Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:21

What does Proverbs 3:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:21 means

The father returns to a direct address, urging his son to continually keep wisdom and discretion (sound judgment) in clear focus, preventing them from ever departing from his thoughts or actions. This is a call for sustained attention and mindful application of these principles in daily life. It emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and intentionality in maintaining a wise and discerning approach to all circumstances.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep sound wisdom and discretion:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My son, keep good sense, and do not let wise purpose go from your eyes.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

My son! let them not turn from thine eyes, Keep thou wisdom and thoughtfulness,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

My son, let not these things depart from thy eyes: keep the law and counsel:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

My son, let them not depart from thine eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion:

Context

After the profound theological interlude exalting divine wisdom in creation (verses 19-20), this verse brings the focus back to the son, reaffirming the personal imperative to *retain* wisdom. It serves as a bridge, transitioning from wisdom's divine origins to its practical, life-sustaining benefits for the individual, which will be elaborated in the following verses. This re-emphasizes the ongoing commitment required to walk in wisdom.

v.20By his knowledge the depths were broken up, And the skies drop down the dew.

v.21This passage

v.22So shall they be life unto thy soul, And grace to thy neck.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 4:21

    Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thy heart.

  • Proverbs 2:7

    He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright; He isa shield to them that walk in integrity;

  • Proverbs 3:1

    My son, forget not my law; But let thy heart keep my commandments:

  • Deuteronomy 4:9

    Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes saw, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but make them known unto thy children and thy children’s children;

  • Hebrews 2:1

    Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them.

  • Joshua 1:8

    This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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