Proverbs 6:23
New International Version
For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,

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

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

New American Standard Bible
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And rebukes for discipline are the way of life

NASB 1995
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

NASB 1977
For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life,

Legacy Standard Bible
For the commandment is a lamp and the law is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

Amplified Bible
For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life,

Christian Standard Bible
For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.

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

Contemporary English Version
The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
because the command is a lamp, the teachings are a light, and the warnings from discipline are the path of life

Good News Translation
Their instructions are a shining light; their correction can teach you how to live.

International Standard Version
Because the command is a lamp and the Law a light, rebukes that discipline are a way of life—

Majority Standard Bible
For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,

NET Bible
For the commandments are like a lamp, instruction is like a light, and rebukes of discipline are like the road leading to life,

New Heart English Bible
For the commandment is a lamp, and the Law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

Webster's Bible Translation
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

World English Bible
For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For the command [is] a lamp, "" And the Law a light, "" And a way of life [are] reproofs of instruction,

Young's Literal Translation
For a lamp is the command, And the law a light, And a way of life are reproofs of instruction,

Smith's Literal Translation
For the command is a lamp, and the law a light; and the way of life the reproof of instruction:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For commandment is a lamp, and law is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.

New American Bible
For the command is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and a way to life are the reproofs that discipline,

New Revised Standard Version
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light, and the reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
For the commandment is a lamp and the law is a light, and reproof is the way of life and instruction,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light, And reproofs of instruction are the way of life;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light; a way of life; reproof also and correction:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warnings Against Adultery
22When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life, 24to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.…

Cross References
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Psalm 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

John 1:4-5
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Psalm 119:11
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

James 1:22-25
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...

Psalm 119:98-100
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.

1 John 1:5-7
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. / If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. / But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Psalm 119:1-2
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. / Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the commandment

Psalm 19:8
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:98-100,105
Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me…

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

lamp

Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

and reproofs

Proverbs 5:12
And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

Proverbs 15:31
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

the way

Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Proverbs 4:4,13
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live…

Proverbs 15:24
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

Jump to Previous
Command Commandment Commands Discipline Guiding Instruction Lamp Life Reproofs Rule Shining Teaching Training Way Words
Jump to Next
Command Commandment Commands Discipline Guiding Instruction Lamp Life Reproofs Rule Shining Teaching Training Way Words
Proverbs 6
1. against indebtedness
6. idleness
12. and mischievousness
16. seven things detestable to God
20. the blessings of obedience
25. the mischief of unfaithfulness














For this command
The Hebrew word for "command" is "מִצְוָה" (mitzvah), which often refers to a directive or ordinance given by God. In the context of Proverbs, it emphasizes the divine authority and moral obligation inherent in God's instructions. The "command" serves as a guiding principle, much like a lamp that illuminates the path of righteousness. Historically, the Jewish tradition holds the mitzvot in high regard, seeing them as essential to living a life that is pleasing to God.

is a lamp
The imagery of a "lamp" in ancient times is significant, as lamps were essential for providing light in the darkness. The Hebrew word "נֵר" (ner) is used here, symbolizing guidance and clarity. In a spiritual sense, the "lamp" represents the wisdom and insight that God's commandments provide, helping believers navigate the moral complexities of life. The lamp metaphor is also found in Psalm 119:105, reinforcing the idea that God's word is a source of illumination and direction.

this teaching
The term "teaching" is translated from the Hebrew "תּוֹרָה" (torah), which can mean law, instruction, or doctrine. In the broader biblical context, Torah refers to the first five books of the Bible, but here it signifies the broader scope of divine instruction. This teaching is not merely academic but is intended to transform the heart and mind, aligning the believer's life with God's will.

is a light
The word "light" in Hebrew is "אוֹר" (or), which conveys the idea of enlightenment and truth. Light dispels darkness, symbolizing the clarity and understanding that comes from adhering to God's teachings. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), drawing a parallel between the wisdom of Proverbs and the revelation of Christ.

and correction and instruction
The Hebrew words for "correction" (תּוֹכַחַת, tokhahat) and "instruction" (מוּסָר, musar) suggest discipline and guidance. Correction implies a redirection from error, while instruction involves teaching and training in righteousness. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of both learning and applying God's principles.

are the way to life
The phrase "the way to life" underscores the ultimate goal of following God's commandments and teachings. The Hebrew word for "way" is "דֶּרֶךְ" (derekh), which can mean path or journey. This suggests that living according to God's wisdom is not a static state but an ongoing journey toward spiritual vitality and eternal life. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), indicating that the path to life is found in Him.

(23) For the commandment is a lamp . . .--Comp. Psalm 19:8, and Psalm 119:98-100; Psalm 119:104-105. The servant of God may often feel much perplexity as to his duty, darkness may seem to have settled down upon his path. But there is always some "commandment," or positive order, about which he can have no doubt, calling for his immediate obedience; there is always some "law," or rather "instruction" in God's Word offering itself as his guide; there are always some "reproofs of discipline," that is, he knows he has certain things to shun, others to follow, for the purpose of self-discipline. It is by following out these parts of his duty that he does know, which are, as it were, a "light shining in a dark place "(2Peter 1:19), that man prepares himself for more light and clearer vision; then God "opens his eyes" that he may "behold wondrous things out of His law" (Psalm 119:18); because he has some knowledge of God's will and desire to do it, more is given unto him (Matthew 13:12), and his path becomes continually clearer, shining "more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18). . . . Verse 23. - For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light. The teacher takes up the words "commandment" (Hebrew, mitzrah) and "law" (Hebrew, torah) from ver. 20, which he describes respectively as "a lamp" and "light" The "commandment" is any special or particular commandment which harmonizes with God's will, and commands what is to be done and forbids what is to be left undone. The "law" is the whole law of God in its entirety; not here the Law of Moses technically, but the whole system of generalized instruction; They stand, therefore, in the same relation to each other as "a lamp" and "light," the one being particular, and the other general. "Light" (Hebrew, or) is light in general, as the light of the day and the sun, while "a lamp" (Hebrew, ner, from nur, "to shine) is a particular light like that of a candle, which is enkindled at some other source. The "commandment" and the "law" alike enlighten the conscience and enable one to walk in his way of life. On this passage Le Clerc remarks, "Ut in tenebris lucerna, aut fax ostendit nobis, qua eundam sit: in ignorantiae humanae caligine, quae nos per hanc totam vitam cingit, revelatio divina nos docet, quid sit faciendum, quid vitandum." So the psalmist says in Psalm 19:8, "The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;" and again in Psalm 119:105, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path;" i.e. they direct and show the true way of faith and life (Gejerus). The "commandment" and the "law" may stand for the whole revelation of God without reference to any particular precept (as Scott), but they have here a specific bearing on a particular form of human conduct, as appears from the following verses. And reproofs of instruction are the way of life. Reproofs of instruction; Hebrew, tok'khoth musar, disciplinary reproofs, i.e. reproofs whose object is the discipline of the soul and the moral elevation of the character. The LXX. reads, καὶ ἔλεγχος καὶ παιδεία; thus connecting it with education in its highest sense. Such reproofs are a way of life (Hebrew, derek khayyim), i.e. they lead to life; they conduce to the prolongation of life. This view of the subject, so prominent in the mind of the teacher in other passages (cf. Proverbs 3:2 and 19), must not be lost sight of, though the words are susceptible of another interpretation, as indicating that the severest reproofs, inasmuch as they correct errors and require obedience, conduce to the greatest happiness (Patrick). Or again, it may mean that disciplinary reproofs are necessary to life. The soul to arrive at perfection must undergo them as part of the conditions of its existence, and, consequently, they are to be submitted to with the consciousness that, however irksome they may be, they are imposed for its eventual benefit (cf. Hebrews 12:5). But this interpretation is unlikely from what follows.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

this commandment
מִ֭צְוָה (miṣ·wāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4687: Commandment

is a lamp,
נֵ֣ר (nêr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5216: A lamp, light

this teaching
וְת֣וֹרָה (wə·ṯō·w·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law

[is] a light,
א֑וֹר (’ō·wr)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary

and the reproofs
תּוֹכְח֥וֹת (tō·wḵ·ḥō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8433: Chastisement, correction, refutation, proof

of discipline
מוּסָֽר׃ (mū·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

are the way
וְדֶ֥רֶךְ (wə·ḏe·reḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

to life,
חַ֝יִּ֗ים (ḥay·yîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life


Links
Proverbs 6:23 NIV
Proverbs 6:23 NLT
Proverbs 6:23 ESV
Proverbs 6:23 NASB
Proverbs 6:23 KJV

Proverbs 6:23 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 6:23 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 6:23 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 6:23 French Bible
Proverbs 6:23 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 6:22
Top of Page
Top of Page