Proverbs 5:2

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about discretion: 

Proverbs 5:2 (NASV)

That you may observe discretion

And your lips may reserve knowledge.

Proverbs 5:2 (ESV)

that you may keep discretion,

and your lips may guard knowledge.

Solomon has just told the his son to pay attention to his words and to listen to him.   Most of us could relate to that in regard to our "speeches" to our children.    In this proverb he is telling his son what the advantages are should he indeed listen.    The words his father is giving him (in this case God's Word) will help him "observe" discretion and "reserve" knowledge.   The Hebrew words "observe" and "reserve" here in the text are words that mean to "watch over" or "stand guard" over their object: discretion and knowledge.   Solomon is telling us that if we listen to God's Word we will be able to "stand guard" and "watch over" discretion and knowledge.    For too many, discretion and knowledge come and go.  They only see them briefly and then they are gone.    But, for the man of God who by faith listens to God's Word, we will have a permanent view of these two choice life guide rails.  Having knowledge and discretion we will act wisely and Godly. The negative example of this would be King David when he saw Bathsheba bathing on the roof top.  He lost his “discretion” and that started an entire series of bad events.  Had he listened to God’s Word, David would have avoided death, disappointment and despair.   A positive example of this proverb is found in the story of Joseph. He made sure to obey God’s word and was blessed with “discretion.”   The same can be said of Daniel.  Daniel wanted so much to obey God’s word that he was able to convince his handlers to let him eat different foods and prepare in different ways.  God overflowed him with knowledge.