Weekly Devotional 20th of February, 2026
by Bruce Billington
Weekly Devotional 20th of February, 2026
In this session, we will continue to look at Proverbs Chapter Seven.
Proverbs 7:1-4 – “My son, keep my words, and treasure my commandments within you. 2 Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend.”
These verses, spoken by Solomon, remind us that in the early chapters the author personifies wisdom, as if she were speaking to us and urging us to embrace “her” as a sister. Although these great verses are followed by a warning against adultery, which I will briefly address, I also want us to consider them on their own merits, as they have much to tell us. Regarding adultery, the following, greatly assisted by the POSB, is worthy of consideration.
Regarding adultery, one of the most enticing temptations faced by most people is sexual immorality. The reason is obvious: As human beings, one of the strongest drives of our nature is sexual desire. Sex is even the means God chose to propagate the human race. But He established the bond of marriage—husband and wife—to create the family and to provide a secure and godly environment in which children (each future generation) could be reared. For this reason, we—both adults and children—must do everything we can to protect ourselves from adultery, which causes irreparable harm in any relationship (POSB).
Now we will place these verses in a wider context.
It is recognised that at the very core of every human being, there is a preference for foolishness rather than wisdom. If left to our own devices, we seek out alternatives and schemes rather than living in the fear of God as God designed us to. But as is obvious from observing others’ habits, these schemes do not yield long-term profitability.
Only the one who lives in the fear of God avoids being ensnared by foolishness and is characterised by the kind of righteousness that pleases God.
Understanding this, throughout the Proverbs, Solomon pleads with his son to hear, assimilate, and live by his parents’ teaching. This instruction includes the father’s words, commands, and teachings. Because these were expressions of godly wisdom, his son was implored to keep, store up, and guard them like a treasure. If he did so, he would enjoy a full and meaningful life. When we walk in the way of the Word of God, we will be protected from evil. The commandments of wisdom will not “keep” us from evil if we do not “keep” the commandments of wisdom.
In verse 2, he is told to make the teaching the “apple of your eye.” The phrase “apple of your eye” refers to someone or something cherished, beloved, or highly valued. It originated in a time when the “apple” meant the pupil of the eye, emphasising the idea of something precious and worthy of protection. It also referred to the centre, meaning the main point of focus. These commandments must be especially dear to a person if they are to protect them from evil.
Verse 3 says he must bind them on his fingers and write them on the tablet of his heart. This is a call to be steadfast and loyal to the Word of God. Loyalty is necessary to profit from the Word. We must not forsake it in times of temptation, or we will suffer dire consequences.
In verse 4, Solomon charges his son to treat wisdom as his sister. In those times, a brother held a strong affection for his sister. So here we have a figure of speech that turns the wisdom of the Word of God into a source of strong affection. Affection for a sister is enduring, meaning that our passion for wisdom or God’s Word must be strong and enduring if it is to protect us from evil.
God bless you.