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Live a Restrained, Watchful, and Cautious Life

Proverbs 8:12 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹²“I, wisdom, dwell with shrewdness,
and I find knowledge and thinking ability.

I, wisdom, dwell with shrewdness: Here dwell (שָׁכַן shakan or שָׁכֵן shaken) refers to wisdom being at home with shrewdness, to inhabit or live with. Shrewdness or prudence (עָרְמָה ormah) is having good sense in dealing with practical matters, carefully considering consequences, using good judgment to consider likely consequences and act accordingly, and careful in managing resources so as to provide for the future.

And I find knowledge and thinking ability: Knowledge (דַּעַת daath) is possession of information learned by personal experience, observation, or study. The Bible strongly urges us to seek and treasure accurate knowledge, as it is far superior to gold. (Prov. 8:10; 20:15) 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 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 for evil purposes. – Ps 10:2; Pro. 1:4; 2:10-12; 5:1-2.

Wisdom gives shrewdness or prudence, knowledge, and discretion to its owner. Wisdom teaches us how to live a restrained, watchful, and cautious life as opposed to an irresponsible, thoughtless, and uncontrolled one. One who possesses shrewdness and or prudence has good sense in dealing with the world of mankind that is alienated from God, their own imperfections, and a world that is run by Satan the Devil. These ones can use good judgment to consider likely consequences and act accordingly. The one possessing wisdom’s discretion realizes their freedom or authority to evaluate the information, enabling a wise decision about it.