Proverbs 6

The Successful Life

In writing the Proverbs, Solomon places enormous emphasis on the importance of one’s words. We should fulfill the promises we make; people should be able to count on our words. Someone may have promised to act as financial security for someone, only to discover the inability to fulfill the promise. But, Proverbs reminds us that we should not linger in failure to fulfill our promises. We shouldn’t let a night pass without resolving the issue.  What is the point? We must fulfill the promises we make (Prov. 6:1-5).

Perhaps related to financial issues is the enjoinder to diligence in work (vv. 6-11). The lazy person should observe the ant: there are no lazy ants! They are busy—building and working. They gather food in the summer, so they are ready for the onslaught of winter (v. 8). But the lazy person doesn’t think or look ahead. He is only intent on sleeping away his life. As a result, poverty will overtake him as suddenly as a robber brings disaster upon an unsuspecting victim.

One of the major issues Proverbs promotes is truth and integrity in speech. The worthless person is the liar, the deceiver, who not only speaks lies, but he deceives with his eyes, his hands and his feet. The entire person is a deceiver (vv. 12-19). Where does it originate? From his heart—he has a deceptive heart (v. 14) and, as a result, he spreads strife wherever he goes. The lying, deceptive tongue, the one who spreads strife—this stands at the apex of what God hates (vv. 16-19). Surely, that is a reason why the New Testament frequently refers to unity among believers (cf. Eph. 4:13).

Solomon concludes this chapter with a warning concerning moral integrity (vv. 20-35). What is the foundation of integrity? Responding to parental, biblical teaching. Throughout the day, from morning until evening, the Word of God must direct us. In so doing, we will not deviate into moral destruction. Hence, the overriding message is: caution and honesty in speech, diligence in work, and integrity in life. That is the one whom the Lord blesses.

--Paul Enns