When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. When you walkThe phrase "when you walk" suggests the daily journey of life, encompassing all activities and decisions. In Hebrew, the word for "walk" (הָלַךְ, halak) often implies a manner of living or conducting oneself. This indicates that the teachings and wisdom of God are not just for moments of crisis but are meant to guide us in every step we take. Historically, walking was the primary mode of transportation, symbolizing progress and movement through life. The wisdom of God is portrayed as a constant companion, providing direction and purpose. they will guide you
The "they" refers to the commandments and teachings mentioned earlier in the chapter. The Hebrew word for "guide" (נָחָה, nachah) conveys the idea of leading or directing with care. This guidance is not forceful but gentle, akin to a shepherd leading his sheep. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105), offering divine direction in a world filled with uncertainty. when you lie down
This phrase speaks to the times of rest and vulnerability. In ancient times, lying down was not only for sleep but also a time when one was most defenseless. The assurance here is that God's wisdom provides protection and peace even in our most unguarded moments. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on rest, and this promise of divine watchfulness would have been a source of comfort and security. they will watch over you
The concept of being watched over implies a vigilant and protective presence. The Hebrew root for "watch over" (שָׁמַר, shamar) means to guard or keep. This is reminiscent of a watchman on a city wall, ever alert to potential dangers. For the believer, this is a reminder of God's providential care, as He neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4), ensuring our safety and well-being. when you awake
Awakening signifies a new beginning, a fresh start each day. In the Hebrew mindset, waking up was a time to give thanks for renewed life and strength. This phrase suggests that God's wisdom is ready to meet us anew each morning, offering insight and understanding for the day ahead. It reflects the mercies of God that are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). they will speak to you
The idea of wisdom speaking to us is profound. The Hebrew word for "speak" (דָּבַר, dabar) implies communication that is active and engaging. This suggests that God's teachings are not static words on a page but living truths that interact with our hearts and minds. In a conservative Christian view, this aligns with the belief that the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to convict, comfort, and counsel us, making God's voice accessible and personal. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. 2. Israel- The nation to whom the wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was originally addressed, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God. 3. The Path of Wisdom- A metaphorical journey representing the life of a believer who follows God's commandments and wisdom. Teaching Points The Ever-Present Guidance of WisdomGod's wisdom is not limited to specific times or places; it is a constant guide in every aspect of life, whether we are active, resting, or beginning a new day. The Protective Nature of God's CommandmentsJust as wisdom watches over us, God's commandments provide protection and security, keeping us from harm and leading us in righteousness. The Voice of Wisdom in Our LivesWisdom speaks to us through God's Word, offering counsel and direction. We must be attentive and responsive to its guidance. Integrating Wisdom into Daily LifeTo benefit from wisdom's guidance, we must actively incorporate it into our daily routines, allowing it to shape our decisions and actions. The Role of Discipline in Following WisdomDiscipline is essential in adhering to wisdom's path, requiring commitment and intentionality in seeking God's guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How can you ensure that God's wisdom guides you throughout your daily activities, as described in Proverbs 6:22? 2. In what ways can you incorporate the teachings of Deuteronomy 6:6-9 into your family life to reflect the guidance of wisdom? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt protected by following God's commandments. How does this experience relate to the protective nature of wisdom in Proverbs 6:22? 4. How can you cultivate a habit of listening to the voice of wisdom in your life, especially during challenging times? 5. What practical steps can you take to integrate the principles of Proverbs 6:22 into your morning routine to start your day with God's guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:6-9This passage emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments in one's heart and teaching them diligently to children, similar to how Proverbs 6:22 describes the constant presence and guidance of wisdom. Psalm 119:105This verse describes God's word as a lamp to one's feet and a light to one's path, paralleling the guidance mentioned in Proverbs 6:22. Matthew 7:24-27Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the importance of hearing and acting on His words, akin to the guidance and protection offered by wisdom in Proverbs 6:22. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Awake, Awaked, Awakest, Goest, Guide, Hast, Lead, Leadeth, Lie, Liest, Lying, Sleep, Sleepest, Sleeping, Speak, Talk, Talketh, Walk, Walkest, Walking, Watch, WatchethDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 6:20-22 8330 receptiveness Proverbs 6:20-23 5218 authority, in home
7797 teaching Proverbs 6:20-24 8313 nurture Proverbs 6:20-26 5345 influence Proverbs 6:20-29 5276 crime Library The Talking Book
A Sermon (No. 1017) Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, October 22nd, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."--Proverbs 6:22. It is a very happy circumstance when the commandment of our father and the law of our mother are also the commandment of God and the law of the Lord. Happy are they who have a double force to draw them to the right--the bonds of nature, and the cords of grace. They sin with a vengeance who sin both against …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on ProverbsAn Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
A sermon (No. 2406) intended for reading on Lord's Day, March 31st, 1895, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Lord's Day evening, March 27th, 1887. "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Talking Book
In order that we may be persuaded so to do, Solomon gives us three telling reasons. He says that God's law, by which I understand the whole run of Scripture, and, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be a guide to us:--"When thou goest, it shall lead thee." It will be a guardian to us: "When thou sleepest"--when thou art defenceless and off thy guard--"it shall keep thee." And it shall also be a dear companion to us: "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." Any one of these three arguments …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great A Jealous God
I. Reverently, let us remember that THE LORD IS EXCEEDINGLY JEALOUS OF HIS DEITY. Our text is coupled with the command--"Thou shalt worship no other God." When the law was thundered from Sinai, the second commandment received force from the divine jealousy--"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863 How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life "And Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"And watch unto prayer." "Watch." A Christian should watch. A Christian is a watchman by office. This duty of watchfulness is frequently commanded and commended in scripture, Matt. xxiv. 42, Mark xiii. 33, 1 Cor. xvi. 13, Eph. vi. 18, 1 Pet. v. 8, Col. iv. 2; Luke xii. 37. David did wait as they that did watch for the morning light. The ministers of the gospel are styled watchmen in scripture and every Christian should be to himself as a minister is to his flock, he should watch over …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 6:22 NIVProverbs 6:22 NLTProverbs 6:22 ESVProverbs 6:22 NASBProverbs 6:22 KJV
Proverbs 6:22 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
