BibleWord.ai› Bible› Proverbs› Chapter 5› Verse 2

Proverbs 5:2

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 5:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
Proverbs 5:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1My son, attend unto my wisdom; Incline thine ear to my understanding:
2That thou mayest preserve discretion, And that thy lips may keep knowledge.
3For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:
4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword.
5Her feet go down to death; Her steps take hold on Sheol;
← Proverbs 5:1Proverbs 5:3 →
← Full Chapter 5 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That thou mayest regard discretion, etc.] 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 Vulgate Latin version is, “that thou mayest keep the thoughts”; and so Gersom interprets the word; “good thoughts”, according to the Septuagint version; the thoughts of the heart are to be observed. A man of spiritual wisdom will take notice of them; evil thoughts, which lead to uncleanness, are to be repressed and kept in; good ones to be cherished and improved; wise and sagacious ones (such the word here used signifies) are to be attended to, as being of great advantage in the various affairs…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“regard--or, "observe." keep--preserve constantly.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And that thy lips may keep - literally, “and thy lips shall keep.” return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“thy lips: Pro 10:21, Pro 15:2, Pro 15:7, Pro 16:23, Pro 20:15; Psa 45:2, Psa 71:15, Psa 119:13; Sol 4:11; Mal 2:6, Mal 2:7 Proverbs 5:3”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Proverbs 5 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification