Bible Commentaries

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.

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).

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.

The danger requires promptness.

The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant‘s example.

Their conduct graphically described;

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.

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, etc.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (Proverbs 4:24).

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.

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.

Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Proverbs 6:11; Proverbs 29:1).

calamity — literally, “a crushing weight.”

broken — shivered as a potter‘s vessel; utterly destroyed (Psalm 2:9).

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

proud look — literally, “eyes of loftiness” (Psalm 131:1). Eyes, tongue, etc., for persons.

speaketh — literally, “breathes out,” habitually speaks (Psalm 27:12; Acts 9:1).

(Compare Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 3:3, etc.).

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; Psalm 19:9; 2 Peter 1:19).

reproofs — (Proverbs 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.

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

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

take — or, “ensnare.”

eyelids — By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

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.

The guilt and danger most obvious.

Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

sevenfold — (compare Exodus 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Genesis 4:24; Matthew 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.

lacketh understanding — or, “heart”; destitute of moral principle and prudence.

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

reproach … away — No restitution will suffice;

nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.

regard — or, “accept” any ransom.