Proverbs 6:21

Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.

Study Bible

Bind them always upon your heart;
The phrase "Bind them always upon your heart" emphasizes the importance of internalizing wisdom and commandments. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, will, and intellect. This instruction suggests that wisdom should not merely be an external adherence but should be deeply ingrained within one's character and decision-making processes. The use of "bind" implies a permanent and secure attachment, indicating that these teachings should be an integral part of one's life. This concept is echoed in Deuteronomy 6:6, where the Israelites are instructed to keep God's commandments in their hearts, highlighting the continuity of this principle throughout Scripture.

tie them around your neck.
"Tie them around your neck" suggests a visible and constant reminder of wisdom and commandments. In ancient Near Eastern culture, wearing items around the neck was a common practice for signifying importance or status, much like a necklace or amulet. This imagery conveys the idea that wisdom should be as evident and accessible as something worn around the neck, serving as a guide in daily interactions and decisions. The neck, being a vital and visible part of the body, symbolizes the outward expression of inward beliefs. This is reminiscent of Proverbs 3:3, where mercy and truth are to be bound around the neck, reinforcing the theme of living out one's faith visibly and consistently.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his writings, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and obedience to God's commandments.

3. Father and Mother
In the context of Proverbs 6, the parental figures represent the source of wisdom and instruction, urging their children to adhere to their teachings.

Teaching Points

Internalization of Wisdom
The verse emphasizes the importance of internalizing God's wisdom. Just as one would bind something precious to their heart, believers are called to keep God's teachings close and central to their lives.

Visible Commitment
Tying wisdom around the neck suggests a visible commitment to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder to live out one's faith in daily actions.

Continuous Remembrance
The use of "always" indicates that adherence to God's wisdom is not a one-time event but a continuous, lifelong commitment.

Heart and Action
The heart represents the inner life, while the neck symbolizes outward actions. This dual imagery calls believers to align their inner convictions with their external behaviors.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we practically "bind" God's wisdom upon our hearts in today's world?

2. In what ways can the imagery of tying wisdom around our necks influence our daily decisions and interactions with others?

3. How does the concept of internalizing God's commandments in Proverbs 6:21 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that God's wisdom is a continuous presence in our lives?

5. How can we teach and model the importance of God's wisdom to the next generation, as suggested by the parental context in Proverbs 6?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:6-9
This passage emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments close to one's heart and teaching them diligently to one's children, similar to the binding and tying imagery in Proverbs 6:21.

Proverbs 3:3
This verse also uses the imagery of binding mercy and truth around one's neck, reinforcing the idea of internalizing and living out God's wisdom.

Colossians 3:16
Encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly within them, paralleling the concept of binding wisdom to one's heart.