Proverbs 6:23

Proverbs 6:23 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
• New International Version (NIV)For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,
• English Standard Version (ESV)For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
• New King James Version (NKJV)For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

Context of Proverbs 6:23

21Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22When 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. 24It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman. 25Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.

Proverbs 6:23 word by word

כִּ֤י נֵ֣ר מִ֭צְוָה וְת֣וֹרָה א֑וֹר וְדֶ֥רֶךְ חַ֝יִּ֗ים תּוֹכְח֥וֹת מוּסָֽר׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• For the commandmentמִצְוָהmitsvâh · commandmentH4687
• a lampנֵרnîyr nir nêyr nêr nêrâh · lampH5216
• and the lawתּוֹרָהtôrâh tôrâh · instructionH8451
• lightאוֹר'ôr · lightH216
• and reproofsתּוֹכַ֫חַתtôkêchâh tôkachath · argumentH8433
• of instructionמוּסָרmûsâr · disciplineH4148
• the wayדֶּ֫רֶךְderek · way: conductH1870
• of lifeחַיִּיםchay · lifeH2416

Cross-references for Proverbs 6:23

• Psalms 19:8The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
• Psalms 119:98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
• Isaiah 8:20Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.
• 2 Peter 1:19Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
• Revelation 2:5Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
• Proverbs 5:12You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
• Proverbs 15:31If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
• Proverbs 29:15To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
• Leviticus 19:17“Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin.
• Psalms 141:5Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. But I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds.
• Proverbs 3:18Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
• Proverbs 4:4My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.
• Proverbs 15:24The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
• Jeremiah 21:8“Tell all the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Take your choice of life or death!

Commentaries on Proverbs 6:23

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 23For 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 the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 23Compare Psalm 119:105.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 20-35Verses 20-35 The word of God has something to say to us upon all occasions. Let not faithful reproofs ever make us uneasy. When we consider how much this sin abounds, how heinous adultery is in its own nature, of what evil consequence it is, and how certainly it destroys the spiritual life in the soul, we shall not wonder that the cautions against it are so often repeated. Let us notice the subjects of this chapter. Let us remember Him who willingly…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 20-35This passage highlights the serious danger of having a relationship with another man's wife (see also Proverbs 1:8, 23; 2:16–22; 5:1–23; 7:1–27).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 20-2320-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 6:23

• Children
• Light
• Word of God
• Young Men

In the dictionaries

• Hunt
• Lamp
• Lust
• Naughtiness
• Suddenly
• Teach
• Education
• Hezekiah (2)
• James, Epistle of
• Lamp; Lampstand

Commentaries on Proverbs 6

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings