Worthy.Bible » STRONG » Proverbs » Chapter 6 » Verse 4-11

Proverbs 6:4-11 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

4 Give H5414 not sleep H8142 to thine eyes, H5869 nor slumber H8572 to thine eyelids. H6079

5 Deliver H5337 thyself as a roe H6643 from the hand H3027 of the hunter, and as a bird H6833 from the hand H3027 of the fowler. H3353

6 Go H3212 to the ant, H5244 thou sluggard; H6102 consider H7200 her ways, H1870 and be wise: H2449

7 Which having no guide, H7101 overseer, H7860 or ruler, H4910

8 Provideth H3559 her meat H3899 in the summer, H7019 and gathereth H103 her food H3978 in the harvest. H7105

9 How long wilt thou sleep, H7901 O sluggard? H6102 when wilt thou arise H6965 out of thy sleep? H8142

10 Yet a little H4592 sleep, H8142 a little H4592 slumber, H8572 a little H4592 folding H2264 of the hands H3027 to sleep: H7901

11 So shall thy poverty H7389 come H935 as one that travelleth, H1980 and thy want H4270 as an armed H4043 man. H376

Commentary on Proverbs 6 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


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).

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 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).

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 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.

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).

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

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

19. speaketh—literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Ps 27:12; Ac 9:1).

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

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).

23. reproofs—(Pr 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 (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.

27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.

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

31. sevenfold—(compare Ex 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Ge 4:24; Mt 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 (Pr 3:35).

reproach … away—No restitution will suffice;

34, 35. nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.

regard—or, "accept" any ransom.