Proverbs 6:21

KJV

Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck.

KJV (with Strong's)

Bind {H7194} them continually {H8548} upon thine heart {H3820}, and tie {H6029} them about thy neck {H1621}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bind them always on your heart, tie them around your neck.

Berean Standard Bible

Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.

American Standard Version

Bind them continually upon thy heart; Tie them about thy neck.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:21 issues a profound call to internalize and perpetually embrace the wisdom and instruction received, particularly the foundational teachings of parents and, by extension, divine truth. It employs vivid imagery to convey that these precepts are not to be merely intellectual concepts but deeply integrated into one's very being, serving as a constant guide and a visible declaration of allegiance that shapes character and conduct. This verse emphasizes the holistic assimilation of wisdom, ensuring it profoundly influences both inner disposition and outward expression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger collection of paternal admonitions found in the early chapters of Proverbs, specifically within the first major discourse of the book ([Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1-9 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Call to Wisdom")). It immediately follows [Proverbs 6:20](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20 - The Command to Keep Parental Instruction"), which explicitly commands, "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother." The "them" in verse 21 directly refers to these parental teachings and, by extension, the divine wisdom they embody. The subsequent verses in [Proverbs 6](/proverbs/6 "Proverbs 6 - Warnings Against Folly and Adultery") (e.g., [Proverbs 6:22-24](/proverbs/6-22-24 "Proverbs 6:22-24 - Wisdom's Guidance and Protection")) elaborate on the protective and guiding benefits of internalizing this wisdom, particularly against the perils of adultery and other forms of moral folly. Thus, verse 21 serves as a crucial bridge, emphasizing the method by which wisdom's protective power is activated—through deep, personal assimilation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of binding objects to the body, especially the heart or neck, carried significant symbolic weight. This practice was not merely ornamental but often signified deep affection, high value, personal identity, and constant remembrance. For instance, the use of phylacteries (tefillin) in later Jewish tradition, derived from the Mosaic command to bind God's words as a sign on the hand and as frontlets between the eyes ([Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Binding God's Commands")), illustrates the cultural understanding of physical binding as a means of perpetual mindfulness. Similarly, valuable necklaces or amulets were worn close to the body, representing status, protection, or cherished memories. The imagery in [Proverbs 6:21](/proverbs/6-21 "Proverbs 6:21 - Internalizing Wisdom") draws upon this common cultural understanding, elevating the status of divine and parental instruction to that of a precious, ever-present treasure, something to be worn as a mark of honor and identity, not a burden.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 6:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Internalization of Wisdom**. The command to "bind them continually upon thine heart" emphasizes that wisdom and instruction should not merely be intellectual concepts but deeply embedded within one's inner being. The "heart" in biblical thought ([Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")) is the seat of intellect, emotion, and will—the very core of a person's moral and spiritual life. Secondly, the phrase "tie them about thy neck" highlights **Constant Remembrance and Visibility**. This suggests a visible, ever-present reminder, ensuring that the teachings are not forgotten in daily life and serve as a constant guide. It also implies a public commitment to these principles, much like a badge of honor or identity, echoing the Law's emphasis on remembering God's commands (e.g., [Numbers 15:39](/numbers/15-39 "Numbers 15:39 - Remembering God's Commandments")). Finally, the ultimate purpose of this internalization is to provide **Guidance for Daily Living** and protection from moral pitfalls, a theme consistently developed throughout Proverbs, particularly in the warnings against the "strange woman" in [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - Warning Against the Adulteress").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bind (Hebrew, _qâshar'_ H7194):** This primitive root means "to tie," "gird," or "confine" physically, but also extends figuratively to "join mentally" or "in love, league." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, firm, and unbreakable attachment of the teachings to oneself, implying deep commitment and an inseparable connection. It is an active, intentional act of securing.
* **Continually (Hebrew, _tâmîyd'_ H8548):** Derived from a root meaning "to stretch," this word denotes "continuance" or "perpetual." Its inclusion emphasizes the ongoing, unceasing nature of this internalization. The wisdom is not for a fleeting moment or a specific season, but for every moment of every day, forming a constant, ever-present guide and companion.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_ H3820):** This term is far more comprehensive than the modern English "heart," encompassing not just emotions but also the mind, will, conscience, and the very core of one's being. To "bind upon the heart" means to integrate these teachings into one's fundamental thought processes, motivations, and decision-making, making them an inseparable part of one's inner life and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bind them continually upon thine heart":** This clause commands the deep, internal assimilation of wisdom. "Them" refers to the "father's commandment" and "mother's law" from [Proverbs 6:20](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20 - The Command to Keep Parental Instruction"). To "bind upon thine heart" means to make these teachings an intrinsic part of one's innermost self—their thoughts, emotions, desires, and will. The adverb "continually" stresses the perpetual nature of this internalization, indicating that wisdom is not a temporary pursuit but a lifelong commitment, always present and active in one's consciousness.
* **"and tie them about thy neck":** This second clause complements the first by emphasizing the external, visible manifestation of internalized wisdom. To "tie them about thy neck" evokes the image of wearing a valuable ornament or a badge of identity. It suggests that these teachings should be cherished, displayed as a mark of honor, and serve as a constant, visible reminder that influences one's outward actions and public persona. This act signifies not only personal adherence but also a public declaration of allegiance to these principles, making them evident in one's conduct and character for all to see.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:21 makes effective use of **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, employing concrete physical actions to represent profound spiritual and intellectual processes. The act of "binding" and "tying" is a **Metaphor** for the deep internalization and constant remembrance of wisdom. It's not a literal binding, but a figurative one, suggesting an inseparable union between the individual and the instruction. The "heart" is a powerful **Symbol** for the entire inner person—the seat of intellect, emotion, and will, where true transformation occurs and moral choices are forged. The "neck" **Symbolizes** public identity, outward conduct, and constant presence, much like a cherished necklace or a visible mark of allegiance. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses ("Bind them continually upon thine heart" and "tie them about thy neck") express similar ideas using different but reinforcing imagery, emphasizing both the internal assimilation and external manifestation of wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:21 underscores a profound biblical truth: genuine wisdom is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative force that permeates the entirety of one's being. This internalization of divine instruction echoes the covenantal call for Israel to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment")), where the heart is the center of devotion and obedience. The command to bind and tie wisdom signifies that God's truth is meant to shape our inner landscape (thoughts, desires, motivations) and our outward expression (words, actions, character). It speaks to the holistic nature of biblical discipleship, where belief translates into behavior, and knowledge leads to righteous living. This perpetual engagement with wisdom is presented as the pathway to protection from folly and the cultivation of a life pleasing to God, reflecting His character in the world.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6 - Commands to Teach and Remember God's Words")
* [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:21 serves as a timeless directive for believers today, urging us to move beyond superficial engagement with God's Word and godly counsel toward profound internalization. This means actively pursuing wisdom not just as information, but as a living, guiding force. It calls for diligent meditation on Scripture, memorization of key passages, and conscious, prayerful application of biblical principles to every facet of life. Just as we cherish and prominently display items of great personal value, we are called to value divine instruction so highly that it shapes our thoughts, influences our emotions, informs our decisions, and guides our every step. This commitment to binding wisdom upon our hearts and tying it about our necks leads to a life of integrity, provides protection from the myriad temptations and deceptions of the world, and fosters spiritual growth that reflects the character of Christ. It's an invitation to allow God's truth to become the very fabric of our identity, making our faith not just something we believe, but something we embody.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "bind" God's Word more "continually upon my heart" in my daily life?**
* **What does it look like for me to "tie" God's wisdom "about my neck" in a way that visibly impacts my actions and relationships?**
* **Are there specific areas of my life where I need to allow God's wisdom to penetrate more deeply and guide my decisions?**
* **How does my current engagement with Scripture reflect the value Proverbs 6:21 places on divine instruction?**

### FAQ
**What does "heart" mean in the biblical context of Proverbs 6:21?**

Answer: In biblical Hebrew, the "heart" (H3820, _lêb'_) is much more expansive than simply the seat of emotions. It refers to the very core of a person's being, encompassing their intellect, will, conscience, and deepest motivations. Therefore, to "bind them continually upon thine heart" means to integrate divine wisdom into one's fundamental thought processes, decision-making, and desires, making it an inseparable part of one's inner life and character. It's where true transformation and moral choices originate, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart").

**Why does the verse mention tying wisdom "about thy neck"? Is this meant to be literal?**

Answer: The phrase "tie them about thy neck" is figurative language, not a literal command to wear physical objects. It draws on the ancient Near Eastern cultural practice of wearing valuable ornaments or amulets around the neck. This imagery signifies that wisdom should be cherished as a precious adornment, worn as a mark of identity and honor, and serve as a constant, visible reminder that influences one's outward actions and public persona. It suggests that internalized wisdom should be evident in one's conduct and character, acting as a guide and a public declaration of one's allegiance to divine principles, much like the commands in [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Deuteronomy 11:18 - Lay Up God's Words in Your Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:21, with its call to bind wisdom upon the heart and neck, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament commands the internalization of divine precepts, Christ Himself is the very embodiment and personification of God's wisdom. As [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom") declares, "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." He is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the truth incarnate ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and the wisdom of God made manifest ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")). For the believer, binding wisdom upon the heart now means receiving Christ Himself, allowing His Spirit to indwell and transform us from the inside out. The New Covenant promise in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")—"I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts"—is realized through Christ, who enables us by His Spirit to truly internalize God's will and live in obedience. Thus, living out [Proverbs 6:21](/proverbs/6-21 "Proverbs 6:21 - Internalizing Wisdom") in the Christian life is not merely about adhering to a set of rules, but about being continually conformed to the image of Christ, whose wisdom guides our every thought, word, and deed, making Him visible in our lives.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Proverbs 7:3

Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

Proverbs 7:4

Say unto wisdom, Thou [art] my sister; and call understanding [thy] kinswoman:

Deuteronomy 6:8

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

Exodus 13:16

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

Proverbs 4:6

Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

2 Corinthians 3:3

[Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.