Proverbs 6:22 kjv

When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

Proverbs 6:22 nkjv

When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you.

Proverbs 6:22 niv

When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

Proverbs 6:22 esv

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.

Proverbs 6:22 nlt

When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 22 Meaning

Proverbs 6:22 conveys the profound, constant, and encompassing benefit of internalizing and living by divine wisdom and instruction, often personified as a trusted companion. This wisdom, which stems from the parental and God-given commands, provides guidance in active life, protection during rest and vulnerability, and intimate counsel upon waking, demonstrating its continuous and active presence in all aspects and phases of life.

Proverbs 6 22 Context

Proverbs 6:22 is situated within a broader instructional passage (Prov 6:20-35) from a father to his son. The preceding verses (6:20-21) explicitly call the son to "keep your father's command and forsake not your mother's teaching," urging him to bind these instructions "always on your heart" and "fasten them around your neck," signifying their intimate and pervasive internalization. Verse 22 then directly follows, describing the benefits of such obedience and internalization. The overarching theme of Proverbs 6, especially from verse 24 onwards, is a strong warning against the destructive path of adultery and sexual immorality, presented as a seduction by "the evil woman." Thus, the promises of guidance, protection, and counsel in verse 22 are presented as the means by which a young man can discern and avoid the perilous pitfalls, specifically the enticements of the immoral woman. The chapter highlights the instruction's power as a guardian against temptation and sin. Culturally, in ancient Israel, the home was the primary school, and parental instruction in God's law was foundational for shaping a moral and wise individual, distinguishing God's covenant people from the surrounding pagan cultures often steeped in idolatry and moral laxity.

Proverbs 6 22 Word analysis

• When you walk (בְּהִתְהַלֶּכְךָ֧ – bəhiṯhalləḵəḵā): This refers to active life, daily endeavors, outward movement, and interaction with the world. The term implies purposeful conduct and one's entire journey through life.
• it will lead you (תַּנְחֶה֙ – tanḥeh): From the root נָחָה (naḥah), meaning "to guide," "to conduct," "to lead straight." This implies precise and certain direction, ensuring one does not stray or stumble. It is divine, benevolent guidance.
• when you lie down (בְּשָׁכְבְּךָ֙ – bəšāḵəbəḵā): This signifies rest, sleep, vulnerability, and quiet introspection, encompassing moments of peace or unconsciousness.
• it will watch over you (תִּשְׁמֹ֖ר עָלֶ֑יךָ – tišmōr ʿālāyekā): From the root שָׁמַר (šāmar), meaning "to guard," "to keep," "to preserve," "to protect." This indicates active vigilance and security against hidden dangers, worries, or spiritual threats even when one is passive or unaware.
• and when you awake (וַהֲקִיצֹתָ֬ – vahǎqīṣōtā): This points to the start of a new day, renewed consciousness, moments of decision, and preparation for daily activities.
• it will speak with you (הִ֣יא תְשִׂיחֶֽךָּ – hî ṯəśîḥeḵā): From the root שִׂיחַ (śîaḥ), meaning "to meditate," "to commune," "to converse," "to reflect." This suggests intimate dialogue, internal counsel, gentle admonition, or quiet communion, shaping one's thoughts and guiding conscious choices as one begins the day. It highlights a personal, internalized relationship with the instruction.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• When you walk, it will lead you: This phrase emphasizes proactive, outward guidance for the entirety of one's journey and daily decisions. It refers to wisdom as an ever-present navigator, preventing missteps and leading in righteous paths.
• when you lie down, it will watch over you: This focuses on passive protection and security during vulnerable times, such as rest or sleep. The instruction acts as a guardian against fear, anxiety, or unseen spiritual dangers.
• and when you awake, it will speak with you: This highlights internal counsel and intimate communion as one transitions from sleep to activity. The wisdom is not just external law but an internalized voice, prompting and directing one's conscious thoughts and immediate actions.
• "it" (the implicit subject): The "it" consistently refers back to the "father's command" and "mother's teaching" (Prov 6:20) – divine instruction, wisdom, or Torah. The repeated agency attributed to "it" anthropomorphizes wisdom, making it a living, active companion. This showcases the comprehensive and personal nature of internalizing God's truth. The instruction isn't merely rules but a guiding relationship.

Proverbs 6 22 Bonus section

The anthropomorphism of wisdom in this verse, where "it" acts like a sentient being guiding, watching, and speaking, underscores the active, relational nature of divine instruction. This is not passive information, but a living influence that interacts directly with the individual. This continuous interaction implies that true wisdom is not merely memorized, but integrated into one's very being, shaping impulses, thoughts, and subconscious processes. The passage indirectly highlights a stark contrast: while worldly enticements like the "evil woman" lure and ensnare (Prov 6:24-26), divine wisdom leads, guards, and communicates, bringing freedom and security. This is a powerful testament to the transformative power of internalizing God's Word, becoming an unceasing source of inner peace and external right conduct, regardless of the surrounding circumstances or temptations.

Proverbs 6 22 Commentary

Proverbs 6:22 poetically illustrates the profound, ceaseless, and personal benefits derived from diligently adhering to and internalizing divine wisdom and instruction. It posits wisdom not as a rigid external code, but as a living, dynamic companion permeating every facet of existence. The three temporal clauses—"when you walk," "when you lie down," and "when you awake"—create a holistic picture, signifying that the instruction is active throughout one's conscious life, unconscious rest, and transitions between the two. It provides clear direction and purpose ("will lead you") in active engagement with the world; it assures tranquil protection and security ("will watch over you") during vulnerability and repose; and it offers intimate counsel and internal guidance ("will speak with you") upon renewed awareness, shaping thoughts and actions at the start of each new phase. The power of this verse lies in its assurance that godly wisdom provides total spiritual and practical provision, functioning as an internal compass and guardian, particularly vital for navigating temptations such as those from the adulterous woman, a central warning in Proverbs 6. It means that truly taking God's word to heart translates into a real-time, personalized, divine assistance system for all of life's moments.