Proverbs 6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 24 verses
Introduction
After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Pro 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Pro. 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. (Pro. 6:1-35)
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 Pro 11:15; Pro 17:18).
Proverbs 6:3
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.
Proverbs 6:4
The danger requires promptness.
Proverbs 6:6
The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.
Proverbs 6:9
Their conduct graphically described;
Proverbs 6:11
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.
Proverbs 6:12
A naughty person--literally, "A man of Belial," or of worthlessness, that is, for good, and so depraved, or wicked (compare Sa1 25:25; Sa1 30:22, &c.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (Pro 4:24).
Proverbs 6:13
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.
Proverbs 6:14
Frowardness--as in Pro 2:14.
deviseth--literally, "constructs, as an artisan."
mischief--evil to others.
discord--especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.
Proverbs 6:15
Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pro 6:11; Pro 29:1).
calamity--literally, "a crushing weight."
broken--shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Psa 2:9).
Proverbs 6:16
six . . . seven--a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pro 30:15, Pro 30:18; Job 5:19).
Proverbs 6:17
proud look--literally, "eyes of loftiness" (Psa 131:1). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.
Proverbs 6:19
speaketh--literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Psa 27:12; Act 9:1).
Proverbs 6:20
(Compare Pro 1:8; Pro 3:3, &c.).
Proverbs 6:22
it--(compare Pro 6:23); denotes the instruction of parents (Pro 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 (Pro 3:21-23; Psa 19:9; Pe2 1:19).
Proverbs 6:23
reproofs-- (Pro 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.
Proverbs 6:24
A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.
Proverbs 6:25
One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty.
take--or, "ensnare."
eyelids--By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.
Proverbs 6:26
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 (Pro 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Pro 5:9-12.
will hunt--alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Pro 7:6-8).
precious life--more valuable than all else.
Proverbs 6:27
The guilt and danger most obvious.
Proverbs 6:30
Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.
Proverbs 6:31
sevenfold--(compare Exo 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Gen 4:24; Mat 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.
Proverbs 6:32
lacketh understanding--or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.
Proverbs 6:33
dishonour--or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pro 3:35).
reproach . . . away--No restitution will suffice;
Proverbs 6:34
nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.
regard--or, "accept" any ransom.
Next: Proverbs Chapter 7