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 . . . travellerh--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 Pr 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.
