Proverbs 6:16-35

Proverbs 6 16-19

v.16-19 Solomon gives us a list of seven things that the Lord hates. The poetic phrasing “six, seven is..” is worth noting. Seven symbolizes fullness. We could understand in this way. Six makes the cup full but the seventh makes it run over. It therefore describes the fullness of God’s anger and implies a removal of His patience. The term “abomination” is used to describe something that is morally disgusting to God. The list of sins is things that displease and are disgusting to God.

The first five in the list are described with body parts. The last two are specific types of people. In the list of body parts Solomon moves from the head down to the feet (eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet). The list is a warning to us all. It reveals specific character traits that the Lord does not want in our lives.

Haughty eyes. The phrase describes a person who lifts their eyes up toward another. It is the opposite of turning one’s gaze toward the ground. The look reveals that the person lacks humility. The publican in the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector modeled humility when he would not even lift his eyes toward heaven (Luke 18:13). He, therefore, went home justified while the proud Pharisee went home condemned. God hates pride. Pride is trusting that we are who we are because of ourselves. Pride thinks that it is better than others. Pride often keeps people from recognizing their own sin and thus keeps them from entering heaven.

Pride is directed both toward God and man. It is foolish to be proud toward God. We are finite and He is infinite. He promises to humble all who are proud (Matt. 23:12). It is also foolish to be proud toward our fellow man. We are either all condemned sinners or justified saints. If we are a condemned sinner we have no reason to be proud. If we are a justified saint we are only so because of what Christ did for us. Therefore, we have no reason to be proud of this either (Phill. 2:3, Gal. 6:3).

The believer should live a life of humility. We should be humble before God and our fellow man. If we refuse to do so we are morally disgusting to God and invite His anger upon us. Proud people refuse to see themselves less than anyone else. In doing so they become less than they could imagine.

A lying tongue. The ninth commandment condemns lying. Solomon teaches us that God hates it as well. God is truthful. He does not lie (Num. 23:19, 1 Sam. 15:29). Satan is the original liar and those who lie share his character (John 8:44). His first lie brought sin into the human race and condemnation from God (Gen. 3:4-7, 14-19).

People lie generally to remove consequences for their actions, justify bad behavior, make themselves look good, to make a personal gain, or to hurt someone else. Liars will not enter the kingdom of God (Rev. 21:8). Liars are morally disgusting to God.

Hands that shed innocent blood. This corresponds with another commandment as well, “Thou shalt not kill”. Human life is precious in the sight of God and He does not take it lightly when a life is taken. “Innocent blood” does not mean the person is perfect. There are no morally innocent people (Rom. 3:23). The law allowed the taking of life in war, self defense (Ex. 22:2) and judicial ruling. In any other case the taking of a life is an abomination to God.

The ungodly think little of the lives of others. They will kill for reasons such as revenge, personal gain, or just for the thrill of it. Such people are an abomination in the sight of God.

A heart that devises wicked plans. “Plans” is schemes. This describes a person who discovers ways to help himself even at the expense of hurting others. Planning shows how evil the person truly is. His sin is not a sporadic one. He gives time and attention to the details of his sin. He has every chance to back out, but he does not. Christ taught that sin originates in the heart (Luke 6:45). The thought process of this person is completely corrupted by sin. God sees the heart of man and this type of person’s heart is morally repugnant to Him.

Feet that make haste to run to evil. This person enjoys his sin. When the opportunity to do mischief arrives, he runs to it. He has no regret in his actions. He is always looking for a way to sin. He disgusts God.

A false witness who breathes out lies. Technically, this is a person who lies in a court case. The context implies that he is probably implicating an innocent person rather than simply maintaining his own innocence. It is nothing for him to accuse another of a crime. He has no love for God or other people. He makes up lies that hurt the innocent. He doesn’t care that they may have to pay for a crime that they did not commit. He is an abomination to God.

One who sows discord among brethren. “Brethren” implies that the division he makes is within a family. The family is supposed to be a place of unity and unconditional love. It is to be the closest of people. This ungodly person does not care, however. He will cause a person’s family to be destroyed. In the New Testament the church is known as the family of God (Eph. 2:18-19). The false teachers would make it their job to cause division in the church. Paul commanded us to avoid these types of people (Rom. 16:17). Such are morally disgusting to God. 

Thoughts To Consider

1. We should not delight in that which disgusts God.

2. How we view others reveals how God views us.

3. The heart is the drawing room for many evil actions.

4.  If we are where we need to be with God our priorities will be: God- others- self.

   Proverbs 6 20-35

v.20-21 These verses imply that the young man has been taught the word of God by his parents. They are unified in their beliefs. Such a family will be far more likely to raise godly children. The commands of God are to be both on the inside (heart) and the outside (around the neck). In other words, they are to be believed and practiced. We can be sure that our children are learning wisdom when they not only have memorized the word but are living the word as well.

v.22 The word of God is alive and active. Three benefits are here given.

First, it will lead you. As we walk through life the word of God shows us the direction to go. It will lead us into paths of righteous behavior.

Second, it will watch over us. The meaning is protection. While we are sleeping, we are very vulnerable. In the most vulnerable of times the word of God will protect us. As we obey it we find ourselves walking in the blessings of God.

Third, it will speak to us. It will be with us when we awaken. It will share the counsel we need to get through life. The word of God will never leave us.

v.23 We live in a dark world spiritually speaking. God’s word brings light to our path. It reveals the pitfalls and stumbling blocks of sin along the way. With the light of God’s word, we are able to avoid these things. God uses “reproof”. This is correction. God corrects us when we begin to get off of His path. He therefore keeps us on the way of life. We cannot live the Christian life without the word of God. His commands enable us to discern His will and cause us to stay in His way. 

v.24-25 Solomon introduces the adulterous woman again. The word will prove to be an important part in resisting her temptation. The “evil woman” is another man’s wife. She will use her words to tempt the young man. The young man is to use God’s word to resist her. It will not be easy. She is a beautiful woman. The mention of the eyelashes probably refers both to a seductive gaze and the makeup used to make her more attractive. Without the word of God, the young man is an easy prey for her. Lust is a serious problem for young men. Lust occurs when one begins to fantasize and think ungodly thoughts about a person. The young man is to listen to God’s command and not entertain lustful thoughts as the woman pursues him. Lustful thoughts are equal to adultery (Matt. 5:28).

v.26 Two types of women are mentioned here: A prostitute and a married woman. The married woman probably refers to an adulterous woman. The point is this. The young man could have paid a cheap price for a prostitute, instead he ends up paying with his life by committing adultery with a married woman. This verse does not condone prostitution. It simply reveals that the price for messing with a married woman is higher than messing with an unmarried woman. Adultery was punishable by death in Israel. As well you must add in the emotions of an angry man. Fornication with the adulterous woman could take the young man to his grave.

v.27-29 Solomon asks two questions. Can you take fire into your bosom and not be burned? Can you walk on hot coals and not get burned? The answer is obvious. Neither can you expect to commit adultery and not pay some type of price. It is a gamble not worth the risk.

v.30-31 Solomon uses the sin of stealing to help illustrate the seriousness of adultery. There are repercussions to stealing. Even if a thief steals simply to eat, he is required to pay back what he stole. In the law there were fines of restitution for stealing. It began at the worth of what was stolen plus 20% (Lev. 5:16, Exodus 22:1,4). The thief may be made to pay seven times the amount. It may cost him everything he has. The point is that even when a semi-understandable crime is committed the perpetrator must pay the consequences for his crime.  

v.32 Adultery is a ridiculous crime to commit. It will destroy the person’s soul. There is no restitution to be made for adultery and no legitimate reason to do so. One can almost excuse the hungry thief’s crime. But the crime of adultery is completely without excuse. Everyone involved is hurt.

v.33 His disgrace cannot be wiped away. In other words, you cannot undo what he did. You cannot replace what he took away. This sin brings great shame and humiliation with it. “Wounds” refers to a judicial punishment. It probably is the punishment given to the young man because of his adultery by the judicial system. The court will not honor him. They will punish him. The punishment could be death by stoning.

v.34-35 The only payment a jealous husband will want is the death of the man that defiled his wife. No amount of money can appease his anger. The jealous man will not have any pity. In his rage he will ask for the life of the adulterer. This should strike fear in the heart of any man. The Israelite had three things to fear when contemplating an adulterous affair.

* The judicial system

* An angry husband

* God

Sadly, many young men obeyed their lust instead of God’s wisdom. It is true in our day as well.

Thoughts To consider

1. Parents should be united in teaching their children the word of God.

2. When you teach your children the word of God it will affect them their entire lives.

3. When considering sin, we should ask ourselves “Is it worth getting burned?”

4. The sin of adultery is one of the most selfish and hurtful actions a human being can engage in.