Verse 1-2

Proverbs 6:1-35. After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Proverbs 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Proverbs 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.

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 Proverbs 11:15; Proverbs 17:18).

Verse 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.

Verse 4-5

The danger requires promptness.

Verses 6-8

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

Verse 9-10

Their conduct graphically described;

Verse 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.

Verse 12

A naughty person — literally, “A man of Belial,” or of worthlessness, that is, for good, and so depraved, or wicked (compare 1 Samuel 25:25; 1 Samuel 30:22, etc.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (Proverbs 4:24).

Verse 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.

Verse 14

Frowardness — as in Proverbs 2:14.

deviseth — literally, “constructs, as an artisan.”

mischief — evil to others.

discord — especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.

Verse 15

Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Proverbs 6:11; Proverbs 29:1).

calamity — literally, “a crushing weight.”

broken — shivered as a potter‘s vessel; utterly destroyed (Psalm 2:9).

Verses 16-19

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

Verse 17

proud look — literally, “eyes of loftiness” (Psalm 131:1). Eyes, tongue, etc., for persons.

Verse 19

speaketh — literally, “breathes out,” habitually speaks (Psalm 27:12; Acts 9:1).

Verses 20-23

(Compare Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 3:3, etc.).

Verse 22

it — (compare Proverbs 6:23); denotes the instruction of parents (Proverbs 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 (Proverbs 3:21-23; Psalm 19:9; 2 Peter 1:19).

Verse 23

reproofs — (Proverbs 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.

Verse 24

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

Verse 25

One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty.

take — or, “ensnare.”

eyelids — By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

Verse 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 (Proverbs 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Proverbs 5:9-12.

will hunt — alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Proverbs 7:6-8).

precious life — more valuable than all else.

Verses 27-29

The guilt and danger most obvious.

Verse 30-31

Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

Verse 31

sevenfold — (compare Exodus 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Genesis 4:24; Matthew 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.

Verse 32

lacketh understanding — or, “heart”; destitute of moral principle and prudence.

Verse 33

dishonour — or, “shame,” as well as hurt of body (Proverbs 3:35).

reproach  …  away — No restitution will suffice;

Verse 34-35

nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.

regard — or, “accept” any ransom.