Proverbs 6 Commentary: Navigating Wisdom's Path
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 6, a continuation of Solomon's wise teachings to his son (or students), delves into practical areas of life, offering guidance on financial responsibility, diligence, the dangers of troublemaking, and the devastating consequences of sexual immorality. A central theme emerges: wise choices lead to favorable outcomes, while foolish decisions inevitably bring about hardship. Let's explore the depths of this chapter and uncover its timeless wisdom for our lives today.
Financial Prudence: Avoiding Entanglements (Proverbs 6:1-5)
Solomon begins by addressing the importance of financial responsibility, specifically warning against acting as surety for another's debt. This is akin to cosigning a loan today. While not forbidding all forms of lending or debt, the passage urges extreme caution. "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor; go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor" (Proverbs 6:1-3). Becoming entangled in another person's financial obligations can be a trap, leaving you vulnerable if they default. If you find yourself in such a situation, Solomon advises taking immediate action to extricate yourself, even if it requires humility and persistence. Don't rest until you escape the mess (Proverbs 6:4-5). This proactive approach underscores the importance of protecting your hard-earned resources.
The Ant and the Sluggard: A Lesson in Diligence (Proverbs 6:6-11)
Moving from financial entanglements, Solomon contrasts the diligent worker with the sluggard. He directs our attention to the humble ant as an example of industriousness: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8). Ants instinctively understand the principle of hard work and preparation, diligently gathering resources without needing supervision.
In stark contrast, the sluggard is characterized by laziness and procrastination. "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man" (Proverbs 6:9-11). The consequences of laziness are severe: poverty will overtake the sluggard as surely as a robber. This proverb highlights the importance of faithful stewardship over the domain God has entrusted to us, recognizing that laziness has no place among God's people. Understanding how God's universe works is second nature to them: if you want to eat, you have to work (Proverbs 6:8).
The Worthless Person and God's Abhorrence (Proverbs 6:12-19)
Solomon then turns his attention to the "worthless person," describing one who sows discord and stirs up trouble. "A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing" (Proverbs 6:12-15). This individual is characterized by deceptive speech, malicious intent, and a disregard for the well-being of others. Such a person doesn’t even consider his own future. He never asks himself, “Where is this path taking me?” As a result, calamity will strike him suddenly (Proverbs 6:15). The foolish person is always ultimately overtaken by the consequences of his own actions.
The passage then lists seven things that the Lord hates, all of which relate to our interactions with others: "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19). These include pride, dishonesty, violence, and the spreading of discord. Pride, or arrogant eyes (Proverbs 6:17), is first on God’s list. It’s the sin that led Satan to rebel against God and set up a rival kingdom. God's particular distaste for these sins underscores their destructive nature and the importance of cultivating humility, honesty, and love in our relationships. This is no minor matter because God responds to the unity of his people. That’s why the devil loves to split believers apart, knowing that the power of God among them will be hindered.
The Value of Parental Instruction (Proverbs 6:20-23)
Returning to the theme of instruction, Solomon emphasizes the importance of heeding parental guidance: "My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life" (Proverbs 6:20-23). Parental instruction serves as a guiding light, protecting us from danger and leading us on the path of wisdom. Tell him to wear your instruction like a necklace so that it will always be a present source of guidance (Proverbs 6:20-22).
The Dangers of Adultery (Proverbs 6:24-35)
The chapter concludes with a stark warning against adultery. Solomon vividly describes the allure and the devastating consequences of sexual immorality: "To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life. Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished" (Proverbs 6:24-29).
Solomon compares an illicit relationship to that of carrying fire next to the chest and to walking on hot coals. Both actions cause pain. Make no mistake: the one who sleeps with another man’s wife will not go unpunished (Proverbs 6:29). This is the Galatians 6:7 principle at work again, a reminder that you reap what you sow. The adulterer is described as senseless and self-destructive, risking his reputation, his wealth, and even his life. "He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy is the rage of a man, and he will not spare when he takes revenge" (Proverbs 6:32-34). The consequences are severe, bringing dishonor, disgrace, and potential violence.
Proverbs 6 offers practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By heeding its teachings on financial prudence, diligence, moral integrity, and sexual purity, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and walk on the path of wisdom, leading to a life of blessing and fulfillment.
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Proverbs 6, a continuation of Solomon's wise teachings to his son (or students), delves into practical areas of life, offering guidance on financial responsibility, diligence, the dangers of troublemaking, and the devastating consequences of sexual immorality. A central theme emerges: wise choices lead to favorable outcomes, while foolish decisions inevitably bring about hardship. Let's explore the depths of this chapter and uncover its timeless wisdom for our lives today.
Financial Prudence: Avoiding Entanglements (Proverbs 6:1-5)
Solomon begins by addressing the importance of financial responsibility, specifically warning against acting as surety for another's debt. This is akin to cosigning a loan today. While not forbidding all forms of lending or debt, the passage urges extreme caution. "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor; go, hasten, and plead urgently with your neighbor" (Proverbs 6:1-3). Becoming entangled in another person's financial obligations can be a trap, leaving you vulnerable if they default. If you find yourself in such a situation, Solomon advises taking immediate action to extricate yourself, even if it requires humility and persistence. Don't rest until you escape the mess (Proverbs 6:4-5). This proactive approach underscores the importance of protecting your hard-earned resources.
The Ant and the Sluggard: A Lesson in Diligence (Proverbs 6:6-11)
Moving from financial entanglements, Solomon contrasts the diligent worker with the sluggard. He directs our attention to the humble ant as an example of industriousness: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8). Ants instinctively understand the principle of hard work and preparation, diligently gathering resources without needing supervision.
In stark contrast, the sluggard is characterized by laziness and procrastination. "How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man" (Proverbs 6:9-11). The consequences of laziness are severe: poverty will overtake the sluggard as surely as a robber. This proverb highlights the importance of faithful stewardship over the domain God has entrusted to us, recognizing that laziness has no place among God's people. Understanding how God's universe works is second nature to them: if you want to eat, you have to work (Proverbs 6:8).
The Worthless Person and God's Abhorrence (Proverbs 6:12-19)
Solomon then turns his attention to the "worthless person," describing one who sows discord and stirs up trouble. "A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing" (Proverbs 6:12-15). This individual is characterized by deceptive speech, malicious intent, and a disregard for the well-being of others. Such a person doesn’t even consider his own future. He never asks himself, “Where is this path taking me?” As a result, calamity will strike him suddenly (Proverbs 6:15). The foolish person is always ultimately overtaken by the consequences of his own actions.
The passage then lists seven things that the Lord hates, all of which relate to our interactions with others: "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19). These include pride, dishonesty, violence, and the spreading of discord. Pride, or arrogant eyes (Proverbs 6:17), is first on God’s list. It’s the sin that led Satan to rebel against God and set up a rival kingdom. God's particular distaste for these sins underscores their destructive nature and the importance of cultivating humility, honesty, and love in our relationships. This is no minor matter because God responds to the unity of his people. That’s why the devil loves to split believers apart, knowing that the power of God among them will be hindered.
The Value of Parental Instruction (Proverbs 6:20-23)
Returning to the theme of instruction, Solomon emphasizes the importance of heeding parental guidance: "My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life" (Proverbs 6:20-23). Parental instruction serves as a guiding light, protecting us from danger and leading us on the path of wisdom. Tell him to wear your instruction like a necklace so that it will always be a present source of guidance (Proverbs 6:20-22).
The Dangers of Adultery (Proverbs 6:24-35)
The chapter concludes with a stark warning against adultery. Solomon vividly describes the allure and the devastating consequences of sexual immorality: "To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life. Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished" (Proverbs 6:24-29).
Solomon compares an illicit relationship to that of carrying fire next to the chest and to walking on hot coals. Both actions cause pain. Make no mistake: the one who sleeps with another man’s wife will not go unpunished (Proverbs 6:29). This is the Galatians 6:7 principle at work again, a reminder that you reap what you sow. The adulterer is described as senseless and self-destructive, risking his reputation, his wealth, and even his life. "He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy is the rage of a man, and he will not spare when he takes revenge" (Proverbs 6:32-34). The consequences are severe, bringing dishonor, disgrace, and potential violence.
Proverbs 6 offers practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By heeding its teachings on financial prudence, diligence, moral integrity, and sexual purity, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and walk on the path of wisdom, leading to a life of blessing and fulfillment.