Proverbs 7:3 kjv

Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

Proverbs 7:3 nkjv

Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 7:3 niv

Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 7:3 esv

bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 7:3 nlt

Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.

Proverbs 7 verses

Proverbs 7 3 Meaning

Proverbs 7:3 exhorts the reader to deeply internalize and constantly remember the divine wisdom and commands introduced in the preceding verses. "Bind them upon thy fingers" suggests a continuous, tangible, and practical awareness, akin to wearing a visible reminder or being prepared for action. "Write them upon the table of thine heart" emphasizes profound intellectual, volitional, and spiritual internalization, making these truths an indelible part of one's inner being and the guiding principle of all thought and action. The verse communicates that true wisdom is not merely heard but possessed intimately, shaping both outward conduct and inner character to guard against temptation, specifically against the enticements of the immoral woman described in the surrounding chapter.

Proverbs 7 3 Context

Proverbs chapter 7 is a stark warning against the "immoral woman" or adulteress, depicted as a grave danger to young, naive men. It forms a direct continuation of themes found in Proverbs 5 and 6, where the fatherly instructor admonishes his son to adhere to wisdom to avoid the pitfalls of seduction. Proverbs 7:3 serves as a pivotal command, emphasizing the method by which one can resist such temptation: by utterly internalizing wisdom and God's commands. The cultural context of ancient Israel involved a patriarchal society where instruction was highly valued, and the home was the primary locus of education. The use of "fingers" and "heart" imagery reflects ancient practices of wearing or tying symbols of devotion (like phylacteries or memorial cords) and the prevalent understanding of the heart as the center of one's being—the mind, will, and affections. The warning against the foreign woman also implicitly carries polemic against the enticements of foreign gods or ways, which were often intertwined with illicit sexual practices.

Proverbs 7 3 Word analysis

• Bind (קָשַׁר - qashar): This Hebrew verb means to tie, knot, or bind. It signifies a strong, secure attachment. In this context, it implies securing wisdom's principles so they are always present, not easily lost or forgotten. It denotes commitment and an intentional act of adherence.
• them (them): Refers directly back to the "words" and "commands" of verses 1-2. It is essential to recognize the object of the command: it's not a general vague idea, but the specific, concrete teachings of divine wisdom.
• upon thy fingers (אֶצְבְּעֹתֶיךָ - 'etsba'oteykha): Literally "upon your fingers." This imagery evokes immediate access and constant presence. Fingers are tools for action and touch; binding something to them suggests making wisdom an active part of one's daily life and labor, always visible, a continuous reminder. This aligns with the command in Deut 6:8 regarding the Law, which was sometimes tied onto the arm and forehead (phylacteries). It suggests public acknowledgment and ready application.
• write (כָּתַב - katab): To inscribe, record, or set down. This signifies permanence and an indelible mark. It implies deep inscription that cannot be easily erased or forgotten.
• upon the table (לוּחַ - luakh): Refers to a tablet or a smooth surface, typically made of wood, stone, or clay, used for writing. In the ancient world, tablets were the primary medium for recording important documents, laws, or covenants. This emphasizes that what is written is meant to be permanent and authoritative.
• of thine heart (לֵבָבֶךָ - levavekha): The "heart" in Hebrew thought (lev or levav) is not merely the seat of emotion, but the center of one's intellect, will, reason, moral choice, and entire inner being. Writing on the heart signifies profound internalization – wisdom becomes intrinsic to one's core identity, influencing thoughts, desires, decisions, and character at the deepest level. It becomes an internal constitution.

• "Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart": This pairing presents a holistic strategy for engaging with wisdom. "Bind upon fingers" emphasizes practical, constant, external adherence and awareness—wisdom influencing actions and remaining a visible, ever-present guide. "Write upon the table of thine heart" highlights deep, internal, indelible assimilation—wisdom shaping thoughts, motives, and character from the innermost being. Together, they advocate for a pervasive, all-encompassing integration of divine wisdom into every aspect of life, both public and private, active and reflective, conscious and subconscious, safeguarding the individual against temptation and folly.

Proverbs 7 3 Bonus section

The concept of "writing on the heart" is a profound theological theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant. While Proverbs 7:3 urges the individual to volitionally write wisdom upon their heart through disciplined attention, the New Testament speaks of God supernaturally writing His laws on the hearts of His people through the Holy Spirit (Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10, Heb 10:16, 2 Cor 3:3). This divine action makes internal obedience a fundamental characteristic of the believer, demonstrating God's transformative power and echoing the aspiration of Proverbs that wisdom become deeply ingrained. Thus, Proverbs 7:3 represents humanity's responsibility to engage with wisdom, which is then perfectly achieved by God's gracious intervention in the new covenant. This highlights the synergy between human effort and divine enablement in the pursuit of righteousness.

Proverbs 7 3 Commentary

Proverbs 7:3 encapsulates the profound commitment required to live wisely. It goes beyond mere intellectual assent to the father's teaching, demanding a pervasive and unceasing integration of divine wisdom. The double injunction to "bind them upon thy fingers" and "write them upon the table of thine heart" emphasizes both practical application and deep internalization. One must not only act according to wisdom but also embody it, allowing its principles to permeate their thoughts and desires. This verse stands as a preventive measure against temptation, particularly the seductive wiles detailed in the rest of chapter 7. When wisdom is perpetually visible and internally etched, it acts as a constant guard, reinforcing the will and sharpening discernment against the subtle lures of sin. It's a call to proactive spiritual discipline, ensuring that godly counsel remains at the forefront of one's mind and the very essence of one's being. This internalization is critical for resisting evil not just from external pressures, but from within, creating a true desire for righteousness.