Proverbs 6:23

23 For the commandment is 1a lamp and the teaching a light, and the 2reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

Proverbs 6:23 Meaning and 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 ( Psalms 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 persons come to see both their sin and their duty; and it directs them to avoid the one and do the other; see ( Psalms 19:8 ) ; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way life;
kind reproofs given by parents agreeable to the word of God, which instruct what should be shunned and what should be performed, when attended to, put men in the way of an honourable and useful life; and are the means of preserving them from a scandalous and useless one.

Proverbs 6:23 In-Context

21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
24 to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.
25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes;

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 119:105; [Psalms 13:3]
  • 2. [Proverbs 10:17]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.