Proverbs 6:22

KJV

When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou goest {H1980}, it shall lead {H5148} thee; when thou sleepest {H7901}, it shall keep {H8104} thee; and when thou awakest {H6974}, it shall talk {H7878} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you wake up, they will talk with you.

Berean Standard Bible

When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

American Standard Version

When thou walkest, it shall lead thee; When thou sleepest, it shall watch over thee; And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:22 profoundly illustrates the pervasive and enduring benefits of internalizing divine wisdom, specifically the parental instruction rooted in God's moral order. This verse portrays wisdom not as a static set of rules, but as an active, living companion that provides continuous guidance, vigilant protection, and intimate counsel throughout all phases of life—whether in active pursuit, vulnerable rest, or the conscious awakening to a new day. It underscores the transformative power of deeply embedded truth, shaping one's actions, safeguarding one's spirit, and enriching one's inner dialogue.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:22 is a direct continuation and elaboration of the exhortation found in [Proverbs 6:20-21](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20-21 - The Commandment and Law"). These preceding verses explicitly command, "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." Thus, the pronoun "it" in [Proverbs 6:22](/proverbs/6-22 "Proverbs 6:22 - The Constant Companion of Wisdom") unambiguously refers to this parental instruction—the "commandment" and "law." The passage emphasizes not merely external adherence but a deep, internal appropriation of wisdom, making it an integral part of one's being, like a binding ornament. The subsequent verses in [Proverbs 6:23-24](/proverbs/6-23 "Proverbs 6:23-24 - Wisdom's Preservation from Evil") further clarify that this wisdom serves as a "lamp" and "light," preserving one from the "evil woman" and the "flattery of the tongue of a strange woman," thereby highlighting its protective function in moral decision-making.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the transmission of wisdom was primarily a familial and communal responsibility, with parents, especially the father, serving as primary educators. The "father's commandment" and "mother's law" (as referenced in [Proverbs 6:20](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20 - Parental Instruction")) were not arbitrary human rules but were understood to be derived from and aligned with God's covenantal law and moral order. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, flourished in a context where practical, ethical living was deeply intertwined with theological understanding. The imagery of binding something "upon thine heart" and "about thy neck" reflects ancient Near Eastern customs of wearing amulets or phylacteries containing sacred texts, symbolizing constant remembrance and protection. This cultural practice underscores the desired intimacy and constant presence of wisdom in one's life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Foremost is the theme of **the practical benefits of wisdom**, demonstrating how embracing wise counsel leads to tangible advantages in daily life, providing direction and security. It also highlights **the active nature of wisdom**, portraying it as a dynamic force that engages with the individual rather than a passive set of rules. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **divine guidance and protection**, suggesting that adherence to God-given principles offers a safeguard against life's perils, echoing the psalmist's declaration that God's word is a [lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - The Word as a Lamp"). Finally, the verse underscores the **holistic integration of faith and life**, illustrating how spiritual truth should permeate every aspect of existence, from conscious activity to unconscious rest, much like the blessed man who [meditates on the law of the LORD day and night](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **goest (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies to walk in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively. It encompasses movement, travel, and behaving oneself, implying the active journey of life, making decisions, and navigating one's path. Here, it refers to one's daily conduct and endeavors.
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** Properly, this root means to hedge about, like with thorns, and generally implies guarding, protecting, attending to, and preserving. It suggests an active, vigilant watchfulness, ensuring safety and security, even during vulnerable states like sleep.
* **talk (Hebrew, _sîyach'_):** This primitive root means to ponder, and by implication, to converse (with oneself or aloud) or to utter. It denotes a deep, thoughtful engagement, a meditation, or a profound internal dialogue. It implies that wisdom does not merely provide answers but actively participates in one's thought processes and decision-making upon awakening.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou goest, it shall lead thee":** This clause speaks to the active, waking hours of life, when one is engaged in daily tasks, making choices, and pursuing objectives. The "it" (wisdom/instruction) acts as a guide, providing clear direction and ensuring that one's steps are aligned with righteousness and prudence. It implies an internal compass that steers one away from error and towards beneficial paths.
* **"when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee":** This clause addresses the periods of vulnerability and unconsciousness. Even when the individual is at rest, wisdom remains a protective force. It suggests a spiritual and moral safeguard that preserves peace, guards against anxieties, and protects from unseen dangers or temptations, ensuring security and tranquility even during sleep.
* **"and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee":** This final clause highlights the immediate and intimate engagement of wisdom upon the start of a new day. As one regains consciousness, the internalized instruction does not merely resurface as memory but actively "talks" or communes with the individual. This implies an ongoing, conscious dialogue, shaping thoughts, prompting right actions, and providing counsel for the challenges and opportunities of the day ahead.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is central, as wisdom (the "it") is endowed with human-like qualities: it "leads," "keeps," and "talks." This makes the abstract concept of wisdom tangible and relatable, portraying it as a constant, living companion rather than a mere set of principles. The verse also utilizes **parallelism**, specifically **synthetic parallelism**, where the second and third clauses build upon the first, adding new dimensions to the idea of wisdom's continuous presence. Each phrase describes wisdom's function across different states of being (going, sleeping, waking), creating a comprehensive picture of its pervasive influence. The structure itself, moving from activity to rest to reawakening, forms a **merism**, representing the totality of human experience—day and night, conscious and unconscious—thereby emphasizing wisdom's ceaseless operation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:22 beautifully encapsulates the biblical understanding of wisdom as a dynamic, living force that permeates every aspect of a believer's life. It echoes the broader theological truth that God's Word is not merely information but a transformative power, actively guiding and guarding those who embrace it. This constant communion with divine truth reflects the intimate relationship God desires with His people, where His precepts are inscribed on the heart, shaping character and conduct. The verse underscores the divine origin and efficacy of true wisdom, serving as a perpetual source of counsel and protection, ensuring a life lived in accordance with God's righteous standards.

* [Psalm 19:7-8](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-8 - The Perfection of God's Law")
* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching God's Commands Diligently")
* [Isaiah 48:17](/isaiah/48-17 "Isaiah 48:17 - The Lord Teaches What is Profitable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:22 offers a profound challenge and comfort for contemporary believers. In a world saturated with information and competing voices, the call to internalize divine wisdom—God's Word—is more critical than ever. This verse invites us to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture to a deep, transformative embrace where truth becomes an intrinsic part of our being. When we allow God's Word to dwell richly within us, it ceases to be an external rulebook and becomes an internal guide for every decision, a protective shield in moments of vulnerability, and a constant, life-giving voice in our inner world. This active relationship with divine wisdom fosters spiritual maturity, resilience, and an abiding sense of peace, enabling us to navigate life's complexities with discernment and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "bind" God's Word to my heart and mind, allowing it to become an integral part of my daily existence?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent "conversation" with God's truth throughout my waking hours?**
* **What specific areas of my life (decisions, anxieties, relationships) do I need to more intentionally surrender to the guidance and keeping power of divine wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "it" refer to in Proverbs 6:22?**

Answer: The "it" in [Proverbs 6:22](/proverbs/6-22 "Proverbs 6:22 - The Constant Companion of Wisdom") directly refers to the "father's commandment" and "mother's law" mentioned in the preceding verses, [Proverbs 6:20-21](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20-21 - The Commandment and Law"). In the context of the book of Proverbs, these parental instructions are understood to be rooted in and aligned with divine wisdom, reflecting God's moral order and truth. Therefore, "it" ultimately signifies internalized divine wisdom and righteous instruction.

**How can wisdom "talk" with someone while they are awake?**

Answer: The phrase "it shall talk with thee" uses the Hebrew word _sîyach_ (H7878), which implies a deep meditation, musing, or profound internal conversation. It doesn't suggest an audible voice but rather that the internalized wisdom actively shapes one's thoughts, prompts discernment, provides counsel, and influences decision-making as one begins and navigates a new day. It signifies a continuous, conscious engagement with truth that guides one's actions and perspectives, much like a trusted advisor. This aligns with the concept of meditating on God's law [day and night](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in God's Law").

**Does this verse imply that wisdom is a magical charm or a passive protector?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that wisdom is a magical charm or a passive protector. Instead, it emphasizes the active, dynamic nature of wisdom once it has been deeply internalized ("bound upon thine heart," [Proverbs 6:21](/proverbs/6-21 "Proverbs 6:21 - Internalizing Wisdom")). The verbs "lead," "keep," and "talk" all denote active functions. It suggests that the principles of wisdom, when embraced and lived out, actively guide one's choices, provide spiritual and moral safeguard, and engage one's mind in ongoing discernment. It's the fruit of intentional engagement with truth, not a passive talisman.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is revealed as the very embodiment of divine wisdom. While the Old Testament wisdom tradition points to the benefits of internalizing God's precepts, the New Testament declares that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). The wisdom that leads, keeps, and talks with us is perfectly personified in Him. When we "go" through life, Christ, our Good Shepherd, leads us by His Spirit and Word, guiding our steps and illuminating our path ([John 10:3-4](/john/10-3 "John 10:3-4 - The Shepherd Leads His Sheep")). When we "sleep" in vulnerability or even face death, He is our vigilant Keeper, ensuring our ultimate security and peace, for He "will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber" ([Psalm 121:3](/psalms/121-3 "Psalm 121:3 - The Lord Will Not Let Your Foot Slip")). And when we "awake" to each new day, Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, "talks" with us, renewing our minds, bringing His truth to bear on our circumstances, and communing with us in a living, transformative relationship ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Teaches All Things")). Thus, the promise of wisdom's constant companionship in [Proverbs 6:22](/proverbs/6-22 "Proverbs 6:22 - The Constant Companion of Wisdom") is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is our life, our wisdom, and our all.

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 2:11

Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Psalms 119:11

¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Proverbs 3:23

Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

Proverbs 3:24

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Psalms 119:148

Mine eyes prevent the [night] watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

Psalms 119:9

¶ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.

Psalms 43:3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.