Proverbs 6 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
6:1–2
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).
6:3
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.
6:4–5
4-5. The danger requires promptness.
6:6–8
6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.
6:9–10
9-10. Their conduct graphically described;
6:11
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.
6:12
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).
6:13–14
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.
6:15
15. Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pr 6:11; 29:1). calamity--literally, "a crushing weight." broken--shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Psa 2:9).
6:16–19
16-19. six ... seven--a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pr 30:15, 18; Job 5:19).
6:20–23
20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, c.).
6:24
24. A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.
6:25
25. One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty. take--or, "ensnare." eyelids--By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.
6:26
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.
6:27–29
27-29. The guilt and danger most obvious.
6:30–31
30-31. Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.
6:32
32. lacketh understanding--or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.
6:33
33. dishonour--or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pr 3:35). reproach ... away--No restitution will suffice;
6:34–35
34-35. nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted. regard--or, "accept" any ransom.