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Thinking Ability Can Protect You

Proverbs 5:2 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
²that you may keep discretion,^[1]
and your lips may guard knowledge.

That you may keep discretion: The phrase discretion (i.e., thinking ability) has been used in 1:4; 2:11; 3:21. In all four verses, the phrase refers to the ability to make wise choices and use good judgment. 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 the favorable sense. In the favorable sense, it is the ability to judge wisely and objectively. Therefore, with mezimmah, the human mind and thoughts can be used for an admirable and upright end or for evil purposes. – Ps 10:2; Pro. 1:4; 2:10-12; 5:1-2.

And your lips may guard knowledge: The lips (שָׂפָה saphah) here, which is serving as protection, guarding or watching over our knowledge, is being contrasted with “the lips of a forbidden woman” in the next verse. In other words, your lips should be filled with wise words that will serve as protection in contrast to the flattering lips of an adulteress.

In order to possess the good sense or the good judgment and the sensibility needed to avoid what we will label as innocent appearing situations, that is, it seems innocent enough, but it is really a dangerous situation that can lead to ultimate downfall; the young one needs to see where there may not even be evidence that there is seduction in the air.

An older woman may use cunning, smoothness, and crafty ways to slip into the affections of an inexperienced young man in the ways of the world. Being innocent, the young man may not perceive her charms. Once he is seduced, he may still find it difficult how he fell into the disgraceful situation that brought about this ultimate wrongdoing. Many young men have lost themselves to the seductive woman, being sexually exploited.

Malachi 2:7 says, “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of Jehovah of armies.” We are no longer under the ceremonial parts of the Mosaic Law, and the Israelite nation has been replaced with Christianity. However, all of God’s people can be ready and powerful in the Scriptures, applied in their daily lives, as well as their proclaiming God’s Word in conversations, as they go about making disciples, which makes them spiritual priests of a sort.

The caution we are receiving here is to abstain from fleshly lusts, adultery, fornication, and all other forms of uncleanness. Some Bible scholars have tried to apply an additional figurative meaning, saying that idolatry is false doctrine, which manages to corrupt men’s minds and behaviors, leading them astray with the sensual appetite to which they apply it. Yet, the author meant literal adultery that we find in the seventh commandment, a commandment to cherish and honor marriage. Our youths are so tempted by this today, and the urgings are so great, which ends up being so destructive to all persons involved. Solomon here is serving God as a faithful watchman, providing clear caution to all, as God’s people live their lives in the comforts that the world provides, against this dreadful sin, for it will undoubtedly be the ruin of all who fall victim to it.

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