God’s Word Guides

Yael Eckstein  |  January 23, 2026

They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck. — Proverbs 1:9

We share devotional thoughts from the Book of Proverbs every Friday. One of the 11 books in the Torah known as the Ketuvim, Hebrew for “writings,” Proverbs is part of the “wisdom tradition,” which also includes Job and Ecclesiastes.

One of the lesser-known practices in Judaism is called levayah, which means “escorting.” After we host guests in our home, we are required to accompany them out through our door and beyond.

In earlier generations, a host would often walk guests part of the way to their home or even all the way. While our roads are mainly safe today, for most of history, traveling could be dangerous. When a host escorted his guests, he was both expressing his affection for them and also ensuring their safety. Today, when we escort our guests, it lets them know that they are cared for and loved.

I have fond memories of my grandfather, who was scrupulous with this observance, walking us out of his home and accompanying us to our car. He would stand outside in all kinds of weather waving and watching over us as we pulled out of the driveway until he could no longer see our car.

In Proverbs, we read that the words of God “are a garland to grace your head…” However, in Hebrew, this verse tells us that God’s words are a levayah, an escort, “to grace your head.” The Jewish sages explained that when a person has no choice but to travel alone, the Word of God is our escort. God’s Word accompanies us, protects us, and guides us wherever we go.

While it’s wonderful to have companions who walk beside us and escort us through life, there are times when we are alone. Moreover, many people—such as widows, orphans, and others—find themselves alone most of the time. It can be difficult to be on our own, but this verse teaches us that we are never alone with God’s Word by our side.

The Bible is our life-long companion. Its teachings are our guide. Its messages, a source of love. When there is no one to show us the way, God’s Word will direct us. When there is no one to help us maneuver through the dangers of life, the Bible will protect us.

Just as a garland surrounds a head, the words of the Bible surround our soul, and with God’s Word, we are escorted on our journey through life protected, directed, and loved.

Take a Moment:

As International Holocaust Remembrance Day nears, we honor the victims, stand with Israel and the Jewish people, and invite you to learn more by downloading our booklet, Never Forget, Never Again.