Proverbs 6:16-24 – “There are six things that the Lord hates,
even seven things that are an abomination to him: ¹⁷ haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift to run to evil, ¹⁹ a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who spreads discord among family members.  ²⁰ My child, guard the commands of your father and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.  ²¹ Bind them on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck.  ²² When you walk about, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you wake up, they will talk to you.  ²³ For the commandments are like a lamp, instruction is like a light, and rebukes of discipline are like the road leading to life, ²⁴ by keeping you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the loose woman.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, Proverbs 6 became my cause to pause and muse.   In verses 16-19, we have a list of seven things God hates.  The list is pretty encompassing, and most can identify some areas of need.   I would go through them, but they are not my primary focus, although they are worthy of examination.  (I encourage you to do that.)

Beginning in verse 20, the reminder of the value of godly parenting and our obedience to God’s precepts takes center stage.   In verse 21, the instruction is, “Bind them on your heart continually; fasten them around your neck.” There are many possibilities in this, but what leaped out at me was diligently embracing the godly life teachings of applying the precepts of God’s Word to our lives.  Keep them so alive in the heart and mind that they are like a necklace or headband, constantly apparent.

In verses 22-23, there is the benefit or result of that action, condition, and position.

• They will guide you when you walk about (go through your day).

They become our spiritual GPS.  The Word is a lamp and light to illuminate our path.

• When you lie down to sleep, they will watch over you.

Think about that – having God’s Word and godly life instructions, the guiding factor in our lives, builds a canopy of protection administered by the angels even when we sleep.  God’s precepts, obeyed and embraced, become our fortress of defense.  Not only protected but instructed in our sleep.

• When you wake up, they will talk to you.

Wow!  That gives a whole new level to self-talk.  Let your conscience be your guide is visualized in this.  When God’s precepts (Word) are hidden or embedded in our hearts, they continually speak to us and give us the reasoning ability to discern right from wrong and provide the pathway to wisdom.

Having God’s Word and godly life instructions deeply ingrained in us guides us, guards us, and encourages us.  Our conscience is equipped to talk us through every encounter.  God’s Word speaks as we read and hear it read.

Also, the Word in us talks to us from the time we get up until we go to sleep, and then it protects us.  What a promise and provision.  What a motivation to fill our hearts and minds with the Word and embrace the godly life instructions given.  What a motivation to teach children the Ways of God.

God gives us the plan and pattern for living in peace, power, provision, and fullness.  Having it is up to us.  How much do we want it, and how much effort will we put in to have it?  Victory is promised, and possessing it is our responsibility.

Have a Great Day in Jesus; you are an Overcomer!