Discretion shall preserve thee. Discretion ( מְזַמָּת, m'zimoth), as in Proverbs 1:4, is the outward manifestation of wisdom; it tests what is uncertain, and avoids danger (Hitzig). The word carries with it the idea of reflection or consideration (see Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 5:2; Proverbs 8:12) The LXX.
reads, βουλὴ καλή, "good counsel;" and the Vulgate, concilium. Shall preserve thee. The idea of protection and guarding, which is predicated of Jehovah in Proverbs 1:8, is here transferred to discretion and understanding, which to some extent are put forward as personifications.
Understanding ( תְבוּנָה, t'vunah), as in Proverbs 2:11; the power of distinguishing and separating, and, in the case of conflicting interests, to decide on the best. Shall keep; i.e. keep safe, or in the sense of watching over or guarding.
The two verbs "to preserve" ( שָׁמַר, shamar) and "to keep" ( נָצַר, natsar), LXX. τήρειν, occur together again in Proverbs 4:6.