Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible Commentary 1 After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare
Pro 6:6-
Pro 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).
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 The danger requires promptness.
6 The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.
9 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
1Sam 25:25;
1Sam 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).
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.
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.
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 (
Ps 2:9).
16 six . . . seven--a mode of speaking to arrest attention (
Pro 30:15,
Pro 30:18;
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;
Acts 9:1).
20 (Compare
Pro 1:8;
Pro 3:3, &c.).
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-
Pro 3:23;
Ps 19:9;
2Pet 1:19).
23 reproofs-- (
Pro 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 (
Pro 6:29-
Pro 6:35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare
Pro 5:9-
Pro 5:12.
will hunt--alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare
Pro 7:6-
Pro 7:8).
precious life--more valuable than all else.
27 The guilt and danger most obvious.
30 Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.
31 sevenfold--(compare
Exod 22:1-
Exod 22:4), for many, ample (compare
Gen 4:24;
Matt 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 (
Pro 3:35).
reproach . . . away--No restitution will suffice;
34 nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.
regard--or, "accept" any ransom.