Proverbs 3:21-26 My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:… In rich variation the religious habit of mind is presented. What has been spoken of as worthy to be hung about the neck as precious is now referred to as to be kept continually before the eyes of the mind. The designation of wisdom or its attributes is also varied, viz. "thoughtfulness and circumspection" (ver. 21). In the next, former modes of statement recur (comp. ver. 3, sqq.). I. RELIGION STRENGTHENS AND STEADIES THE PERCEPTION. (Ver. 23.) Perfect unconsciousness of danger, as in the child, the somnambulist, etc., is often seen to be a condition of security in walking in dangerous places. And so may the mind be unconscious of danger through the full enfolding in God. But better is the safe step which is given by the perfect knowledge both of danger and the resources against it. This is found in religion. We know what is against us, still more who is for us, and so pass on with head erect and footstep firm. II. RELIGION CONTROLS THE IMAGINATION. (Vers. 24, 25.) The insdefinable in space and time continually besets the fancy, and, especially in certain temperaments, fills it with images of gloom and terror. The timid heart forebodes some sudden "tempest of the wicked," some onrush of malice and violence out of the dark. What a chapter of "imaginary terrors" could be filled from the experience of many such a one! But faith re, titles the imagination, preoccupying it with the thought of the almighty Defender (compare the beautiful Psalm 91.). - J. Parallel Verses KJV: My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:WEB: My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion: |
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