3:21 My child, do not let them 1 escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion. 2
5:2 in order to safeguard 3 discretion, 4
and that your lips may guard knowledge.
1 tn The object of the verb “escape” is either (1) wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in vv. 13-20 or (2) “wisdom and discretion” in the second colon of this verse. Several English versions transpose the terms “wisdom and discretion” from the second colon into the first colon for the sake of clarity and smoothness (e.g., RSV, NRSV, NIV, TEV, CEV).
NIV takes the subject from the second colon and reverses the clauses to clarify that.
2 tn Or: “purpose,” “power of devising.”
3 tn Heb “keep, protect, guard.”
4 sn This “discretion” is the same word in 1:4; it is wise, prudential consideration, careful planning, or the ability to devise plans with a view to the best way to carry them out. If that ability is retained then temptations to digress will not interfere.