Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Proverbs 6

The Book of Proverbs

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

CHAPTER 6

Pro 6:1-35. 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.

      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 Pro 11:15 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. . . travellerh--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 1Sa 25:25 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 ).

      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 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.

      15. Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pro 6:11 29:1 ).
      calamity--literally, "a crushing weight."
      broken--shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed ( Psa 2:9 ).

      16-19. six. . . seven--a mode of speaking to arrest attention ( Pro 30:15, 18 Job 5:19 ).

      17. proud look--literally, "eyes of loftiness" ( Psa 131:1 ). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.

      19. speaketh--literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks ( Psa 27:12 Act 9:1 ).

      20-23. (Compare Pro 1:8 3:3, &c.).

      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 2Pe 1:19 ).

      23. reproofs-- ( Pro 1:23 ) 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 ( 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.

      27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.

      30, 31. Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

      31. sevenfold--(compare Exd 22:1-4 ), for many, ample (compare Gen 4:24 Mat 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 ( Pro 3:35 ).
      reproach. . . away--No restitution will suffice;

      34, 35. nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.
      regard--or, "accept" any ransom.