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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 2 - Verse 1

2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Meaning

When King Solomon speaks these words in Proverbs 2:1, he is offering wisdom to his son. The verse encourages the listener to not only hear and receive the words spoken but also to internalize and embody them in their life. By hiding God's commandments in your heart, you are choosing to guard and protect them, allowing them to shape your thoughts, actions, and decisions. This verse speaks to the importance of not just hearing the teachings of the Lord, but actively living them out in your daily life. It emphasizes the need for a deep, personal connection with God's word, storing it in your heart as a guide and a source of strength. By following this advice, one can experience the transformative power of God's teachings, leading to a life of wisdom, fulfillment, and spiritual growth.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Proverbs, the speaker is imparting wisdom to his son, urging him to not only hear his words but to internalize them and commit them to memory. The act of receiving the father's words signifies a willingness to accept them as truth and guidance for life. However, the real essence lies in the second part of the verse - "hide my commandments with thee." This phrase suggests not just superficially keeping the commandments in mind but deeply concealing and cherishing them in the heart. The concept of hiding the commandments implies treasuring, guarding, and living by them in a personal and intimate way. The Hebrew word for "hide" used in this verse can also denote protection and preservation, indicating the value placed on God's teachings. Thus, this verse challenges us to not only listen to wise counsel but to internalize and safeguard it in our souls as a precious treasure.

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