Warnings Against Folly
6 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth.
3 So do this, my son, to free yourself,
since you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands:
Go—to the point of exhaustion—[a]
and give your neighbor no rest!
4 Allow no sleep to your eyes,
no slumber to your eyelids.
5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
11 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
12 A troublemaker and a villain,
who goes about with a corrupt mouth,
13 who winks maliciously with his eye,
signals with his feet
and motions with his fingers,
14 who plots evil with deceit in his heart—
he always stirs up conflict.
15 Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant;
he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
16 There are six things the Lord hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Warning Against Adultery
20 My son, keep your father’s command
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
are the way to life,
24 keeping you from your neighbor’s wife,
from the smooth talk of a wayward woman.
25 Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes.
26 For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread,
but another man’s wife preys on your very life.
27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
28 Can a man walk on hot coals
without his feet being scorched?
29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished.
30 People do not despise a thief if he steals
to satisfy his hunger when he is starving.
31 Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold,
though it costs him all the wealth of his house.
32 But a man who commits adultery has no sense;
whoever does so destroys himself.
33 Blows and disgrace are his lot,
and his shame will never be wiped away.
34 For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
35 He will not accept any compensation;
he will refuse a bribe, however great it is.
Verse 6-8: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest."
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, begins with a simple yet powerful lesson from nature - the ant. Ants are diligent creatures, always working together for the common good. They don't need a supervisor or boss to keep them on track. In our lives, we should embrace a similar work ethic and be diligent in our responsibilities, even when no one is watching. Let us reflect on how we can better prepare for the future through our diligence.
Verse 16-19: "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers."
In this passage, Solomon provides a list of things that are detestable to the Lord. It reminds us to examine our hearts and actions. Are we prideful? Do we speak the truth? Do we seek out evil or strive to bring peace? Let us pray for humility, truthfulness, and a heart that seeks righteousness.
Verse 20-23: "My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life."
Solomon emphasizes the importance of honoring our parents and treasuring their wisdom. The guidance they provide can be a guiding light in our lives. Likewise, we should cherish God's commandments and teachings, allowing them to shape our decisions and actions. Let us commit to living in obedience to God's word and seeking His guidance in all we do.
Verse 27-29: "Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; none who touches her will go unpunished."
Solomon warns against the destructive consequences of adultery and sexual immorality. Just as one cannot play with fire without getting burned, indulging in sinful desires will lead to painful consequences. Let us guard our hearts and bodies, preserving the sanctity of marriage and maintaining purity in our relationships.
Summary:
Proverbs 6 provides valuable insights into living a life of wisdom, diligence, and righteousness. It calls us to emulate the diligence of ants, avoid detestable behaviors, honor our parents, and uphold the sanctity of our relationships. Ultimately, the chapter reminds us that a life guided by God's wisdom and rooted in His commandments leads to blessings and a path of righteousness. As we reflect on these teachings, let us strive to live with wisdom and obedience, seeking to grow in our relationship with God and our relationships with others.
