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.
Original Language Analysis
בְּהִתְהַלֶּכְךָ֙׀
When thou goest
H1980
בְּהִתְהַלֶּכְךָ֙׀
When thou goest
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
תַּנְחֶ֬ה
it shall lead
H5148
תַּנְחֶ֬ה
it shall lead
Strong's:
H5148
Word #:
2 of 9
to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists)
אֹתָ֗ךְ
H853
אֹתָ֗ךְ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּֽ֭שָׁכְבְּךָ
thee when thou sleepest
H7901
בְּֽ֭שָׁכְבְּךָ
thee when thou sleepest
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
4 of 9
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
it shall keep
H8104
תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר
it shall keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
עָלֶ֑יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֑יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַ֝הֲקִיצ֗וֹתָ
thee and when thou awakest
H6974
וַ֝הֲקִיצ֗וֹתָ
thee and when thou awakest
Strong's:
H6974
Word #:
7 of 9
to awake (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Proverbs 2:11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:Psalms 119:11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Psalms 119:54Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.Psalms 119:148Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.Psalms 119:9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.Psalms 43:3O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.Psalms 119:24Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.
Historical Context
Psalm 119:97-105 similarly celebrates God's Word as constant companion: meditation day and night, lamp to feet, sweeter than honey. For the psalmist, Scripture wasn't occasional reference but constant friend. Early Christians memorized vast Scripture portions, making God's Word truly portable and constantly accessible for guidance, comfort, and meditation.
Questions for Reflection
- How present is divine wisdom in your daily walking, sleeping, and waking?
- What would it mean for wisdom to 'speak to you' when you wake - what practices cultivate this?
- How can you make God's truth a more constant companion rather than occasional consultant?
Analysis & Commentary
Wisdom will guide when you walk, watch when you sleep, speak when you wake. The comprehensive temporal coverage (walking, sleeping, waking) indicates constant companionship. The Hebrew 'nachah' (lead/guide), 'shamar' (watch/guard), and 'siychah' (speak/meditate) describe active benefits. Wisdom isn't passive knowledge but dynamic companion providing direction, protection, and conversation. This anticipates the Holy Spirit's promised companionship in the New Covenant.