What does Proverbs 7:2 mean?
"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye." - Proverbs 7:2

Proverbs 7:2 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye." This verse is part of the Book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and wisdom literature attributed to King Solomon, considered one of the wisest men in the Bible. The Book of Proverbs is primarily concerned with imparting wisdom for living a righteous and successful life.
The verse begins with the command to "Keep my commandments, and live." This is a direct call to obedience to God's laws and commandments. The word "keep" implies careful adherence and observance of God's instructions. The reward for keeping God's commandments is life itself. This "life" can be understood in both a physical and spiritual sense. In a physical sense, obedience to God's laws can lead to a long and prosperous life. In a spiritual sense, it can lead to eternal life and fellowship with God.
The second part of the verse states, "and my law as the apple of thine eye." The phrase "apple of thine eye" is an idiom that refers to something cherished, beloved, and of utmost importance. In this context, it signifies the value and significance of God's law in the life of the believer. The apple of the eye is the pupil, the most sensitive part of the human eye, and it needs to be protected at all costs. Similarly, God's law needs to be guarded and treasured in the heart of the believer.
The broader context of Proverbs 7 is a warning against the allure of temptation and the consequences of giving in to seduction. The "strange woman" is described as persuasive and enticing, seeking to lead the young man astray. In this light, the command to keep God's commandments and law as the apple of one's eye can be seen as a safeguard against the temptations of the world. By obeying God's laws and cherishing them, one can resist the seductive lures of sin and live a righteous and fulfilling life.
One of the central themes of Proverbs 7:2 is obedience to God's commandments. The Book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of living a life of righteousness and wisdom, which can only be achieved through adherence to God's laws. Obedience to God's commandments is portrayed as the key to a blessed and fulfilling life. It is not merely a matter of following rules, but a demonstration of reverence, trust, and love for God.
Another theme in this verse is the value of God's law. Describing it as the "apple of thine eye" signifies its irreplaceable worth and the necessity of preserving it. The believer is called to hold God's law in the highest regard, to cherish and protect it from being tarnished or corrupted by the influences of the world. The law is not to be treated casually or taken for granted, but to be esteemed and valued as the very source of wisdom and guidance.
Symbolically, the "apple of thine eye" can also be interpreted as a reflection of God's watchful care and affection for His people. In the natural world, the eye is a vulnerable and delicate organ, and the apple of the eye is vital for clear vision and protection. Likewise, God's law serves as a guide and a shield for the believer, providing clarity and protection in a world full of moral pitfalls and dangers.
In conclusion, Proverbs 7:2 serves as a call to obedience and reverence for God's commandments. It emphasizes the crucial role of God's law in guiding and protecting the believer from the enticements of sin. By cherishing and upholding God's law as the apple of one's eye, the believer can experience the abundant life that comes from walking in righteousness and wisdom. This verse carries a timeless message that resonates with believers, urging them to prioritize God's commandments and live in accordance with His will.
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Proverbs 7:2 - "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
"Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye." - Proverbs 7:2
Proverbs 2:7 - "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly."
Proverbs 2:6-7 - "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Proverbs 7:26
Proverbs 11:7
proverbs 21 7
Proverbs 7:26-27
"He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly." - Proverbs 2:7
Proverbs 7:7 - "And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,"
Proverbs 6:7 - "Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,"
Proverbs 7:9 - "In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:"
Proverbs 2:2
Proverbs 7:19 - "For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:"
Proverbs 12:7 - "The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand."
Proverbs 22:7 - "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Proverbs 26:7 - "The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools."
Proverbs 10:7 - "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
Proverbs 29:7 - "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."
Proverbs 1:7 - "¶ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 7:11 - "(She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:"
Proverbs 7:10 - "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart."
Proverbs 15:7 - "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."
Proverbs 7:27 - "Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."
Proverbs 7:17 - "I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon."
Proverbs 7:6 - "¶ For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,"
Proverbs 18:7 - "A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."
Proverbs 8:7 - "For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips."
Proverbs 7:12 - "Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)"
Proverbs 3:7 - "¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."