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Keeping Sound Wisdom and Discretion?

Proverbs 3:21 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
21 My son, do not lose sight of these;
    keep sound wisdom and discretion,[1]

The demonstrative pronoun these can refer to the qualities of God wisdom and the related attributes of understanding and knowledge mentioned in 3:19-20. However, Solomon may be referring to sound wisdom and thinking ability within this verse. Therefore, he would be beginning a new section here with an appeal to the reader not to lose sight of wisdom and discretion (thinking ability). In other words, we would say, do not let wisdom and discretion (thinking ability) out of our sight. Do not let them depart from your eyes (עַיִן ayin), which has the sense of paying attention, concentrating on the qualities of God to the exclusion of Satan’s world that surrounds us. To keep is the same word guarding (נָצַר natsar) in Proverbs 2:8, making you safe from danger within your relationship with Jehovah (Ps 40:12) Godly wisdom is a gift from Jehovah, one that we should keep (observe), guard.

Discretion (thinking ability): (מְזִמָּה mezimmah) In the evil sense, this can mean wicked plans, evil ideas, schemes, and devices. It can mean shrewdness, perceptiveness, discretion, and prudence in a favorable sense. In a favorable sense, it is the ability to judge wisely and objectively. Mezimmah, the human mind, and thoughts can be used for an admirable and upright end or evil purposes. – Ps 10:2; Pro. 1:4; 2:10-12; 5:1-2.

[1] Or thinking ability; the ability to give wise and careful attention (study) to a matter, based on accurate or full knowledge

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

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