Proverbs 7:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;

NIV: Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

NASB: Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.

CSB: Keep my commands and live, and guard my instructions as you would the pupil of your eye.

NLT: Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.

KJV: Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

NKJV: Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.

Jesus said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4). Solomon connected his commandments to life. His son would experience a significant life if he obeyed Solomon's commandments. As with other statements in the book of Proverbs, this is a statement of general truth, not an absolute guarantee. This is similar to how a doctor might say, "eat healthier and you will live longer."

Sinners receive eternal life by responding in faith to what God's Word says about Jesus: that He is the Son of God and the only Savior (John 3:36; Romans 10:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:15). Also, abundant life is offered to all who believe on Jesus (John 10:10).

Solomon also urges his son to guard these teachings as the "apple of [his] eye." This comes from the Hebrew term i'son, referring to the pupil: the center of the eye. This is a highly sensitive and an extremely valuable part of the body. When a threatening object approaches the eyes, the eyelids close quickly to protect the pupils. Guarding our lives from evil by keeping God's Word is essential.

Proverbs 7:1–9 echoes the warnings given in Proverbs chapters 5 and 6. This section emphasizes the value of carefully heeding Solomon's instruction. Such attention to Solomon's teaching equips Solomon's son to avoid falling victim to an adulteress. While the statements here are specifically directed to a man, the principles apply to men and women, alike. The principles can also be more broadly applied to temptation to sin in general, not just temptation to adultery. Godly wisdom is the best defense against falling into temptation.

Repeating a theme common to the early chapters of Proverbs, Solomon once again presents a dire warning about the dangers of adultery. This comes in the form of a story about a foolish young man being seduced by a predatory woman. Solomon says this is something he has seen—meaning this is likely a summary of many such examples he has witnessed in his life. The result of these reckless sins is misery and death, for both men and women alike.

In Proverbs 5 and 6 Solomon warns his son against adultery. He describes the evil woman, the adulteress, as deceptive and dangerous. While this is valid in a literal sense, it also serves as a general warning about the seductive nature of sin. In this chapter he continues his counsel about adultery, stressing the tactics used in temptation and how falling to them leads to death. The following chapter will return to the personification of wisdom as a woman, begging to be honored.

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.