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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/7-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/20_Pro_07_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 7:2 - Warnings about the Adulteress" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/7-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/7-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm" title="Proverbs 7:1">◄</a> Proverbs 7:2 <a href="/proverbs/7-3.htm" title="Proverbs 7:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, And keep my teaching <i>and</i> law as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commands and live, and guard my instructions as you would the pupil of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commands and live; protect my teachings as the pupil of your eye. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live; And my law as the apple of thine eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Obey me, and you will live! Let my instructions be your greatest treasure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Obey my commands so that you may live. Follow my teachings just as you protect the pupil of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do what I say, and you will live. Be as careful to follow my teaching as you are to protect your eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep my commands and you'll live. Guard my teaching as you do your eyesight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commands so that you may live, and obey my instruction as your most prized possession. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live. Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thy eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep my commands, and live, "" And my law as the pupil of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Keep my commands, and live, And my law as the pupil of thine eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Watch my commands, and live; and my law as the pupil of thine eyes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments, and thou shalt live: and my law as the apple of thy eye: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Son, preserve my commandments, and you shall live. And keep my law as the pupil of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commands and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />keep my commandments and live, keep my teachings as the apple of your eye;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, and my law as the pupil of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, and my law like the pupil of the eye.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of thine eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />keep my commandments, and thou shalt live; and <i>keep</i> my words as the pupils of <i>thine</i> eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/7-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1140" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/7.htm">Warnings about the Adulteress</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šə·mōr (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">Keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: miṣ·wō·ṯay (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">my commandments</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: weḥ·yêh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">and live;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: wə·ṯō·w·rā·ṯî (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">guard my teachings</a> <a href="/hebrew/380.htm" title="380: kə·’î·šō·wn (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- The pupil (of the eye). Diminutive from 'iysh; the little man of the eye; the pupil or ball; hence, the middle.">as the apple</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·ne·ḵā (N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">of your eye.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Tie them to your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-9</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. / Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a></span><br />I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22-25</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-97.htm">Psalm 119:97</a></span><br />Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-10.htm">John 15:10</a></span><br />If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Psalm 119:9</a></span><br />How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-3.htm">1 John 2:3-5</a></span><br />By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. / But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a></span><br />This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Psalm 19:7-11</a></span><br />The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Psalm 1:1-3</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of your eye.</p><p class="hdg">keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-13.htm">Proverbs 4:13</a></b></br> Take fast hold of instruction; let <i>her</i> not go: keep her; for she <i>is</i> thy life.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/18-5.htm">Leviticus 18:5</a></b></br> Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a></b></br> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, <i>even</i> the sure mercies of David.</p><p class="hdg">as the </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a></b></br> He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a></b></br> Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Apple</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-13.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-25.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Light</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-4.htm">Live</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">Pupil</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-23.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/psalms/132-12.htm">Teachings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/2-3.htm">Apple</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-9.htm">Light</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Live</a> <a href="/luke/6-40.htm">Pupil</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Rules</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/daniel/9-10.htm">Teachings</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Solomon persuades to a sincere and kind familiarity with wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-6.htm">In an example of his own experience he shows</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-10.htm">the cunning of a harlot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">and the desperate simplicity of a young wanton</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/7-24.htm">He detests such wickedness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Keep my commandments and live;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments as a means of obtaining life. In the biblical context, "life" often refers not only to physical well-being but also to spiritual vitality and eternal life. The call to "keep" suggests a diligent and active effort to adhere to God's laws. This echoes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to the law was central (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-15.htm">Deuteronomy 30:15-16</a>). The idea of commandments leading to life is also seen in the New Testament, where Jesus affirms the importance of keeping God's commandments (<a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>). The connection between obedience and life is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the belief that true life is found in alignment with God's will.<p><b>guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.</b><br>The phrase "apple of your eye" is a metaphor for something precious and to be protected. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the eye was considered one of the most sensitive and valuable parts of the body, symbolizing careful protection and value. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe God's care for His people (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a>). The call to "guard" suggests vigilance and careful attention, indicating that the teachings of wisdom are to be treasured and protected from corruption or neglect. This reflects the broader biblical theme of wisdom as a precious gift from God, to be sought after and preserved (<a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>). The teachings here can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and whose words are to be cherished and followed (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_father/speaker.htm">The Father/Speaker</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the speaker often takes on the role of a father figure imparting wisdom to a son or young person, emphasizing the importance of adhering to wisdom and instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_son/listener.htm">The Son/Listener</a></b><br>Represents the recipient of wisdom, often depicted as a young person or disciple who is encouraged to embrace and live by the teachings provided.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_apple_of_your_eye.htm">The Apple of Your Eye</a></b><br>A metaphorical expression used to describe something precious and highly valued, indicating the importance of guarding wisdom and commandments.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes, focusing on practical and moral teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_obedience.htm">The Value of Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God's commandments is not just a duty but a path to life. Embracing God's teachings leads to spiritual vitality and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_wisdom.htm">Guarding Wisdom</a></b><br>Just as we protect our physical eyes from harm, we should diligently guard the wisdom and teachings of God. This involves active engagement and prioritization of God's Word in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_preciousness_of_god's_word.htm">The Preciousness of God's Word</a></b><br>Viewing God's commandments as the "apple of your eye" suggests they should be cherished and held in the highest regard. This perspective encourages us to meditate on and internalize Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_by_god's_commandments.htm">Living by God's Commandments</a></b><br>The call to "live" by keeping commandments implies that true life, both abundant and eternal, is found in adherence to God's ways. This challenges us to align our daily actions with biblical principles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_avoid_casting_pearls_before_swine.htm">Why did Jesus advise against casting pearls before swine?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_finds_joy_in_humility_and_virtue.htm">Who finds true happiness in humility and righteousness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_7_and_john_8_1-11_compare.htm">How does Proverbs 7’s cautionary message align or conflict with the theme of grace and redemption found in John 8:1–11? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_missing_artifacts_challenge_deut._6_9.htm">Does the historical absence of artifacts confirming the widespread practice of placing God’s laws on doorposts (Deuteronomy 6:9) challenge the chapter’s literal reliability? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Keep</span> <span class="cmt_word">my commandments, and live</span> (see on Proverbs 4:4). <span class="cmt_word">As the apple of thine eye</span>; literally, <span class="accented">the little man</span> (<span class="accented">ishon</span>, diminutive of <span class="accented">ish</span>) <span class="accented">of the eye</span>; so called from the miniature reflection of objects seen in the pupil, specially of the person who looks into another's eye. It is a proverbial expression for anything particularly precious and liable to be injured unless guarded with scrupulous care (comp. <a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a>, <a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a>). Similarly the Greeks called this organ <span class="greek">κόρη</span>, "damsel" or "puppet," and the Latin, <span class="accented">pupilla.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/7-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Keep</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמֹ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(šə·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my commandments</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְוֺתַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·wō·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and live;</span><br /><span class="heb">וֶחְיֵ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(weḥ·yêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><br /><span class="word">guard my teachings</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝תוֹרָתִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṯō·w·rā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the apple</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאִישׁ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’î·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_380.htm">Strong's 380: </a> </span><span class="str2">The little man of the eye, the pupil, ball, the middle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of your eye.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commandments and live! 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