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Proverbs 3:21

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Proverbs 3:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.
19Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.
21My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.
23Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.
24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
← Proverbs 3:20Proverbs 3:22 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For three [things] the earth is disquieted, etc.] The inhabitants of it are made very uneasy; and for four [which] it cannot bear; they are a load and burden upon it, and are intolerable to those that dwell on it, and make them very uncomfortable.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“sound wisdom--(compare Pro 2:7). let . . . eyes--that is, these words of instruction.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Let not them depart - i. e., The wisdom and discretion of the following clause. Keep thine eye on them, as one who watches over priceless treasures. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Eyes - The eyes of thy mind. Constantly and seriously meditate upon them. Proverbs 3:22”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:21-26 This passage enumerates the benefits of common sense and discernment, which are fruits of wisdom.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“let: Pro 3:1-3; Deu 4:9, Deu 6:6-9; Jos 1:8; Joh 8:31, Joh 15:6, Joh 15:7; Heb 2:1-3; Jo1 2:24, Jo1 2:27 keep: Pro 2:7; Deu 32:46, Deu 32:47 Proverbs 3:22”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“From this eminence, in which the work of creation presents wisdom, exhortations are now deduced, since the writer always expresses himself only with an ethical intention regarding the nature of wisdom: 21 My son, may they not depart from thine eyes - Preserve thoughtfulness and consideration, 22 And they will be life to thy soul And grace to thy neck. If we make the synonyms of wisdom which are in 21b the subject per prolepsin to אל־ילזוּ (Hitzig and Zckler), then Pro 3:19-20 and Pro 3:21-22 clash. The subjects are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, which belong to God, and shall from His become the possession of those who make them their aim. Regarding לוּז, obliquari, deflectere, see under…”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification