Proverbs chapter six starts off talking about debt. If we are in debt to our neighbor or in debt to a stranger-- if we made a pledge with our lips/word of mouth- God encourages us to release ourselves from this obligation. Pay it off- and be done with it. When we are in debt to someone whether it is a person or a business, we are within their clutches. God tells us to run like a deer from the hunter. Pay off the debt and refuse to be in that mess again.
The Ant
Proverbs chapter six discusses the ant.
The writer tells us to observe the ant- this will only make us wiser. Even though the ant has no chief, no ruler, she still works all summer collecting food for the winter. She plans ahead. Through this, God encourages us to not be lazy. Laziness is a spirit. And laziness can tear things down in our lives, take things away from us, and break us down if we are not careful to control it.
The Message says it best: Proverbs 6:6-11--
"How long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy-- do you know what comes next?"
It will leave us helpless if we are not careful.
Our Mouths
Proverbs 6:12 states, "A worthless person, a wicked man, is one who walks with a perverse, corrupt, and vulgar mouth." These wicked people plot trouble and evil. They spread discord and strife.
We have to ensure that God would never describe us as "worthless, wicked, perverse, corrupt, or vulgar."
Catastrophe is right around the corner for these individuals. Proverbs says their lives will be ruined beyond repair.
God help us.
Seven Things God Loathes.
Proverbs 6:16 begins by telling us six things God hates- and one more that he loathes with a passion.
Eyes that are arrogant (a proud look)
A tongue that lies
Hands that murder the innocent.
Heart that hatches evil plots.
Feet that race down the path to evil.
A mouth that lies (half-truths)
A troublemaker in the family (Sows discord/spreads rumors among friends)
Remember What We Have Been Taught
God encourages to never forget what He taught us. This stuff is dangerous to our souls. Remember this! Say it every day. These teachings will watch over us while we sleep, when we are awake, they will speak to us if we let them.
Proverbs 6 states, "Sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path."
Following these commandments will keep us from immorality and temptations. Remembering these teachings will keep us from adultery.
The author writes, "Can you build a fire in your lap and not burn your pants?.... it's the same when you have sex with your neighbor's wife. Touch her and you'll pay for it. No excuses." [The Message]
Adultery is just as theft- it is a brainless act. Soul-destroying. Self-destructive.
Your reputation will be ruined forever.
And a reputation is worth more than rubies.
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