Proverbs 6:20-24

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 6:20-35

Here is, I. A general exhortation faithfully to adhere to the word of God and to take it for our guide in all our actions. 1. We must look upon the word of God both as a light (Pr. 6:23) and as a law, Pr. 6:20, 23. (1.) By its arguments it is a light, which our understandings must subscribe to; it is a lamp to our eyes for discovery, and so to our feet for direction. The word of God reveals to us truths of eternal certainty, and is built upon the highest reason. Scripture-light is the sure... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep thy father's commandment ,.... These are not the words of David to Solomon continued from Proverbs 4:4 ; but the words of Solomon to his son; and not to his son only, in a strict natural relation, but to everyone that came to him for and put himself under his instruction; and to everyone that stood in such a relation to a religious father; for not the divine Being, the Father of all, is here meant, according to some Jewish writers; though the commandment no doubt is the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 6:21

Bind them continually upon thine heart ,.... Not upon the head or arm, as the words of the law were to be bound, Deuteronomy 6:3 ; to which there seems to be an allusion; and which may confirm the sense of the words given, that this respects the law of God itself, and the precepts of it, instructed in by parents; but they should be bound upon the heart, and have an abiding place in the understanding, affections, memory, and will; and tie them about thy neck ; as an ornament, instead... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 6:22

When thou goest, it shall lead thee ,.... The law of God taught by parents; this directs man in the path of duty and business of life; teaches him what way to shun, and which to walk in; it leads out of the paths of sin, and into the way in which he should go, which is most conducive to his good, and to the glory of God; it will lead him safely, so that he shall not stumble, Proverbs 3:3 ; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee ; from terrifying dreams, evil spirits, dangers by fire or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment is a lamp ,.... The law of God is a lamp or candle to see to work by and to walk by; it enlightens the eyes and directs the feet, and makes working more pleasant, and walking more comfortable; and indeed wit, bout it a man knows not rightly what to do or where he should walk, or where he is walking; see Psalm 119:105 ; and the law is light ; it makes things clear and manifest, what is right and what is wrong; it enlightens the eyes of the understanding, whereby... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 6:24

To keep thee from the evil woman ,.... This is one use of the profit arising from attending to the instructions of parents, and to the law of God, as taught by them; to preserve from fornication and adultery, one of its precepts expressly forbidding adultery and all corporeal uncleanness; and the whole of it directing to an observance of all duties respecting God and our neighbour, which requires diligence and industry, and prevents idleness, that inlet to all sin, and especially to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 6:20

Keep thy father's commandment - See on Proverbs 1:8 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 6:21

Bind them continually upon thine heart - See on Proverbs 3:3 ; (note). And see a similar command, to which this is an allusion, Deuteronomy 6:6-8 ; (note). read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 6:22

When thou goest, it shall lead thee - Here the law is personified; and is represented as a nurse, teacher, and guardian, by night and day. An upright man never goes but as directed by God's word and led by God's Spirit. When thou sleepest - He commends his body and soul to the protection of his Maker when he lies down and sleeps in peace. And when he awakes in the morning, the promises and mercies of God are the first things that present themselves to his recollection. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment is a lamp - It illuminates our path. It shows us how we should walk and praise God. And the law is light - A general light, showing the nature and will of God, and the interest and duty of Man. And reproofs of instruction - Or, that instruction which reproves us for our sins and errors leads us into the way of life. read more

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