1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, [if] thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
3 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.
4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
5 Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
14 Frowardness [is] in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
16 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck.
22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when] thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
23 For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:
24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26 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.
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
30 [Men] do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
31 But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
32 [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
34 For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 6
Proverbs Chapter 6 offers practical wisdom and moral guidance, addressing various themes such as the consequences of laziness, the dangers of deceit, and the importance of integrity. The chapter serves as a reminder of the ethical standards expected in daily life and the repercussions of failing to adhere to them.
Key Themes
- Warning Against Laziness:
The chapter begins with a strong admonition against slothfulness, encouraging individuals to observe the industriousness of the ant.
- Consequences of Debt:
It warns against becoming surety for another’s debts, highlighting the potential pitfalls of financial irresponsibility.
- Deceit and Wickedness:
The text outlines the characteristics of a wicked person, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity.
- Importance of Wisdom:
Wisdom is portrayed as a protective force, guiding individuals away from harmful behaviors and decisions.
Detailed Analysis
1. Warning Against Laziness (Verses 6-11)
In these verses, the author uses the ant as an example of diligence and hard work. The call to observe the ant serves to illustrate the virtues of preparation and industriousness. The passage states:
- Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.
- It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
This metaphor emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and the consequences of procrastination, warning that laziness leads to poverty and lack.
2. Consequences of Debt (Verses 1-5)
Here, the text addresses the issue of becoming a guarantor for someone else’s debt. The advice is to avoid such commitments if possible, as they can lead to personal financial ruin. The verses suggest:
- Deliver yourself from the obligation as soon as possible.
- Act quickly to free yourself from the potential consequences of another’s irresponsibility.
This section underscores the importance of financial prudence and the potential dangers of entangling oneself in others’ financial affairs.
3. Characteristics of the Wicked (Verses 12-15)
These verses describe the traits of a wicked person, including deceitfulness and a lack of integrity. The text lists behaviors that are condemned:
- A person who is a troublemaker and a villain.
- One who spreads strife and discord.
- Those who lie and have a false tongue.
The consequences of such behavior are dire, as the passage warns that calamity will come upon the wicked suddenly, illustrating the inevitability of justice.
4. The Importance of Wisdom (Verses 20-23)
In this section, the author emphasizes the value of wisdom and instruction, encouraging readers to keep their teachings close. The verses suggest:
- Bind them upon your heart.
- Teach them to your children.
Wisdom is portrayed as a guiding light, providing direction and protection against the pitfalls of life. The emphasis on teaching wisdom to future generations highlights its enduring importance.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 6 serves as a rich source of practical wisdom, addressing critical aspects of daily life, including work ethic, financial responsibility, integrity, and the pursuit of wisdom. The chapter encourages readers to reflect on their actions and decisions, promoting a life characterized by diligence, honesty, and moral fortitude.
