Proverbs 6
Key Verses: Proverbs 6:20-23 (NLT)
“My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.”
In these verses Solomon paints a picture of how God’s wisdom guides us through every moment of our day. Do some of these verses seem familiar to you? Why do you think that Solomon repeated this theme throughout Proverbs? If you’re anything like me, sometimes I learn something, start putting it into practice, but then life happens. I forget. I drift. Eventually I’m reminded again and have to start afresh. I think Solomon repeated these familiar words throughout Proverbs to remind us that wisdom isn’t something we learn once–it’s something we need to embrace continually. This is especially true for my walk with God. I might hear His voice through a message, in prayer, or in my Bible reading, and I’ll respond, only later to realize I’ve fallen back to my old ways. That’s why it’s so important to regularly stay in God’s Word–so we can soak in His truth, hear it often, and let it reshape us again and again.
“Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck.”
Even though Solomon’s referencing parents’ words here, I believe he is referring to all of Scripture. In ancient times, important items were worn around the neck–constantly visible and never forgotten. How do we tie the words around our neck today? We stay in His word. We make time for it. And make an effort to understand what the Lord is saying in it. It might even look like writing verses on sticky notes and placing them around our home–in the car, the kitchen, the bathroom mirror— everywhere we go, so His Word is always in front of us.
“When you walk, their counsel will lead you.”
When you’re facing a decision, or unsure which path to take, we need to go to the Lord first. Seek His truth in His word, trust the Holy Spirit, and lean into His wisdom.
“When you sleep, they will protect you”
When we’ve turned to God seeking Him and His wisdom, we should be able to rest, knowing we are in His hands. When I’m seeking God, keeping His words in my heart, and tying them around my neck, this is where I find a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). God’s wisdom protects our minds from needless worry and our hearts from destructive patterns.
“When you wake up, they will advise you.”
When we are in the Word, spending time with God, seeking him, and listening for His direction, God will speak to us. Maybe not in an audible voice, maybe through Scripture, a pastor, or a close friend. Jeremiah 29:13 says that when you seek me, you will find me, when you seek me with all of your heart.
“For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.”
In Solomon’s day, darkness was absolute–a small oil lamp made the difference between stumbling dangerously or walking safely. The Bible and the wisdom it offers leads us to light. It is a lamp to our feet, showing us the way to go (Psalm 119:105).
I encourage you to keep God’s words in your heart, “tie them around your neck”- put Scriptures in your home, your car and in places you will see it often, keep His words before your eyes night and day. As you do, the wisdom of the Word will change you and lead you closer to Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- Is there a biblical truth or habit you once practiced but have since let fade? What’s one step you could take to return to it today?
- What specific verse might God be asking you to “tie around your neck”?
- What area of your life needs His lamp to guide your steps today?
- Where in your daily routine could you place scripture to help keep your heart and mind focused on Him?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to treasure it, to keep it close, and to let it guide every part of my life. Teach me to walk in Your perfect wisdom, rest in Your peace, and trust in Your voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.