Bible Strands
Proverbs 5:2
that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — A wisdom teacher addresses his son at the opening of a warning, urging immediate attention to forthcoming instruction.
The words — מְזִמּ֑וֹת (me.zi.Mot) means discretion, and שְׂפָתֶ֥י/ךָ (se.fa.Tei./kha) means your lips, directly tying internal judgment to verbal output.
The thread — The connection between guarded speech and retained understanding recurs in Proverbs 15:7, Proverbs 16:23, and Malachi 2:6, where lips function as conduits for truth or deception.
Why it lands — The text demands active vigilance over personal discernment and strict control of speech to prevent the erosion of understanding.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
- Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
- Malachi 2:6 True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.
- Song of Solomon 4:11 Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.
- Psalms 45:2 You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
- Psalms 71:15 My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure.
- Psalms 119:13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth.
- Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
- Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
- Proverbs 20:15 There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.