Proverbs

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NASB	Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; And reproofs for discipline are the way of life
AMPLIFIED 2015 2015	Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life, [Ps 19:8; 119:105]

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Bible Question: Proverbs 6:23- For the commandment is alamp And the law light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life.

In my bible the translation links the teaching of the father to the mother. The instruction should be bound about one's heart and neck, a constant companion and a trusted guide - just like God's law. lamp...light: compare ps. 119:105
Okay, I really haven't a clue what a light and lamp have to do with the mother's instruction being bound around one's heart...is the mother the light and the father the lamp in the our world family (mom, dad, kids)? I always the thought that God was the light and the lamp was scripture??
Help! I am trying to change my life bt doing what he says from this day forward. I certainly don't want to get it wrong as God has spared me far too many times to get it right!!!!
Thank you in advance for any insight!

Bible Answer: Hi Halo, I am glad for your question, I have been out of town so there was a slight delay in answering.
In Proverbs 6, the commandment is a lamp. The author of the Proverb is using 'lamp' as a simile, or a metaphor for 'commandment'.
In John 8:12. Jesus uses light as a metaphor for Himself:
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
So, you see metaphors are used as symbols of speech that point to something which is realistic.

I am glad that you brought up Psa 119. One exercise for you to try, is to go back and re-read Psa 119 in its entirety, and count how many verses do NOT mention God's commands. -Laws, precepts included, they are essentially the same thing.

Now, back to verse 105.
Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Think of it like this:
His Word is a lamp for the feet.
This is like a lamp in the window, meant to show the way for someone traveling at night, in order to find their way. This means the direction to point their feet in so they do not wander off and become lost. God's Word keeps your direction true, by way of guidance.

His Word is a light for the path.
This is like one that is walking through the woods at night, and a beam of light, (say from the moon) shines through and lights up the ground and exposes a trip hazard, such as a root sticking up, or a fallen branch. Now, God's Word is protecting you, and keeping you from stumbling as you pursue your way. This way your progress is not slowed, and you do not sustain injury.

The mother and father are important, but not the main players in God's scenario of salvation, because God does not have any grandchildren.

Blessings to you as you explore His Word.
keliy

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Proverbs

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