Proverbs 6:22
Proverbs 6:22 in Multiple Translations
When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
When thou walkest, it shall lead thee; When thou sleepest, it shall watch over thee; And when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
In your walking, it will be your guide; when you are sleeping, it will keep watch over you; when you are awake, it will have talk with you.
They will lead you as you walk along; they will watch over you as you sleep; when you wake up they will talk with you.
It shall leade thee, when thou walkest: it shall watch for thee, when thou sleepest, and when thou wakest, it shall talke with thee.
In thy going up and down, it leadeth thee, In thy lying down, it watcheth over thee, And thou hast awaked — it talketh [with] thee.
When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you.
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
When thou walkest, let them go with thee: when thou sleepest, let them keep thee; and when thou awakest, talk with them.
If you follow our advice, it will be as though what we have taught you [PRS] will lead you, wherever you go. When you sleep, they will protect you. And when you wake up in the morning, they will teach/instruct you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 6:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/הִתְהַלֶּכְ/ךָ֨
תַּנְחֶ֬ה
אֹתָ֗/ךְ
בְּֽ֭/שָׁכְבְּ/ךָ
תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
עָלֶ֑י/ךָ
וַ֝/הֲקִיצ֗וֹתָ
הִ֣יא
תְשִׂיחֶֽ/ךָ
בְּ/הִתְהַלֶּכְ/ךָ֨
hâlak
H1980
to go
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff
תַּנְחֶ֬ה
nâchâh
H5148
to lead
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
אֹתָ֗/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בְּֽ֭/שָׁכְבְּ/ךָ
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עָלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ֝/הֲקִיצ֗וֹתָ
qûwts
H6974
to awake
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
תְשִׂיחֶֽ/ךָ
sîyach
H7878
to muse
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:22
בְּ/הִתְהַלֶּכְ/ךָ֨
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a | Suff
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
תַּנְחֶ֬ה
nâchâh
H5148
"to lead"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
אֹתָ֗/ךְ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּֽ֭/שָׁכְבְּ/ךָ
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
עָלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ֝/הֲקִיצ֗וֹתָ
qûwts
H6974
"to awake"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
In the Bible, this word means to wake up or be awake, like when God told Samuel to arise and anoint a new king in 1 Samuel 16:3. It can also mean to be watchful, as in Psalm 102:7.
Definition: 1) to awake, wake up 1a) (Hiphil) to awaken, arouse, show signs of waking, awake
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: arise, (be) (a-) wake, watch. See also: 1 Samuel 26:12; Proverbs 23:35; Psalms 3:6.
הִ֣יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
תְשִׂיחֶֽ/ךָ
sîyach
H7878
"to muse"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to think deeply about something, like a problem or an idea, and to talk to oneself or others about it, as seen in the book of Psalms where David ponders God's creation.
Definition: 1) to put forth, mediate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder, sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to complain 1a2) to muse, meditate upon, study, ponder 1a3) to talk, sing, speak 1b) (Polel) to meditate, consider, put forth thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with). See also: Judges 5:10; Psalms 119:15; Psalms 55:18.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:22
Context — Warnings against Adultery
20My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.
22When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.
23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, 24to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:11 | I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:23–24 | Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:24 | Your testimonies are indeed my delight; they are my counselors. |
| 4 | Proverbs 2:11 | Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you, |
| 5 | Psalms 119:97 | Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. |
| 6 | Psalms 43:3 | Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, and to the place where You dwell. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:9 | How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:54 | Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:148 | My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word. |
| 10 | Psalms 17:4 | As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. |
Proverbs 6:22 Summary
This verse promises that when we follow God's commands, they will guide us, watch over us, and speak to us. This means that God's Word will provide direction and protection in our daily lives, and will also offer wisdom and counsel. By studying and meditating on God's Word, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8, we can trust in His care and guidance, and experience spiritual growth and maturity, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18. As we follow God's commands, we can have confidence that He will be with us always, as promised in Matthew 28:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the commandments to guide, watch over, and speak to us?
This means that when we follow God's commands, they will provide direction and protection in our daily lives, as seen in Proverbs 6:22, and will also offer wisdom and counsel, as promised in Psalm 119:105 and James 1:5.
How can we apply this verse to our daily walk with God?
By studying and meditating on God's Word, as encouraged in Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2, we can allow His commands to guide us in our decisions and actions, and trust in His watchful care over us, as seen in Psalm 121:3-4.
What is the relationship between this verse and the preceding verses?
This verse is a continuation of the encouragement to keep the father's commandment and the mother's teaching, as seen in Proverbs 6:20-21, and highlights the benefits of doing so, which is further explained in Proverbs 6:23-24.
How does this verse relate to our spiritual growth and maturity?
As we follow God's commands and allow them to guide, watch over, and speak to us, we will experience spiritual growth and maturity, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18 and Ephesians 4:13-14, and will become more like Christ, as promised in Romans 8:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways that God's commands have guided me in my life, and how can I continue to trust in His guidance?
- How can I prioritize meditation on God's Word, as encouraged in this verse, in my daily routine?
- What are some areas of my life where I need God's watchful care, and how can I trust in His protection?
- What does it mean for God's commands to 'speak' to me, and how can I listen to His voice in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:22
When thou goest, it shall lead thee,.... The law of God taught by parents; this directs man in the path of duty and business of life; teaches him what way to shun, and which to walk in; it leads out
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:22
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
It, the law of God, which thy parents have taught thee, and pressed upon thee, shall lead thee; direct thee how to order all thy steps and actions. It shall talk with thee; it shall give thee counsel and comfort.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
Proverbs 6:22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. Ver. 22. When thou goest, it shall lead thee.] No such guide to God as the word, which while a man holds to, he may safely say, Lord, if I be deceived, thou hast deceived me; if I be out of the way, thy word hath misled me. When thou sleepest, it shall keep thee.] If thou sleep with some good meditation in thy mind, it shall keep thee from foolish and sinful dreams and fancies, and set thy heart in a holy frame when thou awakest, he that raketh up his fire at night shall find fire in the morning. "How precious are thy thoughts" (that is, thoughts of thee) "unto me, O God." What follows "When I awake, I am still with thee." Ducet et perducet.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
Verse 22. When thou goest, it shall lead thee] Here the law is personified; and is represented as a nurse, teacher, and guardian, by night and day. An upright man never goes but as directed by God's word and led by God's Spirit. When thou sleepest] He commends his body and soul to the protection of his Maker when he lies down and sleeps in peace. And when he awakes in the morning, the promises and mercies of God are the first things that present themselves to his recollection.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:22
22. it] The change from the plural, “bind them,” “tie them,” of Proverbs 6:21, and the return to “it,” “the commandment,” “the law,” in Proverbs 6:23 (comp. Proverbs 6:20) indicate not only the substantial identity of the teaching of the father and the mother, but the source of that identity in the one law of God, of which they are both the authorised exponents (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:22
22. It — Literally, she. Some suppose it spoken of wisdom personified. Blessed is the youth that respects his parents and their wholesome precepts.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Psalm 12:6 by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning to the Bible in times of difficulty and opposition. He describes those who oppose the word of God as speaking prou |
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Letters to Parents [#1] by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses parents in his sermon 'Letters to Parents [#1]', emphasizing the critical role they play in training their children according to Proverbs 6:22. He outlines |
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(1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable. |
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A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
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Be a Man (At Home and at Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. He highlights the need to bring our thought life, eyes, e |
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(2008 Usa Tour) Caleb, Give Me This Mountain! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the book of Joshua and briefly mentioning the story of Caleb. He then transitions to discussing the importance of being consumed |
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Men of Another Sort by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being men and women of the Word, seeking God through fasting, prayer, and obedience. It highlights the need for brokenness before God, a hu |