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can maintain discretion in my daily interactions with others?
- How can I ensure that my words are preserving knowledge and not spreading foolishness or gossip?
- What are some things that I can do to seek wisdom and knowledge from God, and to share that wisdom with others?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my words and actions, and seek to honor God in all that I do?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 5:2
That thou mayest regard discretion,.... Observe it; retain it in thine heart, as Aben Ezra adds, and use it; think, speak, and act discreetly, and so avoid the bad woman afterwards described: the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 5:2
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 5:2
Regard, or, keep, i.e. hold fast, as it is in the next clause. Discretion; spiritual wisdom for the conduct of thy life, as this word is used , and elsewhere in this book. That thy lips may keep knowledge; that by wise and pious discourses thou mayst preserve and improve thy wisdom for thine own and others’ good.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 5:2
Proverbs 5:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and [that] thy lips may keep knowledge.Ver. 2. That thou mayest regard discretion.] Or, That thou mayest keep in thy thoughts, as Job did, "Why then should I think upon a maid?" "Out of the hearts of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications," &c., saith our Saviour. Many men’ s hearts are no better than stews and brothel houses, by reason of base and beastly thoughts and lusts that muster and swarm there, like the flies of Egypt. "There is that leviathan, and there are creeping things innumerable." Yea, the hypocrite, who outwardly abstains from gross sins, yet inwardly consenteth with the thief, and partaketh with the adulterer, that is, in his heart and fancy, supposing himself with them, and desiring to do what they do. This is mental adultery, this is contemplative wickedness. So it is also to recall former filthiness with delight. She multiplied her whoredoms in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot. Surely as a man may die of an inward bleeding, so may he be damned for these inward boilings of lust and concupiscence, if not bewailed and mortified. "The thoughts of the wicked are abominable to the Lord." To look and lust is to commit adultery. Therefore "desire not her beauty in thy heart." And that thy lips may keep knowledge.] As Joseph did in answering his wanton mistress; as he in Augustine did, that replied to his minions, Ego sum - It is I, at ego non sum - but it it is not I.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 5:2
2. regard] Rather, preserve, R.V. Comp. keep in the parallel clause of the verse.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 5:2
And that thy lips may keep - literally, “and thy lips shall keep.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 5:2
2. Discretion — Or, counsels. That thy lips may keep — Thy lips shall keep.
Sermons on Proverbs 5:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
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10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |
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Ten Vital Evidences of True Salvation by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories that demonstrate the saving power of the Gospel. The first story recounts a time when the preacher was interrupted during h |
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Divine Enlargement and Spiritual Obedience by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches on the connection between God's precepts and promises, emphasizing the need for divine assistance to fulfill God's commands. He explains the significance of |
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The Prayer Book Services [1662] by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of a meticulous and heartfelt rendering of the Prayer Book Services by clergy, focusing on the requisites of good reading: Distinctne |
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Ashamed of Jesus? by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort challenges Christians to examine if they are truly unashamed of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of not just proclaiming Christ but also His words, which may bring suf |
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John Warburton by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the miraculous workings of the Lord in providence and grace, emphasizing that though visible miracles may have ceased, Jesus continues to perform wonders i |