King James Version
Proverbs 6
35 verses with commentary
Warnings Against Surety and Sloth
My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Solomon warns against cosigning debts or becoming surety for another's obligations. This proverb addresses the Reformed principle of stewardship—God's sovereignty extends to our financial decisions. The Hebrew word 'arab' (become surety) implies pledging oneself as collateral. While Christian charity is virtuous, unwise financial entanglements can undermine our ability to serve God and family. Thi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**VI.**
(i).* Ninth Discourse:*—*Against Suretyship *(Proverbs 6:1-5).
(1) **If thou be surety for thy friend.—**When the Mosaic Law was instituted, commerce had not been taken up by the Israelites, and the lending of money on interest for its employment in trade was a thing unknown. The only occasion for loans would be to supply the immediate necessities of the borrower, and the exaction of inter...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
25-27. Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
Cautions against rash suretiship.(1-5)
A rebuke to slothfulness.(6-11)
Seven things hateful to God.(12-19)
Exhortations to walk according to God's commandments.(20-35)
**Verses 1-5**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
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KJV Study Commentary
The consequence of hasty surety is being 'snared' or 'taken'—Hebrew 'laqash' and 'taphas,' both hunting metaphors. This imagery reveals how financial folly traps us like prey. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates how sin (even well-intentioned foolishness) ensnares us, demonstrating our need for divine wisdom. The verse emphasizes personal responsibility—we are 'snared with the words of t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
25-27. Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
Cautions against rash suretiship.(1-5)
A rebuke to slothfulness.(6-11)
Seven things hateful to God.(12-19)
Exhortations to walk according to God's commandments.(20-35)
**Verses 1-5**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. and make: or, so shalt thou prevail with thy friend
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KJV Study Commentary
Solomon provides urgent counsel for escaping unwise surety: humble yourself, go immediately, and plead earnestly. The Hebrew 'raphash' (humble/abase yourself) demands swallowing pride—a key Reformed theme. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The threefold imperative (do this, go, make sure) shows the seriousness of the situation. This verse teaches that recognizing our foolish dec...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **When thou art come . . .**—Rather, *for thou hast come under the power of thy friend; *thou hast made thy freedom and property dependent on him for whom thou hast become surety.
**Humble thyself.**—Literally, *let thyself be trampled on, humbly sue.*
**Make sure.**—Rather, *assail impetuously, importune.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
25-27. Submitting ourselves in depression to God, He will revive us by His promises, and lead us to declare His mercy to others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
Cautions against rash suretiship.(1-5)
A rebuke to slothfulness.(6-11)
Seven things hateful to God.(12-19)
Exhortations to walk according to God's commandments.(20-35)
**Verses 1-5**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The urgency continues with vivid imagery—give no sleep to your eyes until the matter is resolved. This hyperbolic language (common in wisdom literature) emphasizes the gravity of financial bondage. From a Reformed perspective, this reflects the urgency required in dealing with sin and its consequences. Just as we should not rest while in spiritual danger, so we must not delay in addressing entangl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
28-32. In order to adhere to His word, we must seek deliverance from temptations to sin as well as from despondency.
**enlarge--**or, "expand"
**my heart--**with gracious affections.
HE. (Psa 119:33-40).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
Cautions against rash suretiship.(1-5)
A rebuke to slothfulness.(6-11)
Seven things hateful to God.(12-19)
Exhortations to walk according to God's commandments.(20-35)
**Verses 1-5**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.
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KJV Study Commentary
The escape metaphor intensifies: deliver yourself as a gazelle from the hunter and a bird from the fowler. Both images depict vulnerable prey escaping mortal danger through swift action. The Hebrew 'natsal' (deliver) implies a narrow rescue from certain destruction. This connects to Reformed theology's understanding of deliverance from sin—only through God's grace and our diligent response can we ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Of the hunter.—**This, or some such phrase (perhaps, the hand “that held him”), must be supplied here.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
28-32. In order to adhere to His word, we must seek deliverance from temptations to sin as well as from despondency.
**enlarge--**or, "expand"
**my heart--**with gracious affections.
HE. (Psa 119:33-40).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
Cautions against rash suretiship.(1-5)
A rebuke to slothfulness.(6-11)
Seven things hateful to God.(12-19)
Exhortations to walk according to God's commandments.(20-35)
**Verses 1-5**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse directs the sluggard to observe the ant for a lesson in diligence. 'Go to the ant, thou sluggard' (lekh-el-nemalah atsel) is a direct command to the lazy person to study the tiny ant. 'Consider her ways, and be wise' calls for observation and application. Verses 7-8 elaborate: though ants have no ruler, they prepare food in summer for winter's need. This natural example teaches foresigh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
28-32. In order to adhere to His word, we must seek deliverance from temptations to sin as well as from despondency.
**enlarge--**or, "expand"
**my heart--**with gracious affections.
HE. (Psa 119:33-40).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-11**
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, tho...
Read full commentary →Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The ant has no guide, overseer, or ruler, yet it prepares food in summer and gathers in harvest. This observation highlights natural diligence without external compulsion. The Hebrew 'qatsiyn' (captain), 'shoter' (officer), and 'moshel' (ruler) represent hierarchical authority - yet ants work industriously without it. True wisdom produces self-motivated responsibility, not mere external compliance...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(j)*. Tenth Discourse:*—*Against Sloth *(Proverbs 6:6-11)
(7) **Guide.—**Properly, *judge *(the Arabic *cadi*)*, *then *leader, prince.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
28-32. In order to adhere to His word, we must seek deliverance from temptations to sin as well as from despondency.
**enlarge--**or, "expand"
**my heart--**with gracious affections.
HE. (Psa 119:33-40).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-11**
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, tho...
Read full commentary →Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The ant provides food in summer and gathers in harvest - wisdom is seasonal appropriateness. The Hebrew 'kuwn' (prepare/establish) and 'agar' (gather) describe foresighted labor. What's gathered in abundance sustains through scarcity. This verse teaches that wisdom recognizes opportune timing - there are seasons for sowing, growing, harvesting, storing. Miss the season, miss the blessing. Laziness...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
28-32. In order to adhere to His word, we must seek deliverance from temptations to sin as well as from despondency.
**enlarge--**or, "expand"
**my heart--**with gracious affections.
HE. (Psa 119:33-40).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-11**
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, tho...
Read full commentary →How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? The rhetorical questions mock the sluggard's excessive sleep and aversion to work. Sleep here represents not legitimate rest but slothful avoidance of responsibility. The questions imply indefinite postponement - there's always tomorrow, never today. This exposes procrastination's deceptive pattern - delayed obedience even...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-38. To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
**the way of thy statutes--**that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-11**
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, tho...
Read full commentary →Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - this deceptive rationalization minimizes laziness. The Hebrew diminutives ('a little...a little...a little') suggest that sloth justifies itself through incremental indulgence. 'Just five more minutes' repeated becomes chronic delay. The folded hands imagery portrays rest posture when work is required. Small compromises comp...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-38. To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
**the way of thy statutes--**that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-11**
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, tho...
Read full commentary →So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
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KJV Study Commentary
Poverty comes as a traveler and want as an armed man - the consequences of sloth arrive inevitably and forcefully. The Hebrew 'mehalak' (traveler/wayfarer) suggests steady approach, while 'magen' (armed man/warrior) indicates forceful arrival. Poverty doesn't come violently but arrives inexorably. The fool doesn't see it coming because decline is gradual. When recognized, it's too late - poverty a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **As one that travelleth.—**The form of the Hebrew is intensive, “one who moves swiftly,” as in Psalm 104:3, it is applied to God’s “moving upon the wings of the wind.” While the sluggard sleeps, poverty is coming on apace.
**AS an armed man.**—Against whom the sleeper will be defenceless. Proverbs 6:10-11 are repeated in Proverbs 24:33-34.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-38. To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
**the way of thy statutes--**that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 6-11**
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, tho...
Read full commentary →The Worthless Person
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
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KJV Study Commentary
A naughty person, a wicked man, walks with a froward mouth. The 'naughty person' (adam beliya'al - worthless person, scoundrel) is characterized by perverse speech. Beliya'al suggests moral worthlessness, one who brings no benefit to society. Such persons spread corruption through deceitful words. The verse identifies corrupt speech as defining characteristic of worthless individuals - what they s...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(k).* Eleventh Discourse:*—*Against Deceit and Malice *(Proverbs 6:12-19).
(12) **A naughty person.—**According to its original meaning, a “worthless” person, Heb. *a man of Belial,*
**Froward mouth.**—Comp. Proverbs 4:24.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-38. To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
**the way of thy statutes--**that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;
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KJV Study Commentary
The worthless person winks with eyes, signals with feet, points with fingers - bodily communication of deceit. The Hebrew 'beliyaal' (worthlessness/wickedness) describes moral corruption. The threefold physical description (eyes, feet, fingers) indicates comprehensive bodily involvement in deception. Speech can be guarded, but body language reveals heart intent. Deceitful people employ subtle sign...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **He winketh with his eyes **. . .—A picture, taken from the life, of a malicious tattler and scandalmonger, who fills out his lying tale with winks and signs, whereby even more is suggested than he says, to the blasting of his neighbour’s character.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-38. To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
**the way of thy statutes--**that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord . soweth: Heb. casteth forth
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KJV Study Commentary
Perversity in the heart devises evil continually, sowing discord. The Hebrew 'tahpukah' (perverseness/distortion) and 'charadash' (devise/plow) describe continuous moral plotting. The perverse heart doesn't occasionally stumble into sin but constantly cultivates it. 'Sowing discord' ('shalach midyanim') indicates deliberate troublemaking. Some people are relationally destructive - they thrive on c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
33-38. To encourage us in prayer for divine aid in adhering to His truth, we are permitted to believe that by His help we shall succeed.
**the way of thy statutes--**that is, the way or manner of life prescribed by them. The help we hope to obtain by prayer is to be the basis on which our resolutions should rest.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
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KJV Study Commentary
Calamity will come suddenly; in a moment he'll be destroyed without remedy. The Hebrew 'peta' (suddenly/instant) and 'sheber' (breaking/destruction) describe catastrophic judgment arriving without warning. 'No remedy' ('ein marpeh') indicates irreversible ruin. This verse warns that divine patience has limits. God endures long, but judgment eventually falls decisively. Presuming on patience leads ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Suddenly shall he be broken.—**Shattered as a potter’s vessel (Isaiah 30:14), without hope of recovery. This character of a malicious mischief-maker would seem to be especially hateful to God; it is described in like terms in Psalms 64 and a similar fate foretold of it; in Proverbs 6:19 also it is held up as the very worst of the seven detestable things there mentioned.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
39-40. Our hope of freedom from the reproach of inconsistency is in God's power, quickening us to live according to His Word, which He leads us to love.
**for thy judgments are good--**The time must therefore be at hand when Thy justice will turn the "reproach" from Thy Church upon the world (Is 25:8; 66:5; Zep 2:8-10).
VAU. (Psa 119:41-48).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Seven Things the Lord Hates
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: unto: Heb. of his soul
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces the famous list of seven things the LORD hates (vv.16-19). 'These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him' uses numerical escalation (six...seven) for emphasis—a common Hebrew poetic device. The seven items that follow (proud look, lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, heart devising wicked plans, feet swift to evil, false witness, sower ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **These six things doth the Lord hate . . .—**Rather, *six are the things which He hateth. *It is a sort of climax:—He hates six things, but the seventh worse than all. This numerical form of proverb, to which the name of *middah *is given by later writers, is found also in Proverbs 30:15-16; Proverbs 30:18-19; Proverbs 30:21-23; Proverbs 30:29-31; Job 5:19; Amos 1:3 - Amos 2:1; Ecclesiasticu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
39-40. Our hope of freedom from the reproach of inconsistency is in God's power, quickening us to live according to His Word, which He leads us to love.
**for thy judgments are good--**The time must therefore be at hand when Thy justice will turn the "reproach" from Thy Church upon the world (Is 25:8; 66:5; Zep 2:8-10).
VAU. (Psa 119:41-48).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A proud: Heb. Haughty eyes
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Proud look - literally 'haughty eyes' - heads the list of seven abominations. Pride of the eyes represents internal arrogance manifested in contemptuous looks. That pride tops the list suggests it's the root sin from which others flow. The eyes reflecting heart attitude makes external demeanor reveal internal character. Humble eyes reflect humble heart; haughty eyes betray proud heart.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **A proud look.—**Hateful to God, because rendering men unfit to receive grace. Till they acknowledge their weakness, they will not seek for His strength, and without it they can make no progress in holiness. (Comp. 1Peter 5:5, and Christ’s commendation of the “poor in spirit,” Matthew 5:3.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
41-44. The sentiment more fully carried out. God's mercies and salvation, as revealed in His Word, provide hope of forgiveness for the past and security in a righteous course for the future.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
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KJV Study Commentary
A heart that devises wicked imaginations - internal thought-life manufacturing evil schemes. The verse exposes sin's origin in the heart's planning before expression in conduct. Jesus teaches that external sins flow from internal corruption (Matt 15:19). The 'devising' suggests creativity applied to evil - fallen human reason invents new ways of sinning. This requires heart transformation through ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Feet that be swift in running to mischief.**—Who do not yield to temptation after a struggle against it, but give themselves up as willing slaves to their lusts.
(l)*. Twelfth Discourse:*—*Against Adultery *(Proverbs 6:20-35).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
41-44. The sentiment more fully carried out. God's mercies and salvation, as revealed in His Word, provide hope of forgiveness for the past and security in a righteous course for the future.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
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KJV Study Commentary
A false witness speaking lies and sowing discord among brethren conclude the abominations list. Both violate the ninth commandment and destroy community. False witness corrupts justice; sowing discord corrupts fellowship. That the list ends with sins against community suggests covenant community's importance. Individual piety must include communal responsibility - loving God requires loving neighb...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
41-44. The sentiment more fully carried out. God's mercies and salvation, as revealed in His Word, provide hope of forgiveness for the past and security in a righteous course for the future.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-19**
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 ...
Read full commentary →Warning Against Adultery Continues
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
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KJV Study Commentary
Parental teaching provides moral guidance throughout life. The pairing of father's commandment and mother's law gives equal weight to both parents' instruction, reflecting their joint covenant responsibility. This wisdom becomes internalized conscience, guiding even when external accountability is absent.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
41-44. The sentiment more fully carried out. God's mercies and salvation, as revealed in His Word, provide hope of forgiveness for the past and security in a righteous course for the future.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
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KJV Study Commentary
Bind these commands on your heart, tie them around your neck. The Hebrew 'qashar' (bind) and 'anaq' (tie/necklace) command intimate association with wisdom. Heart-binding indicates internalization; neck-wearing suggests visible identification. Wisdom shouldn't be external rule to consult occasionally but internal reality shaping identity and visible testimony to others. This echoes Deuteronomy 6:6...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Bind them continually upon thine heart.—**See above on Proverbs 3:3.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
45-48. To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [1Ti 3:13], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Wisdom will guide when you walk, watch when you sleep, speak when you wake. The comprehensive temporal coverage (walking, sleeping, waking) indicates constant companionship. The Hebrew 'nachah' (lead/guide), 'shamar' (watch/guard), and 'siychah' (speak/meditate) describe active benefits. Wisdom isn't passive knowledge but dynamic companion providing direction, protection, and conversation. This an...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
45-48. To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [1Ti 3:13], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: lamp: or, candle
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents God's commandments as life-giving light. 'The commandment is a lamp; and the law is light' uses parallel metaphors—lamp for individual commandments and light for the whole law (torah). In darkness, a lamp guides steps and reveals dangers; similarly, God's commandments illumine the moral path and expose sin. 'Reproofs of instruction are the way of life' completes the thought: co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **For the commandment is a lamp . . .—**Comp. Psalm 19:8, and Psalm 119:98-100; Psalm 119:104-105. The servant of God may often feel much perplexity as to his duty, darkness may seem to have settled down upon his path. But there is always some “commandment,” or positive order, about which he can have no doubt, calling for his immediate obedience; there is always some “law,” or rather “instruc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
45-48. To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [1Ti 3:13], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. of the: or, of the strange tongue
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Wisdom keeps you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the foreign tongue. The Hebrew 'shamar' (keep/preserve) and 'chelqah' (flattery/smoothness) describe protective function and seductive danger. The 'strange woman' represents both literal sexual temptation and metaphorical enticement away from covenant faithfulness. Wisdom provides moral immunity against seduction's power. What seems irresi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
45-48. To freedom from reproach, when imbued with God's truth, there is added "great boldness in the faith" [1Ti 3:13], accompanied with increasing delight in the holy law itself, which becomes an element of happiness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Don't lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her capture you with her eyelids. The Hebrew 'chamad' (desire/covet) and 'laqach' (take/capture) warn against both internal desire and external seduction. Lust begins in the heart before manifesting in action. Jesus later intensifies this: 'Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart' (Matth...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
49-51. Resting on the promises consoles under affliction and the tauntings of the insolent.
**upon which--**rather, "Remember Thy word unto Thy servant, because," &c. So the Hebrew requires [Hengstenberg].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. the adulteress: Heb. the woman of a man, or, a man's wife
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
A prostitute reduces a man to a loaf of bread, while an adulteress preys on precious life. The Hebrew imagery of becoming 'a loaf of bread' ('kikkar lechem') indicates reduction to mere object or commodity - total degradation. The adulteress 'hunts' ('tsu wd') precious life like predator pursuing prey. Sexual sin commodifies persons and destroys life. What God designed for mutual blessing becomes ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
49-51. Resting on the promises consoles under affliction and the tauntings of the insolent.
**upon which--**rather, "Remember Thy word unto Thy servant, because," &c. So the Hebrew requires [Hengstenberg].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical question exposes the self-destructive nature of sexual sin. Fire represents uncontrollable passion—taking it to one's bosom ensures injury. Sin's consequences are built into the moral fabric of reality; God's prohibitions protect us from harm, not arbitrarily restrict pleasure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
49-51. Resting on the promises consoles under affliction and the tauntings of the insolent.
**upon which--**rather, "Remember Thy word unto Thy servant, because," &c. So the Hebrew requires [Hengstenberg].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Can a man take fire into his bosom without burning his clothes? The rhetorical question expects negative answer: impossible. Fire inevitably burns what it contacts. Similarly, sexual sin inevitably produces destructive consequences. The Hebrew 'esh' (fire) and 'sarap' (burn) create vivid imagery. Playing with sexual temptation while expecting to avoid consequences is as foolish as embracing fire w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
52-56. The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
**judgments of old--**that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Can one walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? Again, rhetorical question expecting negative answer. Walking on coals guarantees burning. Likewise, approaching adultery guarantees harm. The Hebrew 'gechaliym' (hot coals) and 'kavah' (scorch/burn) emphasize certain injury. These sequential questions (v.27-29) hammer home the point: sexual sin's consequences are inevitable, not possible to av...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Shall not be innocent.—**That is to say, *unpunished.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
52-56. The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
**judgments of old--**that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
People don't despise a thief if he steals to satisfy hunger when starving. This verse introduces a comparison: even theft for survival, while still wrong, is somewhat understandable. The Hebrew 'buwz' (despise/hold in contempt) indicates that starving thief evokes some sympathy. The logic prepares for v.32's contrast: adultery lacks even this mitigating circumstance. It's not driven by necessity b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Men do not despise a thief **. . .—A man who is driven to theft by poverty is more worthy of pity than disdain; not so the adulterer. Again, the thief can make retribution, while the adulterer can have none to offer.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
52-56. The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
**judgments of old--**that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
If caught, the thief must restore sevenfold and give all his house's substance. Though theft for hunger evokes sympathy, consequences remain - multiple restitution required. The Hebrew 'shalam' (restore/repay) and 'sheba' (seven/sevenfold) indicate comprehensive repayment. Even sympathetic sin requires restitution. This sets up v.32's point: adultery's consequences are far worse than even theft's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold.**—Rather, *And if he be found, he may restore sevenfold, he may give up all the wealth of his house. *The law only required a two—or four—or fivefold compensation (Exodus 22); he may do even more. “Sevenfold” signifies full restitution. (Comp. Genesis 4:24 : Leviticus 26:28.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
52-56. The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
**judgments of old--**that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. understanding: Heb. heart
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Adultery destroys the soul—not merely social reputation but one's deepest being. The Hebrew 'nephesh' (soul) encompasses the whole person in relationship with God. Sexual sin violates God's image, covenant fidelity, and one's own integrity, leaving spiritual devastation requiring God's redeeming grace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
52-56. The pious take comfort, when harassed and distressed by wickedness of men who forsake God's law, in remembering that the great principles of God's truth will still abide; and also God's
**judgments of old--**that is, His past interpositions in behalf of His people are a pledge that He will again interpose to deliver them; and they become the theme of constant and delightful meditation. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The adulterer receives wounds and dishonor; his reproach will not be wiped away. The Hebrew 'nega' (wound/plague), 'qalon' (dishonor/disgrace), and 'machah' (wiped away/blotted out) describe permanent scarring. Unlike theft's financial restitution that eventually concludes, adultery's shame persists. Social disgrace, relational wounds, conscience reproach - these endure beyond temporal punishment....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
57-60. Sincere desires for God's favor, penitence, and activity in a new obedience, truly evince the sincerity of those who profess to find God a portion (Nu 18:20; Psa 16:5; La 3:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Jealousy is a husband's fury; he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance. The Hebrew 'qinah' (jealousy/zeal) describes righteous protective passion. The betrayed husband's rage is justified. 'Chamal' (spare/show mercy) indicates that mercy will not moderate justice. Adultery violates covenant and wounds love profoundly. The personal nature of sexual sin produces uniquely intense response. This ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **For jealousy is the rage of a man.—**That is jealousy is furious, and cannot be appeased by bribes.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
57-60. Sincere desires for God's favor, penitence, and activity in a new obedience, truly evince the sincerity of those who profess to find God a portion (Nu 18:20; Psa 16:5; La 3:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. He will: Heb. He will not accept the face of any ransom
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The wronged husband will not regard any ransom, nor be appeased though you multiply gifts. The Hebrew 'chaphets' (delight/accept) and 'abah' (consent/be willing) describe absolute refusal. No amount of payment satisfies betrayed love's wound. Financial compensation can't heal personal betrayal. This warns: adultery creates damage that wealth cannot repair. While civil offenses allow financial rest...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
57-60. Sincere desires for God's favor, penitence, and activity in a new obedience, truly evince the sincerity of those who profess to find God a portion (Nu 18:20; Psa 16:5; La 3:24).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-35**
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 th...
Read full commentary →