Proverbs 6

CHAPTER 6

Proverbs 6:1-35 . After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Proverbs 6:6-8 ), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer ( Proverbs 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 Proverbs 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 . . . travellerh--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 1 Samuel 25:25 , 30:22 , &c.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech ( Proverbs 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 Proverbs 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 Proverbs 6:11 , Proverbs 29:1 ).
calamity--literally, "a crushing weight."
broken--shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed ( Psalms 2:9 ).

16-19. six . . . seven--a mode of speaking to arrest attention ( Proverbs 30:15 Proverbs 30:18 , Job 5:19 ).

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

19. speaketh--literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks ( Psalms 27:12 , Acts 9:1 ).

20-23. (Compare Proverbs 1:8 , 3:3 , &c.).

22. it--(compare Proverbs 6:23 ); denotes the instruction of parents ( Proverbs 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 ( Proverbs 3:21-23 , Psalms 19:9 , 2 Peter 1:19 ).

23. reproofs--( Proverbs 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 ( Proverbs 6:29-35 ) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Proverbs 5:9-12 .
will hunt--alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Proverbs 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 Exodus 22:1-4 ), for many, ample (compare Genesis 4:24 , Matthew 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 ( Proverbs 3:35 ).
reproach . . . away--No restitution will suffice;

34, 35. nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.
regard--or, "accept" any ransom.