Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 6

Introduction

CHAPTER 6

:-. 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 6:6-20.6.8- :) resumes the warnings against incontinence, pointing out its certain and terrible results. This train of thought seems to intimate the kindred of these vices.

Verse 1

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; Proverbs 17:18).

Verse 3

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.

Verse 4

4, 5. The danger requires promptness.

Verse 6

6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

Verse 9

9, 10. Their conduct graphically described;

Verse 11

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.

Verse 12

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; 1 Samuel 30:22, &c.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (1 Samuel 30:22- :).

Verse 13

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.

Verse 14

14. Frowardness—as in :-.

deviseth—literally, "constructs, as an artisan."

mischief—evil to others.

discord—especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.

Verse 15

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 (Proverbs 29:1- :).

Verse 16

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

Verse 17

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

Verse 18

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

Verse 19

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

Verse 20

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

Verse 22

22. it—(compare :-); denotes the instruction of parents ( :-), 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).

Verse 23

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

Verse 24

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

Verse 25

25. One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty.

take—or, "ensnare."

eyelids—By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

Verse 26

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 ( :-) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare :-.

will hunt—alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare :-).

precious life—more valuable than all else.

Verse 27

27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.

Verse 30

30, 31. Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

Verse 31

31. sevenfold—(compare :-), for many, ample (compare Genesis 4:24; Matthew 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.

Verse 32

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

Verse 33

33. dishonour—or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Proverbs 3:35).

reproach . . . away—No restitution will suffice;

Verse 34

34, 35. nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.

regard—or, "accept" any ransom.