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) 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;
Proverbs 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 . . .
travelleth—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;
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).
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 .
deviseth—literally,
"constructs, as an artisan."
mischief—evil to
others.
discord—especially
litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.
17. proud look—literally,
"eyes of loftiness" (). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.
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).
23. reproofs— () 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 () 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.
27-29. The guilt and danger most
obvious.
30, 31. Such a thief is pitied,
though heavily punished.
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.
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) 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; Proverbs 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 . . . travelleth—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; 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).
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 .
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 (Proverbs 29:1).
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" (). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.
16-19. six . . . seven—a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Proverbs 30:15; Proverbs 30:18; Job 5:19).
19. speaketh—literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Psalms 27:12; Acts 9:1).
20-23. (Compare Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 3:3, &c.).
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).
23. reproofs— () 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 () 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.
27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.
30, 31. Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.
31. sevenfold—(compare ), 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.