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.