What does Proverbs 2:10 mean?
This verse once again connects the concept of discernment to virtuous living. To make this connection, Solomon leverages two additional ideas—the heart and soul—along with wisdom and knowledge. In ancient philosophical thinking, virtuous living meant pursuing several different traits, called virtues. Under that approach, none of the virtues exist independently; therefore, even though the subject of this section is justice, there is a necessary connection with wisdom.In order to be just, wisdom and knowledge must enter into one's heart and soul. In Jewish culture the heart is considered to be the center of emotional and intellectual life, while the soul is the uniquely endowed breath of life created in humans. Solomon later defines this in Proverbs 20:27. While the terms soul and spirit are not exactly synonymous, we can see the importance of what Solomon is stating here: justice comes when wisdom permeates every aspect of who we are. This is the heart and soul working together to bring about discernment.
Proverbs 2:9–15 refines our understanding of justice, which is possibly the most difficult of the four virtues to master. We have long misunderstood justice as fairness or equality. Everyone is familiar with the common complaint ''that's not fair.'' This is often expressed when someone perceives that they are not being treated identically to others. However, true justice makes no claim to be equal; instead it is equitable. Justice can be defined as giving each person their due. Justice is absolutely fair, it is not necessarily equal.
In Proverbs chapter 2, Solomon highlights various virtues, as well as provides encouragement to live a virtuous life. As in chapter 1, specific concepts wil reoccur, and are used in certain ways. Here, these are ideas such as courage, integrity, wisdom, and justice. The gist of this passage is the positive effect that virtue—including these various aspects—will have on one's life. In contrast, those who pursue non-virtuous living will suffer dire consequences.
