My son,This phrase indicates a paternal or mentoring relationship, common in wisdom literature. It reflects the tradition of passing down wisdom from one generation to the next, emphasizing the importance of family and community in spiritual education. The term "son" can also be seen as a term of endearment and responsibility, suggesting a close relationship between the teacher and the learner.
do not lose sight of this:
This admonition underscores the importance of focus and vigilance in maintaining wisdom. In the biblical context, "losing sight" can imply neglect or distraction, which are common themes in Proverbs. The call to attention suggests that wisdom is not static but requires active engagement and continual remembrance. This echoesDeuteronomy 6:6-9, where the Israelites are instructed to keep God's commandments always before them.
Preserve sound judgment and discernment.
"Sound judgment" and "discernment" are key themes in Proverbs, representing the ability to make wise decisions and understand complex situations. In the Hebrew context, these qualities are gifts from God, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom in1 Kings 3:9-12. The preservation of these qualities implies a proactive effort to cultivate and protect them, much like a treasure. This aligns with the New Testament teaching inJames 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The call to preserve these attributes suggests their fragility and the ease with which they can be compromised by sin or folly.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. He is addressing his son, imparting wisdom for living a righteous life.
2.
The SonRepresents the reader or the recipient of wisdom. In a broader sense, it can be any believer seeking to live according to God's principles.
3.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These books focus on practical living and understanding the fear of the Lord.
Teaching Points
Value of WisdomWisdom and discernment are treasures that should be actively preserved and sought after. They are not passive qualities but require intentional effort to maintain.
Active PreservationThe Hebrew root for "preserve" (natsar) implies guarding or keeping watch over something valuable. Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds with wisdom.
Discernment in Daily LifeDiscernment helps in making decisions that align with God's will. It involves understanding and applying God's truth in various situations.
Avoiding DistractionsIn a world full of distractions, believers must focus on maintaining sound judgment, avoiding influences that lead away from God's truth.
Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit aids in developing discernment and wisdom, guiding believers into all truth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 3:21?
2.How can we "preserve sound judgment" in daily decision-making according to Proverbs 3:21?
3.What role does "discretion" play in living a life pleasing to God?
4.How does Proverbs 3:21 connect with James 1:5 on seeking wisdom?
5.In what ways can we teach others to value wisdom and discretion?
6.How does maintaining "sound judgment" protect us from spiritual and moral pitfalls?
7.What does Proverbs 3:21 mean by "sound wisdom and discretion"?
8.How does Proverbs 3:21 relate to the pursuit of knowledge in today's world?
9.Why is wisdom emphasized in Proverbs 3:21 over other virtues?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3?
11.Who was King Jehoram/Joram in biblical history?
12.What does the Bible say about fearing hell?
13.How can you avoid the false cause fallacy?
14.Can married individuals have opposite-sex friends?What Does Proverbs 3:21 Mean
My son- The phrase personalizes wisdom’s call, reminding believers that God’s counsel comes from a loving Father.
- Proverbs repeatedly opens with this tender address (Proverbs 1:8; 2:1; 4:1), underscoring relationship before instruction.
- It signals that what follows is family talk, urging us to lean in as children eager to honor our Father (Ephesians 5:1).
Do not lose sight of this- Solomon warns against spiritual drift. Truth can fade when we become distracted (Hebrews 2:1).
- Staying focused involves:
• Daily Scripture intake (Joshua 1:8).
• Intentional remembrance through meditation (Psalm 119:15–16).
• Accountability with wise companions who keep us on course (Proverbs 13:20).
- Like Peter walking on water, vision fixed on Christ sustains; looking elsewhere sinks us (Matthew 14:29-30).
Preserve sound judgment and discernment- “Preserve” speaks of active guarding—much like keeping valuables secure (Proverbs 4:23).
- Sound judgment is the ability to choose what pleases God; discernment separates truth from error (Philippians 1:9-10).
- Practical ways to preserve them:
• Filter inputs—evaluate media, counsel, and culture against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• Practice obedience—each act of faith sharpens spiritual perception (John 7:17).
• Pray for wisdom—God promises to give generously (James 1:5).
- The payoff appears in the next verses: life, safety, confidence, and peace (Proverbs 3:22-26).
summaryGod, the loving Father, calls us to keep His wisdom front-and-center. As cherished children we must refuse distraction, actively guard sound judgment, and nurture discernment. Doing so anchors our lives in divine stability and blessing, fulfilling the promise that those who cling to His truth walk securely and shine His light in a dim world.
Verse 21. -
My son, let not them depart from thine eyes. After the description of the power of Wisdom exhibited in creating and sustaining the earth, the exhortation to keep Wisdom steadily before the eyes, and the promises of Divine protection, appropriately follow. Since Wisdom is so powerful, then, the teacher argues, she is worthy of being retained and guarded, and able to protect.
Let them not depart (
al-yaluzu);
i.e. "let them not escape or slip aside from your mind (cf. Vulgate,
neeffluant haec ab oculis ruts). They are to be as frontiers between your eyes, as a ring upon your finger.
Yaluzu, from
luz, "to bend aside,"
defiectere, a via declinare, which see in
Proverbs 2:15, ought probably to be written
yellezu, on the analogy of the corresponding passage in
Proverbs 4:21. The LXX. renders absolutely
μὴπαραῥῤύης, "do not thou pass by," from
παραῥῤύω, "to flow by," "to pass by, recede" (cf.
Hebrews 2:1, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to these things, lest at any time we should let them slip (
μὴ ποτεπαραῥῤυῶμεν)," quoted probably from the LXX. of this passage). The Targum Jonathan reads
ne vilescat, "let it,"
i.e. wisdom, "not become worthless."
Them, included in the verb
yaluzu of which it is subject in the original, is to be referred either to "sound wisdom and discretion" of ver. 21b - so Gejerus, Cartwright, Geier, Umbreit, Hitzig, Zockter, Plumptre (a similar trajection occurs in
Deuteronomy 32:5, and is used, as here, to give vividness to the description): or to "wisdom, understanding, knowledge," of the preceding verses - so Delitzsch and Holden. The first view in every way seems preferable, and it is no objection to it that "sound wisdom" (
tushiyyah) and "discretion" (
m'yimmah) are feminine, while the verb "depart" (
yaluzu) is masculine (see Gesenius, *Gram.,' § 147). The Syriac reads, "Let it not become worthless (
ne vile fit) in thine eyes to keep my doctrine and my counsels."
Keep sound wisdom and discretion.Keep;
n'zor, kal imperative of
natsar, "to watch, guard." For "sound wisdom" (
tushiyyah), see
Proverbs 2:7. Here used for "wisdom" (
kokhmah), as "discretion" (
m'zimmah) for "understanding" (
t'vunah), to contrast the absolute wisdom and insight of God with the corresponding attributes in man (see Zockler,
in loc.). They belong to God, but are conferred on those who seek after Wisdom, and are then to be guarded as priceless treasures. The Vulgate reads,
custodi legem et consilium; and the LXX.,
τήρησον δὲ ἐμὴν βουλὴν καὶ ἔννοιαν, "
guard my counsel and thought."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My son,בְּ֭נִי(bə·nî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121:A sondo notאַל־(’al-)Adverb
Strong's 408:Notloseיָלֻ֣זוּ(yā·lu·zū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3868:To turn aside, to depart, be perversesight of this:מֵעֵינֶ֑יךָ(mê·‘ê·ne·ḵā)Preposition-m | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainPreserveנְצֹ֥ר(nə·ṣōr)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5341:To watch, guard, keepsound judgmentתֻּ֝שִׁיָּ֗ה(tu·šî·yāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8454:Support, ability, help, an undertaking, understandingand discernment.וּמְזִמָּֽה׃(ū·mə·zim·māh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4209:A plan, evil, sometimes good
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:21 My son let them not depart (Prov. Pro Pr) 
