Proverbs 6:23 kjv

For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

Proverbs 6:23 nkjv

For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

Proverbs 6:23 niv

For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,

Proverbs 6:23 esv

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

Proverbs 6:23 nlt

For their command is a lamp
and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline
is the way to life.

Proverbs 6 verses

Proverbs 6 23 Meaning

Proverbs 6:23 reveals that divine commands, instruction, and discipline provide essential guidance and sustenance for a life lived rightly before God. Specific divine precepts act like a lamp, illuminating the immediate steps one should take. God's broader teaching serves as a more expansive light, revealing the overall path of truth and wisdom. Furthermore, the corrections and training that stem from divine instruction are inherently the pathway to true and flourishing life. This verse emphasizes the indispensable nature of God's Word in navigating moral choices and achieving blessed existence.

Proverbs 6 23 Context

Proverbs chapter 6 begins with warnings against practical pitfalls such as cosigning debt, laziness, and dishonesty. The latter half of the chapter, specifically from verse 20 to 35, focuses intensely on the grave dangers of adultery and sexual immorality. Proverbs 6:23 functions as a transitional and foundational statement within this discourse. It explains why the instructions given in verses 20-22 (to keep parents' and implicitly, God's, commandments) are vital, especially in the face of strong temptations like the adulteress described later in the chapter. The verse grounds the specific ethical directives in the comprehensive, life-giving nature of divine wisdom. In ancient Israelite society, lamps and light were indispensable for physical navigation in darkness, making them powerful metaphors for moral guidance.

Proverbs 6 23 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding injunctions to keep commands and teachings. It connects the wisdom of the instruction to its vital function.
• the commandment (מִצְוָה - mitzvah): Refers to specific, explicit precepts or injunctions, a divine directive. In this context, it evokes distinct ethical commands given by God and parental authority.
• is a lamp (נֵר - ner): A physical lamp providing focused, localized light. Symbolically, the commandment offers precise guidance for immediate steps or particular situations, illuminating the path directly ahead.
• and the law (וְתוֹרָה - v'Torah): A broader term meaning teaching, instruction, or direction. It encompasses the entirety of God's revealed will and wisdom, not just individual precepts but the entire body of divine doctrine, like the Pentateuch.
• is light (אוֹר - or): Refers to general, pervasive illumination. Symbolically, Torah provides comprehensive truth that dispels overall darkness, offering a broad understanding of life's true direction and God's character.
• and reproofs (וְתוֹכְחוֹת - v'tokh'khot): Mean rebukes, corrections, or admonitions. These are the sharp, often unwelcome, aspects of instruction that reveal errors, confront sin, and call to repentance. They serve to realign behavior.
• of instruction (מוּסָר - musar): Signifies discipline, moral training, or a correctional process. It's the teaching that forms character and conduct, which can involve stern warnings, guidance, or even corrective measures.
• are the way (דֶּרֶךְ - derekh): Represents a path, road, or course of life. Metaphorically, it describes one's choices, conduct, and the ultimate direction of one's existence.
• of life (חַיִּים - chayyim): Not merely biological existence, but refers to flourishing, abundant, blessed, and full well-being—a spiritual and holistic life in alignment with God. It contrasts with the paths that lead to destruction and death.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light;": This poetic parallelism uses two distinct but complementary metaphors for divine guidance. The "lamp" (מִצְוָה) suggests immediate, practical illumination for individual steps, akin to navigating a dark room with a single lamp. The "light" (תּוֹרָה) signifies a broader, overarching illumination that provides understanding for the entire journey, like the dawn revealing the landscape. Together, they represent God's comprehensive guidance, from specific moral demands to universal principles, ensuring believers do not stumble or lose their way.
• "and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:": This phrase emphasizes the transformative and directive power of divine discipline. "Reproofs of instruction" (תוֹכְחוֹת מוּסָר) refer to the challenging, correcting, and refining aspects of God's wisdom and teaching. These corrections are not punitive for their own sake but are instrumental in keeping one on "the way of life" (דֶּרֶךְ חַיִּים). This means accepting God's loving correction and discipline is essential for one's ultimate well-being, steering away from the destructive paths of folly and sin toward true, abundant, and blessed existence in relationship with God.

Proverbs 6 23 Bonus section

• The progressive imagery of "lamp" and "light" suggests that divine truth operates on multiple levels – practical application and deep spiritual understanding. It’s a complete illumination for both action and perspective.
• The terms mitzvah (commandment), Torah (law/instruction), tokh'khot (reproofs), and musar (discipline) highlight the multi-faceted nature of God's teaching and guidance, showing that it is comprehensive and continually shaping.
• The "way of life" contrasts sharply with the "paths of death" or destruction often spoken of in Proverbs (e.g., Prov 7:27). This highlights a clear choice between following divine wisdom or human folly, with eternal consequences.
• The acceptance of "reproofs" (rebukes/correction) is a critical component of receiving musar (discipline). It implies a humble, teachable heart, without which true wisdom cannot be gained or maintained.
• The spiritual light offered by God's Word not only reveals truth but also exposes sin and folly, empowering the wise to avoid danger and walk securely.

Proverbs 6 23 Commentary

Proverbs 6:23 encapsulates the profound benefits of submitting to divine revelation. It presents a progression of God's guidance: from specific, actionable commands (the lamp for individual steps) to overarching principles (the light illuminating the entire path). This illustrates how God's Word offers both detailed direction for daily choices and comprehensive truth for understanding the bigger picture of life. Crucially, the verse adds that the very corrections and disciplines found within this divine instruction are not burdens, but the indispensable means to remain on the "way of life." True wisdom, therefore, involves not just passive reception of knowledge, but active embrace of challenging reproofs that steer one away from self-destructive paths (like adultery highlighted in the context) towards a path of flourishing and blessing aligned with God's will. It means that divine guidance often involves painful truths and corrections which are necessary for spiritual growth and well-being.Examples: A specific commandment, like "do not steal," acts as a lamp, illuminating a present choice to return a found wallet. The broader "law" of God's justice acts as a light, revealing the general goodness of honesty. When one is corrected for a deceptive thought (a reproof of instruction), that very correction, when accepted, ensures they stay on the path of righteous living.