Bible Commentaries

The parental exhortations are continued. In this section they are directed against suretyship, indolence, the evil man, and certain specific things which Jehovah hates. The warnings against becoming surety here and elsewhere must be interpreted in the light of the conditions obtaining when they were uttered. The sin of the sluggard is rebuked by the illustration of the ant, who, without the constraint of judge, ruler, or overseer, diligently toils to provide meat for herself.

The description of the worthless person is graphic in the extreme. His methods of communication are not straightforward, but such as suggest deceit and cunning. His influence is that of creating discord.

Then follows a list of things which Jehovah hates, They would seem to give a more detailed description of the "worthless person" already referred to. The "six" and "seven" of the opening statement have their explanation in the description. The six are first stated, and the seventh is that which results, namely, "he that soweth discord among brethren."

This is followed by a parental exhortation. It commences with tender and urgent entreaties to attend to parental counsels, because that counsel is for the good of the son to whom it is addressed. A warning is uttered against the first movement toward sin, desire. "Lust not after her beauty in thy heart." Then the consequences of wrong in social life are set forth. The man who is wronged will take no compensation. His fury will exact the utmost.