Proverbs 6:1-35 - Exposition

The sixth chapter embraces four distinct discourses, each of which is a warning. The subjects treated of are

The continuity of the subject treated of in the preceding chapter appears to be somewhat abruptly interrupted to make way for the insertion of three discourses on subjects which apparently have little connection with what precedes and what follows. Their unlooked for and unexpected appearance has led Hitzig to regard them as interpolations, but it has been conclusively pointed out by Delitzsch that there is sufficient internal evidence, in the grammatical construction, figures, word formations, delineations, and threatenings, to establish the position that they proceeded from the same hand that composed the rest of the book and to guarantee their genuineness. But another and not less interesting question arises as to whether any connection subsists between these discourses and the subject which they apparently interrupt. Such a connection is altogether denied by Delitzsch, Zockler, and other German commentators, who look upon them as independent discourses, and maintain that, if there is any connection, it can be only external and accidental. On the other hand, Bishops Patrick and Wordsworth discover an ethical connection which, though not clear at first sight, is not on that account less real or true. The subject treated of in the preceding chapter is the happiness of the married life, and this is imperilled by incautious undertaking of suretyship, and suretyship, it is maintained, induces sloth, while sloth leads to maliciousness After treating of suretyship, sloth, and malice in succession, the teacher recurs to the former subject of his discourse, viz. impurity of life, against which he gives impressive warnings. That such is the true view them appears little doubt. One vice is intimately connected with another, and the verdict of experience is that a life of idleness is one of the most prolific sources of a life of impurity. Hence we find Ovid saying—

" Quaeritur, AE gisthus, qua re sit factus adulter?

In promptu causa est—desidiosus erat ."

"Do you ask why AE gisthus has become an adulterer?

The reason is close at hand—he was full of idleness."

Within the sphere of these discourses them. selves the internal connection is distinctly observable, Proverbs 6:16-19 being a refrain of Proverbs 6:12-15 , and the phrase, "to stir up strife," closing each enumeration (see Proverbs 6:14 and Proverbs 6:19 ).