Proverbs 4-6

We must look upon our teachers as our fathers: though instruction carry in it reproof and correction, bid it welcome. Solomon's parents loved him, therefore taught him. Wise and godly men, in every age of the world, and rank in society, agree that true wisdom consists in obedience, and is united to happiness. Get wisdom, take pains for it. Get the rule over thy corruptions; take more pains to get this than the wealth of this world. An interest in Christ's salvation is necessary. This wisdom is the one thing needful. A soul without true wisdom and grace is a dead soul. How poor, contemptible, and wretched are those, who, with all their wealth and power, die without getting understanding, without Christ, without hope, and without God! Let us give heed to the sayings of Him who has the words of eternal life. Thus our path will be plain before us: by taking, and keeping fast hold of instruction, we shall avoid being straitened or stumbling.

The way of evil men may seem pleasant, and the nearest way to compass some end; but it is an evil way, and will end ill; if thou love thy God and thy soul, avoid it. It is not said, Keep at a due distance, but at a great distance; never think you can get far enough from it. The way of the righteous is light; Christ is their Way, and he is the Light. The saints will not be perfect till they reach heaven, but there they shall shine as the sun in his strength. The way of sin is as darkness. The way of the wicked is dark, therefore dangerous; they fall into sin, but know not how to avoid it. They fall into trouble, but never seek to know wherefore God contends with them, nor what will be in the end of it. This is the way we are bid to shun. Attentive hearing the word of God, is a good sign of a work of grace begun in the heart, and a good means of carrying it on. There is in the word of God a proper remedy for all diseases of the soul. Keep thy heart with all diligence. We must set a strict guard upon our souls; keep our hearts from doing hurt, and getting hurt. A good reason is given; because out of it are the issues of life. Above all, we should seek from the Lord Jesus that living water, the sanctifying Spirit, issuing forth unto everlasting life. Thus we shall be enabled to put away a froward mouth and perverse lips; our eyes will be turned from beholding vanity, looking straight forward, and walking by the rule of God's word, treading in the steps of our Lord and Master. Lord, forgive the past, and enable us to follow thee more closely for the time to come.

Solomon cautions all young men, as his children, to abstain from fleshly lusts. Some, by the adulterous woman, here understand idolatry, false doctrine, which tends to lead astray men's minds and manners; but the direct view is to warn against seventh-commandment sins. Often these have been, and still are, Satan's method of drawing men from the worship of God into false religion. Consider how fatal the consequences; how bitter the fruit! Take it any way, it wounds. It leads to the torments of hell. The direct tendency of this sin is to the destruction of body and soul. We must carefully avoid every thing which may be a step towards it. Those who would be kept from harm, must keep out of harm's way. If we thrust ourselves into temptation we mock God when we pray, Lead us not into temptation. How many mischiefs attend this sin! It blasts the reputation; it wastes time; it ruins the estate; it is destructive to health; it will fill the mind with horror. Though thou art merry now, yet sooner or later it will bring sorrow. The convinced sinner reproaches himself, and makes no excuse for his folly. By the frequent acts of sin, the habits of it become rooted and confirmed. By a miracle of mercy true repentance may prevent the dreadful consequences of such sins; but this is not often; far more die as they have lived. What can express the case of the self-ruined sinner in the eternal world, enduring the remorse of his conscience!

Lawful marriage is a means God has appointed to keep from these destructive vices. But we are not properly united, except as we attend to God's word, seeking his direction and blessing, and acting with affection. Ever remember, that though secret sins may escape the eyes of our fellow-creatures, yet a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, who not only sees, but ponders all his goings. Those who are so foolish as to choose the way of sin, are justly left of God to themselves, to go on in the way to destruction.

If we live as directed by the word of God, we shall find it profitable even in this present world. We are stewards of our worldly substance, and have to answer to the Lord for our disposal of it; to waste it in rash schemes, or such plans as may entangle us in difficulties and temptations, is wrong. A man ought never to be surety for more than he is able and willing to pay, and can afford to pay, without wronging his family; he ought to look upon every sum he is engaged for, as his own debt. If we must take all this care to get our debts to men forgiven, much more to obtain forgiveness with God. Humble thyself to him, make sure of Christ as thy Friend, to plead for thee; pray earnestly that thy sins may be pardoned, and that thou mayest be kept from going down to the pit.

Diligence in business is every man's wisdom and duty; not so much that he may attain worldly wealth, as that he may not be a burden to others, or a scandal to the church. The ants are more diligent than slothful men. We may learn wisdom from the meanest insects, and be shamed by them. Habits of indolence and indulgence grow upon people. Thus life runs to waste; and poverty, though at first at a distance, gradually draws near, like a traveller; and when it arrives, is like an armed man, too strong to be resisted. All this may be applied to the concerns of our souls. How many love their sleep of sin, and their dreams of worldly happiness! Shall we not seek to awaken such? Shall we not give diligence to secure our own salvation?

If the slothful are to be condemned, who do nothing, much more those that do all the ill they can. Observe how such a man is described. He says and does every thing artfully, and with design. His ruin shall come without warning, and without relief. Here is a list of things hateful to God. Those sins are in a special manner provoking to God, which are hurtful to the comfort of human life. These things which God hates, we must hate in ourselves; it is nothing to hate them in others. Let us shun all such practices, and watch and pray against them; and avoid, with marked disapproval, all who are guilty of them, whatever may be their rank.

The word of God has something to say to us upon all occasions. Let not faithful reproofs ever make us uneasy. When we consider how much this sin abounds, how heinous adultery is in its own nature, of what evil consequence it is, and how certainly it destroys the spiritual life in the soul, we shall not wonder that the cautions against it are so often repeated. Let us notice the subjects of this chapter. Let us remember Him who willingly became our Surety, when we were strangers and enemies. And shall Christians, who have such prospects, motives, and examples, be slothful and careless? Shall we neglect what is pleasing to God, and what he will graciously reward? May we closely watch every sense by which poison can enter our minds or affections.

(Compare Pr 1:8). to know--in order to know. doctrine--the matter of learning (Pr 1:5), such as he had received (La 3:1).

writer adds a commendation of wisdom, preceded and enforced by the counsels of his father and teacher. To this he adds a caution (against the devices of the wicked), and a series of exhortations to docility, integrity, and uprightness.

father's son--emphatic, a son specially regarded, and so called tender, as an object of special care (compare 1Ch 22:7; 29:1); an idea further expressed by only beloved--or, "as an only son" (Ge 22:2), though he had brothers (see on 1Ch 3:5).

He taught--or directed me. retain--as well as receive. keep ... and live--observe, that you may live (Pr 7:2).

Get--as a possession not to be given up. neither decline--that is, from obeying my word.

Not only accept but love wisdom, who will keep thee from evil, and evil from thee.

(Compare Job 28:28). getting--or possession; a desire for wisdom is wise.

As you highly esteem her, she will raise you to honor. embrace her--with fond affection.

ornament--such as the chaplet or wreath of conquerors. deliver--(Compare Ge 14:20). The allusion to a shield, contained in the Hebrew, suggests protection as well as honor (compare Pr 4:6).

(Compare Pr 2:1; 3:2).

way of wisdom--which it prescribes. led thee--literally, "caused thee to tread," as a path (Ps 107:7). not be straitened--have ample room (Ps 18:36).

(Compare Pr 3:18). The figure of laying hold with the hand suggests earnest effort.

(Compare Ps 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.

The reason is found in the character of sinners, whose zeal to do evil is forcibly depicted (Pr 6:4; Ps 36:5). They live by flagrant vices (Pr 1:13). Some prefer to render, "Their bread is wickedness, their drink violence" (compare Job 15:16; 34:7).

As shining light increases from twilight to noonday splendor, so the course of the just increases in purity, but that of the wicked is as thickest darkness, in which one knows not on what he stumbles. 20-22. (Compare Pr 4:10, 13; Pr 3:8, &c.).

health ... flesh--by preserving from vices destructive of health.

with all diligence--or, "above," or "more than all," custody (compare Margin), all that is kept (compare Eze 38:7), because the heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects life and character (Mt 12:35; 15:19).

a froward mouth--that is, a mouth, or words of ill nature. The Hebrew word differs from that used (Pr 2:15; 3:32). perverse--or, "quarreling." lips--or, "words."

Let ... before thee--that is, pursue a sincere and direct purpose, avoiding temptations.

Ponder--Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought.

(Compare Pr 4:25). Avoid all by-paths of evil (De 2:27; 17:11). A life of integrity requires attention to heart, speech, eyes, and conduct.

This connection of wisdom and understanding is frequent (Pr 2:2; 3:7); the first denotes the use of wise means for wise ends; the other, the exercise of a proper discrimination in their discovery.

enforced by considering the advantages of chastity, and the miserable end of the wicked.

regard--or, "observe." keep--preserve constantly.

(Compare Pr 2:16). Her enticing promises are deceitful.

her end--literally, "her future," in sense of reward, what follows (compare Ps 37:37; 73:17). Its nature is evinced by the use of figures, opposite those of Pr 5:3. The physical and moral suffering of the deluded profligate are notoriously terrible.

feet ... , steps--that is, course of life ends in death.

her ways ... know--Some prefer, "that she may not ponder the path of life," &c.; but perhaps a better sense is, "her ways are varied, so as to prevent your knowledge of her true character, and so of true happiness."

Avoid the slightest temptation.

thine honour--in whatever consisting, strength (Pr 3:13) or wealth. thy years--by cutting them off in dissipation. unto the cruel--for such the sensual are apt to become.

wealth--literally, "strength," or the result of it. labours--the fruit of thy painful exertions (Ps 127:2). There may be a reference to slavery, a commuted punishment for death due the adulterer (De 22:22).

at the last--the end, or reward (compare Pr 5:4). mourn--roar in pain. flesh and ... body--the whole person under incurable disease. 12-14. The ruined sinner vainly laments his neglect of warning and his sad fate in being brought to public disgrace.

evil--for affliction, as in Ge 19:20; 49:15. 15-20. By figures, in which well, cistern, and fountain [Pr 5:15, 18] represent the wife, and rivers of waters [Pr 5:16] the children, men are exhorted to constancy and satisfaction in lawful conjugal enjoyments. In Pr 5:16, fountains (in the plural) rather denote the produce or waters of a spring, literally, "what is from a spring," and corresponds with "rivers of waters."

only thine own--harlots' children have no known father.

wife ... youth--married in youth.

loving ... roe--other figures for a wife from the well-known beauty of these animals. breasts--(Compare So 1:13; Eze 23:3, 8). ravished--literally, "intoxicated," that is, fully satisfied.

The reason, God's eye is on you,

and He will cause sin to bring its punishment.

without instruction--literally, "in want of instruction," having refused it (compare Job 13:18; Heb 11:24). go astray--literally, "be drunken." The word "ravished" (Pr 5:19) here denotes fulness of punishment.

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).

6:6-8), 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.

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.

The danger requires promptness. 6-8. The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

Their conduct graphically described;

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.

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).

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.

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.

Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pr 6:11; 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).

proud look--literally, "eyes of loftiness" (Ps 131:1). Eyes, tongue, &c., for persons.

speaketh--literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Ps 27:12; Ac 9:1). 20-23. (Compare Pr 1:8; 3:3, &c.).

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).

reproofs--(Pr 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.

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

One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty. take--or, "ensnare." eyelids--By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

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.

Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

sevenfold--(compare Ex 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Ge 4:24; Mt 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.

lacketh understanding--or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.

dishonour--or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pr 3:35). reproach ... away--No restitution will suffice;

nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted. regard--or, "accept" any ransom.