Proverbs 6:23

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 6:23

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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 6:1-35

The sixth chapter embraces four distinct discourses, each of which is a warning. The subjects treated of are The continuity of the subject treated of in the preceding chapter appears to be somewhat abruptly interrupted to make way for the insertion of three discourses on subjects which apparently have little connection with what precedes and what follows. Their unlooked for and unexpected appearance has led Hitzig to regard them as interpolations, but it has been conclusively pointed out... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 6:20-24

Exhortation to chastity I. PREFACE . ( Proverbs 6:20 ; see on Proverbs 5:1 , Proverbs 5:2 ; Proverbs 1:8 ). II. EXHORTATION TO MINDFULNESS OF EARLY LESSONS . ( Proverbs 6:21 ; see on Proverbs 2:3 .) It is in oblivious moments that we sin. We may forget much that we have learned, having outgrown its need. We can never outgrow the simple, early lessons of piety. The chain that links our days each to each in moral progress is the memory of those lessons. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 6:20-35

12. Twelfth admonitory discourse. In this the teacher returns again to the subject which he has already treated in the eighth discourse. The extreme tendency of men, and especially young men, to sins of impurity is no doubt, as Delitzsch remarks, the reason why this subject is again resumed. The subject is gradually worked up to the preceding admonitions in Proverbs 6:20-23 , pointing out that the way of life, the way of safety, is to be secured by obedience to the precepts of parents,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 6:20-35

Sin and safety These verses may teach us— I. THAT MAN LIES OPEN TO STRONG AND SAD TEMPTATIONS . The reference of the text is to the sin of sensuality; the wise man is warning against the wiles of "the evil woman," "the strange woman" ( Proverbs 6:24 ). This sin of sensuality may consist in irregularities, or in things decidedly forbidden, or in gross and shameful violations of law and decency; it may be secret and hidden from every eye, or it may be unblushing and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light. The teacher takes up the words "commandment" (Hebrew, mitzrah ) and "law" (Hebrew, torah ) from Proverbs 6:20 , which he describes respectively as "a lamp" and "light" The "commandment" is any special or particular commandment which harmonizes with God's will, and commands what is to be done and forbids what is to be left undone. The "law" is the whole law of God in its entirety; not here the Law of Moses technically, but the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 6:23

The object of religious teaching I. IT IS TO SERVE AS A LIGHT . How much so called religious teaching "darkens counsel with words without knowledge"! We do not give right Christian instruction when we urge upon the belief of people unintelligible dogmas in phrases which are to them meaningless. Like the book Hamlet was reading, very much that is crammed into children is "words, words, words." You cannot teach that which is not understood. The first thing is to open the eyes... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 6:20-23

Proverbs 6:20-23. Keep thy father’s commandment So far as it is not contrary to God’s command. And forsake not the law of thy mother Which children are too apt to despise. Bind them continually upon thy heart Constantly remember and duly consider them; tie them about thy neck See on Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 3:3. When thou goest, it shall lead thee Namely, the law of God, which thy parents have taught thee, and pressed upon thee, shall direct thee how to order all thy steps and... read more

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