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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com


Proverbs Chapter 6

Proverbs 6:1

pro 6:1

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

pro 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

pro 6:4

The danger requires promptness.

Proverbs 6:6

pro 6:6

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

Proverbs 6:9

pro 6:9

Their conduct graphically described;

Proverbs 6:11

pro 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

pro 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

pro 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

pro 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

pro 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

pro 6:16

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

Proverbs 6:17

pro 6:17

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

Proverbs 6:19

pro 6:19

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

Proverbs 6:20

pro 6:20

(Compare Pro 1:8; Pro 3:3, &c.).

Proverbs 6:22

pro 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

pro 6:23

reproofs-- (Pro 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.

Proverbs 6:24

pro 6:24

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

Proverbs 6:25

pro 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

pro 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

pro 6:27

The guilt and danger most obvious.

Proverbs 6:30

pro 6:30

Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

Proverbs 6:31

pro 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

pro 6:32

lacketh understanding--or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.

Proverbs 6:33

pro 6:33

dishonour--or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pro 3:35).

reproach . . . away--No restitution will suffice;

Proverbs 6:34

pro 6:34

nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.

regard--or, "accept" any ransom.


Next: Proverbs Chapter 7