# Overview Proverbs Chapter 6 offers a collection of wise teachings and admonitions from #Solomon, addressing various aspects of daily life and ethical behavior. It begins with a warning about the dangers of co-signing for another's debt, urging individuals to liberate themselves from such entanglements like a gazelle escaping from a trap. The chapter continues with a call to consider the ways of the ant, a creature that exemplifies diligence and industriousness, warning against laziness and the poverty it brings. This section serves as a practical lesson on the virtues of hard work and personal responsibility, aligning with the broader biblical theme of wisdom leading to life and prosperity. The chapter proceeds with a stern warning against the consequences of immoral behavior, particularly the wiles of the adulterous woman. Solomon uses vivid language to describe the destructive nature of adultery, likening it to a fire that consumes without mercy. This imagery underscores the severe personal and social consequences of succumbing to temptation and highlights the importance of fidelity and integrity. Proverbs 6 concludes with a list of seven things the Lord detests, including haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, reinforcing the call to a life of righteousness and moral integrity as defined by #God's standards. ## Theological Insights Proverbs 6 presents a series of wise teachings that offer insights into the nature of wisdom, folly, and the moral order established by God. These teachings reflect the broader themes of #Proverbs, which emphasize the importance of living a life grounded in divine wisdom. ### Warning Against Foolishness and Laziness The chapter warns against entering into surety or pledging oneself as security for another's debt (Proverbs 6:1-5). This is a caution against rash financial commitments, echoing the broader biblical principle of wise stewardship of resources, as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 25|Matthew 25:14-30]] with the Parable of the Talents. The admonition against laziness through the example of the ant (Proverbs 6:6-11) illustrates the value of diligence and industriousness. This teaching aligns with the biblical encouragement to work diligently as unto the Lord, as found in [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 3|Colossians 3:23]]. ### The Consequences of Wickedness Proverbs 6:12-19 provides a vivid description of the characteristics and ultimate downfall of a wicked person. The list of "six things the Lord hates" culminates with "a person who stirs up conflict in the community" (Proverbs 6:16-19), emphasizing God's concern for social harmony and justice. This echoes the broader biblical call for believers to pursue peace and unity, as exhorted in [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12|Romans 12:18]]. ### Adultery and Moral Purity The latter part of the chapter (Proverbs 6:20-35) focuses on the dangers of adultery, warning against its destructive consequences. This aligns with the commandment against adultery in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20:14]] and underscores the sanctity of marriage as designed by God. The call to bind the father's command and mother's teaching "upon your heart" (Proverbs 6:21) reflects the biblical ideal of internalizing God's law, as highlighted in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 6|Deuteronomy 6:6-9]]. Overall, Proverbs 6 serves as a reminder of the moral order God has established, encouraging believers to live lives marked by wisdom, moral integrity, and faithfulness to God's commands. Through these teachings, the chapter invites reflection on the practical application of divine wisdom in everyday life, urging a path of righteousness that honors God and fosters community well-being. ## Thematic Connections ### The Consequences of Foolishness Proverbs 6 outlines the peril of foolish behavior, particularly in financial matters, as seen in the warning against acting as surety for a neighbor (Proverbs 6:1-5). This theme resonates with the broader biblical wisdom literature that cautions against imprudence and folly, such as the parable of the foolish builder in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 7|Matthew 7:24-27]] and the rich fool in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 12|Luke 12:16-21]]. These connections underscore the biblical exhortation to seek wisdom and discernment in all dealings. ### Diligence Versus Laziness The contrast between diligence and laziness is vividly portrayed through the imagery of the ant (Proverbs 6:6-11). This theme is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the commendation of the virtuous woman in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 31|Proverbs 31:10-31]] and Paul's exhortation to work hard as unto the Lord in [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 3|Colossians 3:23]]. These passages collectively advocate for a life of industriousness and responsibility, warning against the pitfalls of sloth. ### The Dangers of Discord Proverbs 6:12-19 highlights the destructive nature of sowing discord and engaging in deceitful practices. This theme of unity versus division is prevalent throughout Scripture. For instance, [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 133|Psalm 133]] celebrates the blessing of unity, while [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 1|1 Corinthians 1:10]] calls for harmony among believers. The narrative of the Tower of Babel in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 11|Genesis 11]] further illustrates the consequences of disunity. ### The Seven Things the Lord Hates The list of seven detestable things in Proverbs 6:16-19 offers a profound insight into God's perspective on ethical behavior. This theme is connected to other biblical teachings on righteousness and the heart's condition, such as Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5]] and the fruit of the Spirit in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 5|Galatians 5:22-23]]. These passages together reveal God's desire for purity, integrity, and love in the hearts of His people. ### The Perils of Adultery The warnings against adultery in Proverbs 6:20-35 highlight the severe consequences of infidelity, drawing thematic connections to the Seventh Commandment in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20|Exodus 20:14]] and the teachings of Jesus on adultery and marriage in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5:27-32]]. This emphasis on fidelity underscores the sanctity of marriage as a covenant relationship, reflecting God's faithfulness to His people. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Warning Against Surety In [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 6]], the warning against becoming surety for a neighbor (verses 1-5) echoes themes of wisdom and prudence found in the broader biblical narrative. This admonition aligns with the principles seen in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 15|Deuteronomy 15]] where financial responsibility and care for one's neighbor are emphasized. The wisdom literature here serves as a prophetic guide to living in a way that reflects God's righteousness and justice, principles that anticipate the teachings of Jesus on stewardship and community care, as seen in the New Testament. ### Deliverance from the Wicked Proverbs 6:12-19 details the characteristics of a wicked person and the things the Lord hates, which can be seen as a prophetic call to righteousness and a forewarning of judgment upon evil. This aligns with the prophetic visions found in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 5]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 7]], where the consequences of wickedness are outlined, and the call to turn from evil is proclaimed. These passages collectively anticipate the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus’ teachings on the heart's condition and the blessings of purity and righteousness, as highlighted in the Beatitudes in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]]. ### The Admonition Against Adultery The warning against adultery in Proverbs 6:20-35 not only serves as practical wisdom but also prophetically points toward the need for purity and faithfulness, which are themes reiterated by Jesus, most notably in the Sermon on the Mount ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]]). This call to purity also resonates with the prophetic imagery of Israel's unfaithfulness to God as seen in [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 2]], where the covenant relationship is depicted as a marriage. The fulfillment in Christ underscores a return to faithfulness and purity, as believers are called to be the Bride of Christ, holy and set apart. ### The Call to Diligence The exhortation to consider the ant's ways and be diligent (verses 6-11) prophetically underscores the biblical theme of wisdom found in hard work and preparation. This is reminiscent of the parable of the talents in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 25]], where diligence and stewardship are rewarded. The call to diligence in Proverbs anticipates Christ's teaching on the necessity of being prepared and faithful in one's earthly duties as a reflection of one's spiritual readiness for the kingdom of God. ## Verses - **Proverbs 6:1** - "My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—" - **Proverbs 6:2** - "if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said—" - **Proverbs 6:3** - "follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased." - **Proverbs 6:4** - "Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do." - **Proverbs 6:5** - "Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net." - **Proverbs 6:6** - "Take a lesson from the #ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!" - **Proverbs 6:7** - "Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work," - **Proverbs 6:8** - "they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter." - **Proverbs 6:9** - "But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?" - **Proverbs 6:10** - "A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—" - **Proverbs 6:11** - "then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." - **Proverbs 6:12** - "What are worthless and wicked people like? They are constant liars," - **Proverbs 6:13** - "signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers." - **Proverbs 6:14** - "Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble." - **Proverbs 6:15** - "But they will be destroyed suddenly, broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing." - **Proverbs 6:16** - "There are six things the Lord hates— no, seven things he detests:" - **Proverbs 6:17** - "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent," - **Proverbs 6:18** - "a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong," - **Proverbs 6:19** - "a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family." - **Proverbs 6:20** - "My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction." - **Proverbs 6:21** - "Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck." - **Proverbs 6:22** - "When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you." - **Proverbs 6:23** - "For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life." - **Proverbs 6:24** - "It will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman." - **Proverbs 6:25** - "Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you." - **Proverbs 6:26** - "For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life." - **Proverbs 6:27** - "Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire?" - **Proverbs 6:28** - "Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?" - **Proverbs 6:29** - "So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished." - **Proverbs 6:30** - "Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving." - **Proverbs 6:31** - "But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house." - **Proverbs 6:32** - "But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself." - **Proverbs 6:33** - "He will be wounded and disgraced. His shame will never be erased." - **Proverbs 6:34** - "For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge." - **Proverbs 6:35** - "He will accept no compensation, nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Ants** - [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 30]] - **Father’s commands and mother’s instruction** - [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 1]], [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 6]] - **God’s detestable things** - [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 16]], [[James/James Chapter 4]] - **Immorality and adultery** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 6]]