Session 2 · Ch 2 · Receive, seek, and be kept

Receive, seek, and be kept

What it means (summary)

Proverbs 2 shows that wisdom is received and sought, then given by the LORD. When wisdom enters your heart, discretion keeps you from crooked paths and flattering traps, and you walk with the upright.

Scripture (KJV) with Explanation

Note: Always read these verses in your own Bible and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. The summaries and explanations here are a supplemental guide and are generated with the help of technology; please weigh them against Scripture itself and wise counsel.

Proverbs 2:1–2
“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;”
Explanation: Begin with receiving and inclining—active posture, not passive hearing.

Proverbs 2:3–4
“Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;”
Explanation: Ask out loud; seek wisdom like treasure—with effort and focused desire.

Proverbs 2:5–6
“Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
Explanation: The LORD gives wisdom; true understanding is His gift, not self-generated.

Proverbs 2:10–12
“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;”
Explanation: When wisdom settles inside, discretion keeps you and delivers you from crooked words and ways.

Proverbs 2:16
“To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;”
Explanation: Wisdom also guards you from seduction by flattery; it helps you see through the pull.

Proverbs 2:20
“That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.”
Explanation: The outcome is walking in the way of the good and keeping the paths of the righteous.

Bridge (Scripture → Practice)

The chapter traces a path: receive, seek, the LORD gives, wisdom enters, and then discretion keeps. Today’s practice is to ask one clarifying question so you truly seek, and make one discretion choice so you keep away from crooked words and flattering shortcuts.

Application (practice)

Receive: write one short line from today’s verses where you will see it (card, lock screen, or note).
Seek: at your next decision gate, ask one clarifying question out loud.
Keep: decline one crooked or flattering turn (gossip, “too-good” shortcut, risky DM).

Action (SMART)

Before 6:00 p.m., (1) ask one clarifying question at a real decision gate, and (2) make one discretion choice that avoids a crooked or flattering turn.

Examples:

“What exactly does success look like by Friday?”
“Is today’s top priority A or B?”
“I’m keeping this conversation on the team channel instead of in private DMs.”
“I’m going to skip this ‘hack’ and follow the documented step now.”

WIIFM

Today: cleaner direction and fewer detours.
Habit you’re training: seek-then-keep—asking once, then choosing the upright turn.
Future you: clearer mind, safer paths, and less regret from flattery or fast shortcuts.
Roll-up: Planning (P) clarity, Speech (S) restraint, and Relationship (R) integrity.
Tags: TH, P, S, R, FR.

Comparative Reinforcement

Aristotle teaches that practical wisdom begins by seeing the situation accurately; a single clarifying question brings hidden assumptions into the light.

Right Speech reminds us that truthful, careful words protect from both flattery and manipulation; wisdom in words starts with what you ask, not only what you say.

Socratic practice uses honest questions to test whether a path is sound; one thoughtful “what is really going on here?” can keep you from a crooked turn.

Evening Check

Clarifying question asked? Y/N · Discretion choice made? Y/N · Peace → 0 / 1 / 2