Proverbs 6
1MY son, if thou become surety for thy friend, thou wilt deliver up thy hand to an enemy.
2For a man’s own lips are a powerful snare, and he is caught by the words of his own mouth.
3Do, my son, what I enjoin thee, and save thyself; for thou art come into the hands of bad men on thy friend’s account. Be not remiss, but importune thy friend for whom thou art surety.
4Give no sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids,
5that thou mayst be saved like a roe from a trap, and like a bird from a snare.
6Go to the ant, thou sluggard; and, having seen its ways, follow the example and be wiser than it.
7For having no cultivated field, no driver nor master,
8it provideth its food in summer, and layeth up a plentiful supply in harvest. Or go to the bee and learn what a worker she is: and how seriously she performeth her work, to the labours of which both kings and subjects apply themselves as far as health permits; and to all it is agreeable and honourable. And though her strength be small, having honoured wisdom, she is diligently employed.
9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard, and when wilt thou rouse from sleep?
10Thou [sayest thou] art sleeping a little—merely resting a little—only taking a short nap—merely folding thy hands a little while on thy breast!
11But is not poverty coming upon thee like an unwelcome traveller? And want, like a speedy courier? Whereas if thou be diligent, thy harvest will come like a fountain; and want, like a bad courier, will run away.
12A man void of understanding, and a transgressor, walketh in ways which are not good.
13But he winketh with his eye and maketh a sign with his foot; and teacheth by pointing his fingers:
14his depraved heart contriveth mischief. Such an one is continually raising tumults in a city.
15For this cause his destruction cometh suddenly—wounds and incurable bruises.
16Because he delighteth in all those things which God hateth: therefore he is destroyed for the depravity of his soul.
17His eye is that of a scorner; his tongue is false; his hands are employed in shedding innocent blood—
18his heart contriveth wicked purposes, and his feet are swift to do evil:
19as a false witness he spreadeth lies, and soweth discord among brethren.
20My son, keep the rules of thy father, and reject not the maxims of thy mother.
21Bind them continually on thy mind, and tie them as a chain around thy neck.
22When thou walkest, take this along and let it be with thee: and when thou sleepest, let it guard thee, that when thou awakest it may talk with thee.
23For the command of a law is a lamp and light; and reproof and instruction is the way of life,
24to keep thee from a married woman, and from the flattering tongue of a strange woman.
25Let not a lust for beauty overcome thee: be not captivated by thine eyes, nor ensnared by her eyelids.
26For the price of a harlot is scarce that of a single loaf; but an adulteress hunteth for the precious lives of men.
27Can anyone put fire in his bosom and not burn his clothes?
28Or can one walk on coals of fire and not burn his feet?
29So he who goeth in to a married woman cannot escape punishment—no, nor anyone who toucheth her.
30It exciteth no wonder, if one be caught stealing; for a hungry man stealeth to satisfy his soul;
31but if he be caught, he is to pay sevenfold; and by giving all that he hath, he will deliver himself.
32But he, who through want of understanding, committeth adultery, provideth destruction for his soul.
33He suffereth pangs and dishonour; and his reproach can never be wiped away.
34For the rage of her husband, being full of jealousy, will not spare in the day of vengeance;
35nor will he abate his enmity for any ransom, nor be appeased by many gifts.