Proverbs 6 Warnings Against Folly

After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare pr 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (pr 6:20-35) resumes the warnings against incontinence, pointing out its certain and terrible results. This train of thought seems to intimate the kindred of these vices

1,2

if — The condition extends through both verses. be surety — art pledged. stricken... hand — bargained (compare Job 17:3). with a stranger — that is, for a friend (compare Pr 11:15; 17:18).

3

come... friend — in his power. humble... sure thy friend — urge as a suppliant; that is, induce the friend to provide otherwise for his debt, or secure the surety.

4,5

The danger requires promptness.

6-8

The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

9,10

Their conduct graphically described;

11

and the fruits of their self-indulgence and indolence presented. as... travelleth — literally, "one who walks backwards and forwards," that is, a highwayman. armed man — that is, one prepared to destroy.

12

A naughty person — literally, "A man of Belial," or of worthlessness, that is, for good, and so depraved, or wicked (compare 1Sa 25:25; 30:22, &c.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (Pr 4:24).

13,14

If, for fear of detection, he does not speak, he uses signs to carry on his intrigues. These signs are still so used in the East.

14

Frowardness — as in Pr 2:14. deviseth — literally, "constructs, as an artisan." mischief — evil to others. discord — especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.

15

Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pr 6:11; 29:1). calamity — literally, "a crushing weight." broken — shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Ps 2:9).

16-19

six... seven — a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).

17

proud look — literally, "eyes of loftiness" (Ps 131:1). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.

19

speaketh — literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Ps 27:12; Ac 9:1).

20-23

(Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).

22

it — (compare Pr 6:23); denotes the instruction of parents (Pr 6:20), to which all the qualities of a safe guide and guard and ready teacher are ascribed. It prevents the ingress of evil by supplying good thoughts, even in dreams (Pr 3:21-23; Ps 19:9; 2Pe 1:19).

23

reproofs — (Pr 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.

24

A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.

25

One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty. take — or, "ensnare." eyelids — By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

26

The supplied words give a better sense than the old version: "The price of a whore is a piece of bread." adulteress — (Compare Margin), which the parallel and context (Pr 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Pr 5:9-12. will hunt — alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Pr 7:6-8). precious life — more valuable than all else.

27-29

The guilt and danger most obvious.

30,31

Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

31

sevenfold — (compare Ex 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Ge 4:24; Mt 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.

32

lacketh understanding — or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.

33

dishonour — or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pr 3:35). reproach... away — No restitution will suffice;

34,35

nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted. regard — or, "accept" any ransom.