Proverbs 6:22

Commentary on Proverbs 6:22 (KJV)

Proverbs 6:22 is a beautiful verse that speaks to the profound and continuous benefits of internalizing wise instruction. It describes how this wisdom, once embraced, becomes an ever-present companion, guiding, protecting, and communicating with the individual throughout their day and night.

Context

To fully understand "it" in this verse, we must look to the preceding verses. Proverbs 6:20-21 explicitly states: "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." Therefore, "it" refers directly to this parental instruction—the commandments and laws instilled by a father and mother. In the wisdom tradition of Proverbs, these parental teachings are not merely human rules but are rooted in divine wisdom and reflect God's moral order. The verse emphasizes the importance of not just hearing, but internalizing this wisdom, making it a part of one's very being.

Key Themes

• Constant Guidance: "When thou goest, it shall lead thee." This highlights the practical, moment-by-moment direction that wisdom provides. As one navigates life's journey, making decisions and facing choices, sound instruction acts as an internal compass, ensuring one walks in a righteous and beneficial path. This echoes the concept of God's word being a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
• Divine Protection: "When thou sleepest, it shall keep thee." Even during times of vulnerability, such as sleep, wisdom offers security and peace. It suggests that the principles ingrained in one's heart provide a spiritual and moral safeguard, protecting against evil influences, anxieties, and the temptations that might arise even in unconscious moments.
• Ongoing Communication: "And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." This is not a passive memory of rules but an active, internal dialogue with truth. As one begins a new day, the internalized wisdom comes alive, shaping thoughts, prompting right actions, and providing counsel for the day's challenges. It implies a constant, intimate communion with the principles of righteousness. This continuous engagement with truth is vital for spiritual growth, much like the blessed man who delights in the law of the LORD, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "keep" in this verse is shamar (שָׁמַר), which implies guarding, preserving, and watching over. It suggests an active protection. The phrase "talk with thee" comes from the Hebrew word siach (שִׂיחַ), which can mean to meditate, muse, or converse deeply. It suggests a profound and thoughtful engagement, not just a casual chat, indicating that wisdom profoundly influences one's internal monologue and decision-making process.

Practical Application

Proverbs 6:22 underscores the enduring power and value of internalizing sound, godly instruction. For believers today, this passage primarily points to the Scriptures as the ultimate source of wisdom. When we diligently study, meditate on, and apply God's Word to our lives, it becomes an inherent guide for our steps, a protective presence in our rest, and a constant source of counsel in our waking moments. It empowers us to live wisely, securely, and in continuous communion with divine truth, transforming our daily existence.