Proverbs 7:1
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
Original Language Analysis
בְּ֭נִי
My son
H1121
בְּ֭נִי
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שְׁמֹ֣ר
keep
H8104
שְׁמֹ֣ר
keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י
my commandments
H4687
וּ֝מִצְוֹתַ֗י
my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
4 of 6
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
Cross References
Proverbs 1:8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Revelation 1:3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Revelation 22:9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.John 14:23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.Job 22:22Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.Proverbs 3:1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also.Luke 8:15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Historical Context
The commandment form echoes Deuteronomy's covenant structure, where obedience meant life and blessing in the land. Personal wisdom appropriates covenant promises through faith and obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view God's commandments as life-giving or burdensome?
- How can you cultivate greater love for God's law as David expressed in Psalm 119?
Analysis & Commentary
Keeping commandments as life itself demonstrates their vital importance. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep) implies guarding treasure, not merely obeying rules. God's law becomes precious when we recognize it as the path to flourishing, not onerous restriction.