1 Pro 6:1-35. After admonitions against suretyship and sloth (compare Pro 6:6-8), the character and fate of the wicked generally are set forth, and the writer (Pro 6:20-35) resumes the warnings against incontinence, pointing out its certain and terrible results. This train of thought seems to intimate the kindred of these vices.
if - The condition extends through both verses.
be surety - art pledged.
stricken ... hand - bargained (compare Job 17:3).
with a stranger - that is, for a friend (compare Pro 11:15; Pro 17:18).

3 come ... friend - in his power.
humble ... sure thy friend - urge as a suppliant; that is, induce the friend to provide otherwise for his debt, or secure the surety.

4 The danger requires promptness.

6 The improvident sluggards usually want sureties. Hence, such are advised to industry by the ant's example.

9 Their conduct graphically described;

11 and the fruits of their self-indulgence and indolence presented.
as ... travelleth - literally, "one who walks backwards and forwards," that is, a highwayman.
armed man - that is, one prepared to destroy.

12 A naughty person - literally, "A man of Belial," or of worthlessness, that is, for good, and so depraved, or wicked (compare 1Sa 25:25; 1Sa 30:22, etc.). Idleness and vice are allied. Though indolent in acts, he actively and habitually (walketh) is ill-natured in speech (Pro 4:24).

13 If, for fear of detection, he does not speak, he uses signs to carry on his intrigues. These signs are still so used in the East.

14 Frowardness - as in Pro 2:14.
deviseth - literally, "constructs, as an artisan."
mischief - evil to others.
discord - especially litigation. Cunning is the talent of the weak and lazy.

15 Suddenness aggravates evil (compare Pro 6:11; Pro 29:1).
calamity - literally, "a crushing weight."
broken - shivered as a potter's vessel; utterly destroyed (Psa 2:9).

16 six ... seven - a mode of speaking to arrest attention (Pro 30:15, Pro 30:18; Job 5:19).

17 proud look - literally, "eyes of loftiness" (Psa 131:1). Eyes, tongue, etc., for persons.

19 speaketh - literally, "breathes out," habitually speaks (Psa 27:12; Act 9:1).

20 (Compare Pro 1:8; Pro 3:3, etc.).

22 it - (compare Pro 6:23); denotes the instruction of parents (Pro 6:20), to which all the qualities of a safe guide and guard and ready teacher are ascribed. It prevents the ingress of evil by supplying good thoughts, even in dreams (Pro 3:21-23; Psa 19:9; 2Pe 1:19).

23 reproofs - (Pro 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.

24 A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.

25 One of the cautions of this instruction, avoid alluring beauty.
take - or, "ensnare."
eyelids - By painting the lashes, women enhanced beauty.

26 The supplied words give a better sense than the old version: "The price of a whore is a piece of bread."
adulteress - (Compare Margin), which the parallel and context (Pro 6:29-35) sustain. Of similar results of this sin, compare Pro 5:9-12.
will hunt - alluding to the snares spread by harlots (compare Pro 7:6-8).
precious life - more valuable than all else.

27 The guilt and danger most obvious.

30 Such a thief is pitied, though heavily punished.

31 sevenfold - (compare Exo 22:1-4), for many, ample (compare Gen 4:24; Mat 18:21), even if all his wealth is taken.

32 lacketh understanding - or, "heart"; destitute of moral principle and prudence.

33 dishonour - or, "shame," as well as hurt of body (Pro 3:35).
reproach ... away - No restitution will suffice;

34 nor any terms of reconciliation be admitted.
regard - or, "accept" any ransom.