What does Proverbs 7:1 mean?
"My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee." - Proverbs 7:1
Proverbs 7:1 - "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee."
Proverbs 7:1 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee." This verse is part of the wisdom literature found in the book of Proverbs, which is attributed to King Solomon, known for his reputation for being the wisest man who ever lived.
The book of Proverbs is filled with practical advice and wisdom for living a godly and righteous life. The specific verse, Proverbs 7:1, is a call to heed the teachings and instructions of a father figure, presumably King Solomon. The use of the term "my son" indicates a personal and intimate relationship between the speaker and the listener, where the speaker takes on a mentorship role, passing down valuable teachings and lessons for life.
The verse encourages the reader to not only listen to the words of wisdom but also to keep them close and treasured within their hearts. The phrase "lay up my commandments with thee" suggests the importance of internalizing and memorizing the teachings, making them a part of one's being. This concept aligns with the broader themes of the book of Proverbs, which emphasizes the value of wisdom and understanding as essential virtues for living a righteous and successful life.
In a broader context, this verse serves as a reminder to preserve and uphold the teachings and commandments of wisdom, to ensure that they guide and inform one's actions, decisions, and lifestyle. By keeping these words close at heart, one can continually draw upon them for guidance, strength, and direction in navigating life's challenges and temptations.
The book of Proverbs is filled with warnings against the allure of sinful behavior and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. Proverbs 7, in particular, contains a cautionary tale of a young man who falls into the trap of an adulterous woman, leading to his downfall. In light of this narrative, the call to "keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee" takes on added significance, serving as a safeguard against the seductive lures of sin and temptation.
Symbolically, the "words" and "commandments" can also be seen as representative of God's divine wisdom and guidance. By internalizing and treasuring these teachings, one not only honors the mentorship of a father figure but also aligns oneself with the will of God. In this sense, the verse echoes the broader biblical theme of the importance of seeking and upholding the wisdom of God as a means of living a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Overall, Proverbs 7:1 carries a message of the value of wisdom, the importance of heeding the teachings of a mentor, and the need to internalize and treasure God's guidance. It serves as a reminder to live a life grounded in wisdom and understanding, and to resist the temptations that may lead one astray. This verse encapsulates the timeless and universal wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, offering readers timeless guidance for living a righteous and fulfilling life.
Proverbs 7:1 Artwork
Proverbs 7:1 - "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee."
Proverbs 1:7 - "¶ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 1:1 - "The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;"
Proverbs 6:7 - "Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,"
Proverbs 7:9 - "In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:"
Proverbs 7:19 - "For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:"
Proverbs 12:7 - "The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand."
Proverbs 7:7 - "And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,"
Proverbs 22:7 - "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Proverbs 10:7 - "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
Proverbs 29:7 - "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."
Proverbs 26:7 - "The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools."
Proverbs 7:10 - "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart."
Proverbs 7:27 - "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."
Proverbs 7:11 - "(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:"
Proverbs 15:7 - "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
Proverbs 7:17 - "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon."
Proverbs 7:6 - "¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,"
Proverbs 7:12 - "Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)"
Proverbs 18:7 - "A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."
Proverbs 8:7 - "For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips."
Proverbs 7:2 - "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
Proverbs 25:1 - "These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out."
Proverbs 21:7 - "The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment."
Proverbs 24:7 - "Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate."
Proverbs 3:7 - "¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
Proverbs 7:25 - "Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths."
Proverbs 17:7 - "Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince."
Proverbs 27:7 - "The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet."
Proverbs 7:23 - "Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life."