Proverbs 6:20-22
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This verse doesn't just say to obey parents; it highlights the unique importance of both father's commands and mother's teaching, suggesting a comprehensive wisdom that comes from both directions. It implies that neglecting either leaves you with an incomplete foundation for life, making you vulnerable to the dangers the rest of the chapter warns against.
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of an extended warning against adultery, following previous admonitions about laziness and gossip. The speaker, likely an elder figure, emphasizes the foundational importance of parental instruction as a safeguard against dangerous enticements. These verses set up the subsequent graphic descriptions of the consequences of sexual infidelity by highlighting the enduring value of a wise upbringing.
Why does this verse mention both father and mother? What's the significance of their distinct roles and unified message?
Proverbs 6:20 highlights the essential, complementary roles of both father and mother in a child's upbringing.
Father's Commandment
The father's 'commandment' often implies authority and established instruction, like a clear directive or a foundational rule.
Mother's Teaching
The mother's 'law' suggests a nurturing, guiding principle, perhaps more about the spirit and practice of wisdom.
A Unified Front
Despite their different approaches, the verse urges children to honor both. Their teachings are not to be separated or played against each other. When parents present a united front of wisdom, it provides a robust framework for a child's moral and spiritual development.
This verse isn't just about rules; it's about internalizing wisdom. How does parental instruction become a living guide?
The instruction from parents, particularly when rooted in God's commands, is presented as more than just a set of rules to be followed. It's a dynamic force intended to shape a child's entire life.
Internalizing Guidance
The call to 'keep' and 'not forsake' implies an active, ongoing engagement with the teachings received. This isn't about passive memory, but about making these principles a part of one's core being.
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Guiding Light and Life
These parental precepts act as both a 'lamp' and the 'way to life.' They illuminate the right path, preventing one from stumbling in the darkness of ignorance or temptation, and ultimately lead towards a life of purpose and well-being, both now and eternally.
Understand the original words
mitswah · Hebrew Noun
A divinely inspired instruction or authoritative rule for living. It reflects the wisdom passed down from those in authority, reflecting God's own guidance.
torah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the instruction, law, or wisdom imparted by parents to children. It is essential for the transmission of godly values and character from one generation to the next.
leb · Hebrew Noun
In biblical imagery, the heart is the seat of the intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It represents the center of human life from which all actions and thoughts flow.
This passage echoes the heart of Proverbs 6:20 by commanding parents to diligently teach God's laws to their children, emphasizing the integration of these teachings into daily life, much like the father's commandment and mother's teaching are meant to be guiding principles.
Proverbs 1:8This verse is a direct precursor and parallel, showing that the instruction of a father and the teaching of a mother are foundational principles emphasized throughout Proverbs for a life of wisdom.
Ephesians 6:1-3The New Testament continues this theme, instructing children to 'honor your father and mother' as a commandment with a promise, reinforcing the respect and obedience due to parental guidance that is rooted in godly principles.
Proverbs 23:22This verse directly links listening to parents with wisdom and valuing their instruction, similar to how Proverbs 6:20 urges sons to keep their father's commandment and not forsake their mother's teaching.
bensonProverbs 6:20: "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
Proverbs 6:20-23 . Keep thy father’s commandment — So far as it is not contrary to God’s command. And forsake not the law of thy mother — Which children are too apt to despise. Bind them continually upon thy heart — Constantly remember and duly consider them; tie them about thy neck — See on Proverbs 1:9 ; Proverbs 3:3 . When thou goest, it shall lead thee — Namely, the law of God, which thy parents h…
clarkeProverbs 6:20: "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:"
Keep thy father's commandment - See on Proverbs 1:8 (note).
This verse doesn't just say to obey parents; it highlights the unique importance of both father's commands and mother's teaching, suggesting a comprehensive wisdom that comes from both directions. It implies that neglecting either leaves you with an incomplete foundation for life, making you vulnerable to the dangers the rest of the chapter warns against.
This passage is part of an extended warning against adultery, following previous admonitions about laziness and gossip. The speaker, likely an elder figure, emphasizes the foundational importance of parental instruction as a safeguard against dangerous enticements. These verses set up the subsequent graphic descriptions of the consequences of sexual infidelity by highlighting the enduring value of a wise upbringing.
This passage is part of an extended warning against adultery, following previous admonitions about laziness and gossip. The speaker, likely an elder figure, emphasizes the foundational importance of parental instruction as a safeguard against dangerous enticements. These verses set up the subsequent graphic descriptions of the consequences of sexual infidelity by highlighting the enduring value of a wise upbringing.
"My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over y…" — This verse doesn't just say to obey parents; it highlights the unique importance of both father's commands and mother's teaching, suggesting a comprehensive wisdom that comes from both directions.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
