Proverbs 6 Study Notes

6:15 Suddenly implies surprise (24:22; Jos 10:9; Ec 9:12; Is 47:11). Instantly further emphasizes the speed of the destruction (Is 29:5-6; 30:13; cp. Jr 4:20). The last words are literally “there is no healing.”

6:16 On detestable, see note at 3:32.

6:17 Arrogant is literally “raised high.” It describes proud people who deny God’s authority (21:4; 30:13; cp. 2Kg 19:22; Ps 18:27; 131:1; Is 10:12; 37:23).

6:18 At the center of this list is the wicked heart. Cp. 1:16.

6:19 To be a lying witness and to give false testimony are the same; the two expressions are used for clarity (14:5; 19:5). On trouble, see note at v. 14.

6:20-24 Instruction that has been internalized sustains the person who faces moral challenges (Ps 119:11). While v. 21 refers to them, v. 22 literally says “she” will guide you, perhaps referring to the command or the teaching in v. 20 or to lady wisdom, a common personification of wisdom. The word for “guide” is the same as “leads” in Ps 23:3. Walking, lying down, and waking cover all aspects of daily life (Dt 6:7; Ps 139:2). On life, see note at 3:22; on wayward woman and flattering, see note at 2:16-17.

6:25 Sexual sin often begins with visual stimulation and eye contact (cp. Jms 1:14-16).

6:26 This verse is very difficult to translate. It may mean that the one who goes to a prostitute will eventually be left with only a loaf of bread, or that the one who goes to a prostitute is merely a meal ticket for her. This is not to excuse prostitution (1Co 6:15-20) but to illustrate the terrible penalty of adultery by way of comparison; the adulteress will destroy someone’s life.

6:27-29 These verses illustrate the inevitability of punishment. To go unpunished is a legal term meaning to be acquitted, declared innocent, pardoned, or released; to be set free from guilt, liability, or punishment (Ex 21:19; Nm 5:31). The basic meaning of the word is “to be pure, clean, or free.” To say that someone will not go unpunished is more emphatic than simply saying he will be punished (Pr 11:21; 16:5; 17:5; 19:5,9; 28:20; cp. Ex 34:7; 1Kg 2:9; Jr 25:29; 49:12).

6:30-33 A thief is guilty of a crime and must pay a severe penalty, but if there are mitigating circumstances he does not totally lose the respect of the community. Seven times is not literal here but is an expression that implies he must pay the full penalty, from twice to five times what he stole (Ex 22:1,7,9; cp. Lk 19:8); a repeat offender could go broke. An adulterer, on the other hand, suffers punishment plus complete, permanent disgrace. The person who brings this on himself lacks sense (lit “has no heart,” see note at 4:23; cp. 8:5)—he is brainless.

6:34-35 While a court can be satisfied when a fine is paid (v. 31), a jealous husband can never be satisfied (27:4; cp. Sg 8:6). On appeased, see “show partiality” in note at 18:5. Verse 35a can be translated, “He will not look favorably on any kind of ransom.” The bribes are “gifts” with strings attached to subvert justice (17:8,23; 21:14).