Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6
Verses 1-35
CHAPTER 6
Pr 6:1-35. After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Pr 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Pr 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 Pr 11:15; 17:18).
Verses 2-3
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.
Verses 4
4, 5. The danger requires promptness.
Verses 5-6
6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.
Verses 7-9
9, 10. Their conduct graphically described;
Verses 10-11
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.
Verses 12
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 (Pr 4:24).
Verses 13
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.
Verses 14
14. Frowardness—as in Pr 2:14.
deviseth—literally, "constructs, as an artisan."
mischief—evil to others.
discord—especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.
Verses 15
15. Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pr 6:11; 29:1).
calamity—literally, "a crushing weight."
broken—shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Ps 2:9).
Verses 16
16-19. six … seven—a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).
Verses 17
17. proud look—literally, "eyes of loftiness" (Ps 131:1). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.
Verses 18-19
19. speaketh—literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Ps 27:12; Ac 9:1).
Verses 20
20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).
Verses 21-22
22. it—(compare Pr 6:23); denotes the instruction of parents (Pr 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 (Pr 3:21-23; Ps 19:9; 2Pe 1:19).
Verses 23
23. reproofs—(Pr 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.
Verses 24
24. A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.
Verses 25
25. One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty.
take—or, "ensnare."
eyelids—By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.
Verses 26
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 (Pr 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Pr 5:9-12.
will hunt—alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Pr 7:6-8).
precious life—more valuable than all else.
Verses 27
27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.
Verses 28-30
30, 31. Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.
Verses 31
31. sevenfold—(compare Ex 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Ge 4:24; Mt 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.
Verses 32
32. lacketh understanding—or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.
Verses 33
33. dishonour—or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pr 3:35).
reproach … away—No restitution will suffice;
Verses 34
34, 35. nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.
regard—or, "accept" any ransom.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.