Proverb for the Day 6:21-22 - Thinking Good, Looking Good!

21 Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

This chapter is a series of warnings about bad choices, the last half (:20-35) addressing the issue of immoral behavior. Dad says to his son (:20) “father’s command” and “mother’s teaching” (:20) will offer appropriate insights for good choices – if we’re paying attention.

In verse 21, we’re told to receive their directions by “binding them always on your heart” (see also 3:3; 7:3). “Bind…on the heart” is mentioned first and suggests something on the inside – our daily thoughts and attitudes are supposed to be connected to what they have shared with us.

“Always” suggests not a single act but a way of life.

“Fasten them around your neck” (see also 1:8; 3:3) suggests something on the outside – what we’ve first internalized should also be evident to others in our daily actions and activities.

This neck-fastening is not negative – like a noose – although some “sons” would tend to think of any parental direction that way! Instead it should be seen as an attractive piece of jewelry – a necklace that enhances our appearance.

Staying connected with insights we receive from good people who have our best interest at heart will set us up to think and choose right on the inside (heart – attitude) and consequently empower to right behaviors and actions which sets us up for success on the outside (neck – actions).