Proverbs 6:23 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

NIV: For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,

NASB: For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And rebukes for discipline are the way of life

CSB: For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.

NLT: For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.

KJV: For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

NKJV: For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

Solomon emphasizes the perfect guidance provided by God's Word (Psalm 119:105). It acts as a lamp for one's immediate surroundings, showing where to step. Also, it serves as a light to blaze the trail ahead, so the obedient believer sees what lies ahead. The Hebrew worldview associated light with truth, goodness, and knowledge. The presence of light makes a situation clearer, safer, and more open.

By reading and heeding God's Word, believers can discern what lies around them and what looms before them. The unbeliever lives in spiritual darkness, but the believer can better interpret their surroundings (1 Corinthians 2:14–16). Also, believers can trust God regarding what lies in the future. Knowing that God is in control of both the present and the future gives the believer peace and direction.

At the same time, the Word of God gives the believer reproofs of discipline. If a believer strays from the right path, the Holy Spirit uses the Word for conviction—it tells us when we go wrong. Scripture assures us that God's discipline is for our good (Hebrews 12:5–6). The reproofs and discipline are not pleasant, but they assure us that God is our loving heavenly Father who uses both to make us more righteous (Hebrews 12:7–11).

These last few verses have framed parental advice in strong terms, warning of the danger one faces when they ignore it. The specific subject Solomon has in mind, earning that warning, is adultery (Proverbs 6:24).

Proverbs 6:20–35 returns to the topic of adultery, something Solomon also discussed in chapter 5. He warns his son to abide by the teaching he received from his parents, because they will guide him and keep him from the adulteress. Further, he cites the harmful and irreversible consequences of adultery.

This chapter provides teaching on two aspects of wealth management. The first is avoiding putting one's property in debt for the sake of some other person's risky investment. The other warns against laziness, indicating that it puts a person at risk for sudden ruin. Solomon then poetically explains attitudes and actions which God finds especially repulsive. Next, Solomon returns to the subject of adultery. He reiterates the inherent risks of sexual immorality, including the catastrophic consequences which it brings. That lesson continues into the following chapter.

This chapter of Proverbs continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his son. In chapter 5 he addresses adultery and marriage. In this chapter he addresses financial matters, work ethics, characteristics and conduct the Lord despises, and sexual immorality. A common theme of these lessons is to avoid the natural consequences of foolish choices. The next chapter describes the adulteress's ways and the pitfalls involved in committing adultery with her.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.