In verse 11 the language returns to the image of guarding and protecting from verse 8.

“Discretion will watch over you”: For “discretion” see 1.4. “Watch over” translates the same word as “preserve” (Revised Standard Version) in verse 8. In languages in which it is unnatural to speak of an abstract noun functioning as a person, some adjustments must be made. See comments on 1.20. If direct personification cannot be used, we may suggest, for example, “Discretion and understanding will be like guards who will keep watch over you” or “Discretion . . . will protect you like a guard keeps watch over somebody.”

Many translators will find that the two lines of this verse can best be reduced to one because of their similarity in form and meaning.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .