Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 7:2

ESV keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;
NIV Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
NASB Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
CSB Keep my commands and live, and guard my instructions as you would the pupil of your eye.
NLT Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
KJV Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
NKJV Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.

What does Proverbs 7:2 mean?

Jesus said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4). Solomon connected his commandments to life. His son would experience a significant life if he obeyed Solomon's commandments. As with other statements in the book of Proverbs, this is a statement of general truth, not an absolute guarantee. This is similar to how a doctor might say, "eat healthier and you will live longer."

Sinners receive eternal life by responding in faith to what God's Word says about Jesus: that He is the Son of God and the only Savior (John 3:36; Romans 10:9–10; 1 Timothy 1:15). Also, abundant life is offered to all who believe on Jesus (John 10:10).

Solomon also urges his son to guard these teachings as the "apple of [his] eye." This comes from the Hebrew term i'son, referring to the pupil: the center of the eye. This is a highly sensitive and an extremely valuable part of the body. When a threatening object approaches the eyes, the eyelids close quickly to protect the pupils. Guarding our lives from evil by keeping God's Word is essential.
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