Matthew Henry Commentary Deuteronomy 6:6-16

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. And it shall be, when Jehovah thy God shall bring thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee, great and goodly cities, which thou buildest not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and cisterns hewn out, which thou hewedst not, vineyards and olive-trees, which thou plantedst not, and thou shalt eat and be full; then beware lest thou forget Jehovah, who brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear Jehovah thy God; and him shalt thou serve, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples that are round about you; for Jehovah thy God in the midst of thee is a jealous God; lest the anger of Jehovah thy God be kindled against thee, and he destroy thee from off the face of the earth. Ye shall not tempt Jehovah your God, as ye tempted him in Massah." — Deuteronomy 6:6-16 (ASV)

Here are means for maintaining and nurturing religion in our hearts and homes.

1. Meditation. God's words must be laid up in our hearts, so that our thoughts may be daily engaged with them.

2. The religious education of children. Often repeat these things to them. Be careful and exact in teaching your children. Teach these truths to all who are in any way under your care.

3. Pious discourse. You shall talk of these things with due reverence and seriousness, for the benefit not only of your children, but also of your servants, your friends, and companions. Take all occasions to discuss with those around you, not of matters of doubtful disputation, but of the plain truths and laws of God, and the things that belong to our peace.

4. Frequent reading of the word. God appointed them to write sentences of the law upon their walls and in scrolls of parchment to be worn about their wrists. This seems to have been binding in its letter to the Jews, as it is to us in its intent; which is that we should by all means make the word of God familiar to us, so that we may have it ready to use on all occasions, to restrain us from sin and direct us in duty.

We must never be ashamed to acknowledge our religion, nor to acknowledge ourselves under its discipline and authority.

Here is a caution not to forget God in a time of prosperity and plenty. When people receive gifts easily, they are prone to become complacent and forgetful of the Giver.

Therefore, be careful when you lie safe and comfortable, lest you forget the Lord. When the world smiles, we are prone to seek its favor and expect our happiness in it, and so we forget Him who is our only portion and rest.

Great care and caution are needed at such a time. Therefore, beware; being warned of your danger, stand on your guard.

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God; neither by despairing of His power and goodness while we remain in the path of our duty, nor by presuming upon it when we turn aside from that path.