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They Will Talk With You

If you are like me, the word “commandment” does not always sit well.  In general, I really don’t like the thought of living under a bunch of commandments or being commanded to do something.  On top of that, if I start thinking about the consequences of breaking a commandment, I struggle all the more.  Perhaps my rebellious nature is coming though here!

If, even remotely, you identify with me, I have some good news!  Commandments are actually meant to talk with us and such conversations are for our good!  This particular verse seems to give credence to that:  “When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”  (Prov 6:22)

The “they” are commandments and teachings and they are supposed to lead us, watch over us and talk with us.

Here’s more of the context to the verse:  “My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.  Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.  When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”  (Prov 6:20-22)

This binding of the commands and teachings on your heart and tying them around your neck paints a picture of a person who is meditating on and considering all that the words mean.  This person is so dedicated to the instruction provided by the commands and teachings that they are the first things that come to the person’s mind upon waking and what occupies the person in most of their waking moments. 

While our parents’ commands and teachings might be wise, they are not, in and of themselves, perfect.  However, if they mirror the truths of Scripture, then such commands from our parents could be as close to perfect as is possible.

In that regard, such commands and teachings function similarly as the Word of God as described in the book of Hebrews:  “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  (Heb 4:12)

Living and active, sharp, piercing, discerning…sure looks to me like there is great potential for some serious, but good, talking going on!

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