Proverbs - 2:8



8 that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 2:8.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Keeping the paths of justice, and guarding the ways of saints.
guarding the paths of just judgment and keeping the way of his godly ones.
To keep the paths of judgment, And the way of His saints He preserveth.
He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints.
He keeps watch on the ways which are right, and takes care of those who have the fear of him.
That He may guard the paths of justice, And preserve the way of His godly ones. .
that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his holy ones.
serving the paths of justice, and guarding the ways of sanctity.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

saints - The devout and God-fearing. Compare Psalm 85:8 etc. The occurrence of the word here, in a book that became more and more prominent as prophetic utterances ceased, probably helped to determine its application in the period of the Maccabean struggles to those who especially claimed for themselves the title of "devout" (Chasidim, the ̓Ασιδαῖοι Asidaioi of 1 Macc. 7:13).

He keepeth the paths of judgment,.... That is, the Lord keeps them; he does that which is just and right himself, in the course of his providence, and in the methods of his grace; and as he guides the feet of his people in the ways of righteousness and holiness, he keeps them there from turning out of them. The words may be rendered, "to keep the paths of judgment" (q); and so expresses the end, fruit, and effect of the Lord's being a buckler to them, as he is said to be in Proverbs 2:7, he is their shield and protection, so as either to keep them in the right ways in which they should go; or that they might studiously observe them, and keep walking therein, without stumbling in them, or declining from them;
and preserveth the way of his saints; to whom he has been kind and bountiful; or who have been merciful, liberal, and generous to others; who having partook of the grace of God themselves, are useful to men: the Targum calls them "righteous ones". These the Lord preserves by his power and grace, in the way in which he has led them, and which is his own way, safe to his kingdom and glory: for none of his saints, his holy and righteous ones, shall ever perish; the way in which he directs them, and in which he keeps them, leads to everlasting life; see 1-Samuel 2:9.
(q) "ad custodiendum", Pagninus, Montanus; "ad servandum", Baynus, Schultens.

keepeth . . . way--God defends the right way, and those in it.
saints--objects of favor (compare Psalm 4:3, &c.). He guides and guards them.

Path of judgment - Righteous paths, judgment being here put for righteousness. And keeping of paths may be put for keeping them in their paths.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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