Topical Bible: Truth: Bind, Around the Neck

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In the biblical context, the concept of binding truth around one's neck is a vivid metaphor that underscores the importance of internalizing and constantly remembering divine wisdom and commandments. This imagery is primarily drawn from the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the book of Proverbs, which emphasizes the value of truth and wisdom as guiding principles for a righteous life.

Proverbs 3:3-4 :
"Let kindness and truth never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man."

In this passage, the act of binding truth around the neck symbolizes making truth an integral part of one's life, much like wearing a necklace that is always visible and close to the heart. The neck, being a central and visible part of the body, represents the idea that truth should be evident in one's actions and character. The parallel instruction to "write them on the tablet of your heart" further emphasizes the need for truth to be deeply ingrained in one's inner being, affecting thoughts, decisions, and behaviors.

The metaphor of binding truth around the neck also suggests a protective and guiding function. Just as a necklace can be a cherished and protective adornment, truth serves as a safeguard against moral and spiritual pitfalls. It acts as a constant reminder of God's commandments and the ethical standards expected of believers.

Proverbs 6:20-21 :
"My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck."

Here, the parental teachings, which are rooted in divine truth, are to be bound around the neck, indicating their perpetual presence and influence in one's life. This reinforces the idea that truth is not merely an abstract concept but a practical guide that should be adhered to consistently.

The conservative Christian perspective holds that truth, as revealed in Scripture, is absolute and unchanging. Binding truth around the neck is thus seen as an act of commitment to living according to God's will, reflecting His character in one's daily life. It is a call to uphold biblical truth in a world that often challenges or distorts it.

In the New Testament, while the specific phrase "bind around the neck" is not used, the principle of living by truth is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Believers are encouraged to embody truth in their lives, as seen in passages like Ephesians 6:14, where truth is described as part of the "armor of God," symbolizing its protective and foundational role in the Christian life.

Overall, the biblical exhortation to bind truth around the neck serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of truth in the life of a believer, calling for a visible and unwavering commitment to God's word and His righteous standards.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 3:3
Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them on the table of your heart:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The People's Christ
... of the people, and ought to bind their souls in ... of heaven were elect, cannot deny
the truth proclaimed in ... thought, like a necklace of diamonds, around the neck ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

Christ is All
... And bind the gospel to my heart.". ... mine we may each be enabled to say of a truth,
"Christ is ... instead of finding these riches help him, they hang around his neck ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/christ is all.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... ought to dress neatly, and bind themselves around with the ... But the nobility of truth,
discovered in the native ... to protect [1686] their locks, and bind up their ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Psalm CXLIX.
... stretched himself: Christ touched him; and the sweetness of truth sounded ... "That they
may bind their kings ... it is said of wisdom, "a collar of gold around thy neck ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlix.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... it might have been any of these friends around me on ... in their presence, they know
too well what the truth is ever ... him, and get a grip of the gospel, bind it to ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

"The Fruit of the Spirit is Love"
... truth and we forget God's command to speak the truth in love ... We want not only love
that is to bind us to ... let her lean against her, with her arms around the poor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/the fruit of the spirit.htm

The Bible
... he might put the stars around his wrist for bracelets, and bind the suns around
his brow ... their blunted shafts to shoot them at the shield of truth again. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the bible.htm

Letter i. To Innocent.
... an attempt was made to elicit the truth by torture ... alone the torturer had been unable
to bind, and while ... hymns, [7] instead of weeping, and around whose turbans ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter i to innocent.htm

"Jesus Says So. "
... of producing impatience and unkindness, seemed to bind each one ... be here noticed:
this was her love of truth. ... "Around the throne of God in heaven, Thousands of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/jesus says so/jesus says so.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... the most distant points, cast her rays all around on those ... them as those who are
said to bind the captives ... images, and such like idols, may with truth be said ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm