Proverbs 7:1

KJV

¶ My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

My son {H1121}, keep {H8104} my words {H561}, and lay up {H6845} my commandments {H4687} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, keep my words, store up my commands with you.

Berean Standard Bible

My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.

American Standard Version

My son, keep my words, And lay up my commandments with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:1 delivers a foundational paternal admonition, urging a son to diligently attend to and deeply internalize his father's wise instructions and divine precepts. This verse serves as a crucial preamble to the vivid warnings against the seductive "strange woman" that follow, establishing that the active guarding and profound assimilation of sound teaching are the primary safeguards against moral compromise, destructive choices, and ultimately, lead to a life of wisdom, integrity, and divine protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 7:1 functions as the thematic gateway and urgent call to attention for the extended warning against the adulterous woman, which constitutes the bulk of [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Warning Against the Adulteress"). The father's initial, earnest plea to "keep my words, and lay up my commandments" is not a general piece of wisdom isolated from the subsequent narrative; rather, it is presented as the essential prerequisite and primary defense mechanism against the specific, insidious temptations of sexual immorality detailed in the verses that follow. By framing the warning with this imperative to internalize wisdom, the text establishes that true understanding and obedience are the most potent shields against moral pitfalls. This structural approach, where foundational principles of wisdom precede their concrete application to life's challenges, is characteristic of Proverbs, reinforcing the idea that genuine wisdom leads directly to righteous living, as seen in the broader wisdom calls throughout [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Discourses of Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the transmission of wisdom and moral instruction was fundamentally an intergenerational process, with the father playing a pivotal role as the primary educator and moral guide for his son. This patriarchal teaching was deeply interwoven with the societal and covenantal fabric of Israel, reflecting the divine mandate for parents to diligently teach God's laws to their children, as exemplified in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching Your Children God's Commands"). The home served as the foundational institution for education, where the father, as the spiritual and ethical head, bore the solemn responsibility of imparting both accumulated life experience and, implicitly, the broader divine wisdom embodied in the Mosaic Law. This Law formed the ethical bedrock of Israelite life. The dangers of adultery, specifically, were not merely personal but had severe societal repercussions, threatening family lineage, property rights, communal purity, and social stability. Thus, the father's warning in Proverbs 7:1 was a matter of profound personal well-being, familial honor, and communal integrity.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces and underscores several critical themes that resonate throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, the **Call to Obedience** is paramount; "keep my words" emphasizes not merely passive reception or intellectual assent but active guarding, diligent adherence, and practical application of instruction. This theme is central to wisdom literature, portraying obedience to divine principles as the pathway to blessing, life, and protection from the destructive consequences of folly, echoing the covenantal promises of prosperity for obedience found in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Secondly, the phrase "lay up my commandments with thee" highlights the crucial theme of **Internalization of Wisdom**. It speaks to the necessity of embedding truth deeply within one's heart and mind, making it an integral, inseparable part of one's being, much like treasuring and safeguarding invaluable possessions. This profound internalization ensures that wisdom is readily accessible as an intuitive guide in moments of decision and temptation, a concept beautifully articulated in [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart"). Finally, the recurring address "My son" underscores the theme of **Parental and Divine Guidance**. While literally a father's loving counsel, it universally represents God's authoritative and benevolent instruction to His people, urging them to heed His [precepts for their ultimate flourishing](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6 - God's Words in Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In the book of Proverbs, particularly in the opening chapters, "my son" is a recurring and intimate address. It establishes a pedagogical relationship between the speaker (the wise father or teacher) and the listener (the teachable disciple), signifying the recipient as a direct heir to the wisdom being imparted. This address underscores the personal, authoritative, and loving nature of the instruction, framing it within the context of familial care and legacy.
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." This word implies an active, diligent preservation and protection. It is not merely passive retention or casual remembrance but a watchful, careful guarding of the words, as one would protect a valuable possession from loss, damage, or theft. In this context, it suggests a continuous, conscious effort to live by the instruction, to observe it, and to prevent its erosion by external pressures or internal neglect.
* **lay up (Hebrew, _tsâphan'_):** From H6845, meaning "to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk." In the context of Proverbs 7:1, this verb carries the favorable sense of carefully storing, treasuring, or concealing something precious for safekeeping and future use. It denotes internalizing the commandments deeply within one's heart and mind, making them an accessible, hidden resource for guidance, discernment, and protection in moments of decision or temptation. It speaks to the profound assimilation of truth into one's inner being.
* **commandments (Hebrew, _mitsvâh'_):** From H4687, meaning "a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law)." While the immediate context refers to the father's specific instructions and moral injunctions, the term also inherently carries the broader connotation of divine ordinances or the Mosaic Law. This suggests that the father's wisdom is not arbitrary personal advice but is rooted in eternal, divinely sanctioned principles. Adherence to these "commandments" is thus presented as a matter of aligning oneself with ultimate truth and righteousness, ensuring a life that is pleasing to God and protected from folly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My son,"**: This opening address immediately establishes an intimate, personal, and authoritative tone for the instruction that follows. It signifies a relationship of deep trust, love, and care, where the speaker (the father, embodying wisdom) is imparting vital, life-shaping lessons to the listener (the son, representing the teachable disciple). This familial framing highlights the loving intent behind the admonition, emphasizing that the counsel is for the son's ultimate well-being and flourishing.
* **"keep my words,"**: This is an imperative command calling for active preservation, diligent attention, and consistent adherence. "My words" refers to the teachings, counsels, and principles of wisdom imparted by the father. To "keep" them implies not just hearing or remembering them intellectually, but actively guarding them against neglect, corruption, or forgetting, and diligently obeying them in daily life. It is a call to continuous vigilance and practical application of truth.
* **"and lay up my commandments with thee."**: This second imperative intensifies the first through synonymous parallelism, deepening the call to engagement with wisdom. "Lay up" suggests internalizing, treasuring, and storing the "commandments" (moral injunctions, precepts, and divine laws) deep within one's inner being. The phrase "with thee" emphasizes the personal possession and profound integration of these truths, making them an inseparable part of one's character, conscience, and moral compass, readily accessible for guidance and protection against temptation. It speaks to a transformation of the heart by wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:1 masterfully employs several key literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood**, evident in the verbs "keep" and "lay up," which directly command the son to action. This grammatical choice emphasizes the non-negotiable and vital nature of the instruction, underscoring its urgency and authority. **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, is skillfully utilized in the phrases "keep my words" and "lay up my commandments with thee." Both clauses convey the same core idea of internalizing and obeying wisdom, but through slightly different phrasing, thereby reinforcing the message through repetition and variation, which deepens its impact and ensures its memorability. Furthermore, the phrase "lay up" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the act of internalizing wisdom to carefully storing or treasuring a valuable possession. This imagery highlights the preciousness and protective quality of the father's instructions, implying that they are a safeguard against life's dangers, much like a hidden treasure is secured from theft or loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:1 encapsulates a core theological premise foundational to wisdom literature: that genuine life, flourishing, and divine protection are found in diligent, heartfelt obedience to God-given instruction. The father's words, though human, are presented not merely as personal advice but as an extension of divine wisdom, making the act of "keeping" and "laying up" these commandments an act of profound faithfulness to the Creator. This deep internalization of truth transforms the individual, shaping their character, informing their discernment, and guiding their choices, thereby aligning them with God's righteous and life-giving path. It underscores the profound biblical belief that God's precepts are not burdensome restrictions but benevolent gifts, given for humanity's ultimate well-being, providing an unfailing moral compass in a world fraught with temptation, deception, and destructive paths.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach God's Words Diligently")
* [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - Building on the Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 7:1 stands as a timeless and urgent call to intentional and profound engagement with truth. In a contemporary world saturated with information, competing narratives, and moral relativism, the imperative to "keep my words, and lay up my commandments" remains profoundly relevant and challenging. This verse urges us to move beyond superficial listening, casual reading, or mere intellectual acquaintance with spiritual truths. Instead, it calls us towards a deep, personal, and transformative internalization of God's Word. This means actively guarding biblical principles against the erosion of cultural pressures, the allure of fleeting desires, and the deceitfulness of sin. It means treasuring God's precepts as our most valuable possessions, allowing them to permeate our thoughts, shape our desires, inform our decisions, and guide our actions. When divine wisdom is deeply embedded within us, it becomes an intuitive guide, a protective shield, and a wellspring of discernment, empowering us to navigate life's myriad temptations and make choices that honor God, foster genuine human flourishing, and lead to enduring peace. Our spiritual safety, moral integrity, and ultimate well-being are directly proportional to the degree to which we have truly laid up His commandments within the very core of our being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical and consistent ways can I "keep" God's words in my daily life, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to active obedience?**
* **How deeply have I "laid up" God's commandments within my heart, such that they instinctively guide my decisions, especially in moments of intense temptation or moral ambiguity?**
* **What specific temptations, cultural pressures, or personal weaknesses in my life require a deeper internalization of God's wisdom as a protective and guiding measure?**
* **How does my commitment to diligently "keep" and "lay up" God's words reflect my love, trust, and reverence for Him as my ultimate source of truth and life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the address "My son" in Proverbs?**

Answer: The address "My son" (Hebrew: *bên*) is a recurring and profoundly significant feature throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in its opening chapters (e.g., [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear, My Son") and [Proverbs 4:1](/proverbs/4-1 "Proverbs 4:1 - Hear, Ye Children, the Instruction of a Father")). It establishes an intimate, personal, and pedagogical relationship between the speaker, typically a wise father or teacher, and the listener, the teachable disciple. This familial framing underscores the loving, authoritative, and deeply personal nature of the wisdom being imparted. It suggests that the instruction is not merely abstract philosophy or impersonal law, but vital, life-giving counsel passed down through generations, intended for the well-being and flourishing of the individual, much like a parent desires the absolute best for their child. It also implies a call to teachability, humility, and respect for the wisdom of elders, recognizing that true wisdom is often received through submission to trusted authority figures.

**How does "keeping" and "laying up" words differ, and why are both emphasized?**

Answer: While seemingly similar, "keeping" (Hebrew: *shâmar*) and "laying up" (Hebrew: *tsâphan*) emphasize distinct but complementary aspects of engaging with wisdom, and their combined emphasis highlights a holistic approach to spiritual formation. "Keeping" suggests active guarding, diligent observance, and consistent adherence to the words and commandments. It implies a conscious, outward effort to protect these truths from being forgotten or disregarded, and to live in accordance with them in one's daily conduct. It speaks to vigilance and practical obedience. "Laying up," on the other hand, implies internalizing, treasuring, and storing these truths deep within one's heart and mind. It speaks to the inward assimilation of wisdom, making it an integral part of one's character, conscience, and inner being, like hiding a valuable treasure for safekeeping and future access. Both are emphasized because true wisdom requires both outward conformity to divine principles and an inward transformation of the heart. One without the other is incomplete: mere outward obedience without internal conviction is superficial and prone to hypocrisy, while internal knowledge without practical application is ineffective and ultimately barren. Together, they ensure a comprehensive and holistic embrace of wisdom that leads to a life of integrity, discernment, and divine protection, as beautifully articulated in passages like [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart") and [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:1, with its profound call to "keep my words, and lay up my commandments," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Treasures of Wisdom Are Hidden")). Unlike any earthly father whose words, though wise, are imperfect and limited, Christ speaks with absolute authority and truth, for His words are "spirit, and they are life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - My Words Are Spirit and Life")). He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to perfectly fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating in His own sinless life what it means to perfectly "keep" and "lay up" God's commandments. Moreover, Christ empowers His followers to obey. While the Old Testament call to obedience often highlighted human effort and resolve, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and enables them to internalize God's law, write it on their hearts, and walk in His statutes ([Ezekiel 36:27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God Puts His Spirit Within You"); [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the ultimate "keeping" of God's words and "laying up" of His commandments is not merely a human endeavor but a Spirit-empowered response to the perfect wisdom and love revealed in Christ, leading to a life lived in accordance with His perfect will and for His glory ([John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments")).

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 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Revelation 1:3

¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 2:7

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Revelation 22:9

Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.