A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000.
For the securing of the peace and happiness of a married life, which the wise man had recommended in the foregoing chapter, he here cautions his readers against two evils, which often cause great discontents in a family, by bringing it to poverty.
(1,) Against suretiship, Proverbs 6:1-5.
(2,) Against slothfulness, Proverbs 6:6-11. Illuminating both by elegant similitudes: especially the latter, by the example of the ant, which borrows of none, and yet is not in danger of starving; laying up in store, by a remarkable industry, sufficient provision in due season against the time of need.
(3,) He annexes, as a further caution, the description of a deceitful knave, who cares not by what wicked arts he lives, when he is reduced to poverty, Proverbs 6:12-15.
(4,) We have an account of seven things which God hates, Proverbs 6:16-19.
(5,) An exhortation to keep the commandments, Proverbs 6:20-23.
(6,) Further warnings against whoredom, Proverbs 6:24-35. “The principal points of wisdom,” says Bishop Patrick, “that are to be learned in this chapter are these: The care of our family; caution in engaging for others; diligence in some honest employment; hatred of idleness, as contrary to nature; not to contemn the meanest instructer, but to learn something even of the smallest creature; and to improve the present time; to dread the mischievous effects of poverty, especially that which comes by idleness; (the effect of which is too often the loss of all conscience, Proverbs 6:12; Proverbs 6:13, &c.;) to give good heed to the admonitions of our parents and instructers, when they teach the will of God; and above all things to fortify ourselves against the sins of uncleanness.”