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. ²³For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life —Proverbs 6:22-23
What is the “they” that will lead us, and watch over us, and talk with us in these verses? As verse 20 from last week informs us, it’s the commandments of a father and the teaching of a mother to their son. As Scripture, Proverbs offers itself to us as the very commandments of God and the teaching of God to us, His children.
If, as verse 21 instructs, we bind Scripture on our hearts and tie its words around our necks through meditative, worshipful memorization, those words will be transformed into friends. To the casual reader they will remain mere words, but to the one who clings to them, they become a skilled guide to lead when the way is treacherous. To the unthoughtful memorizer they will only be information to boast of, but to the needy possessor, they act as a sentry at night. To the rebellious rejector they will be foolishness, but to the humble student, they are the wisest teacher (v. 22).
The Word of God is not just true for us, it is also good for us. Like a light, it shows us how not to fall in the dark. It also reproves us when we are wrong so that we might walk in life (v. 23).
Whether it warns us against adultery (v. 24), or teaches us to give to the poor, the Word of God does so for our gain. That’s why these verses were written, so that we understand that when we treasure God’s Word in our hearts and minds it is for our good.
What is our good? Our good is to know God more and to enjoy His glory being seen in this world more and more. Jesus died and was raised for us so that God might be glorified in a redeemed people who enjoy abundant life in Him. His Word instructs us so that we might walk the path where God’s glory and his people’s welfare coalesce, trusting in Jesus for all righteousness and help, and trusting that His instruction brings us life in Him.
For Reflection
What can you do to make your memorization of Scripture more thoughtful and worshipful?
What instructions in Scripture don’t feel like they are for your good? How might you fight to believe that they are for your good?