stephen R Harrison

For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life. -Proverbs 6:23

Men, there are at least four enemies “crouching at your door, desiring to have you, but you must rule over them” (Genesis 4:7). In Proverbs 6, Solomon warns of using money foolishly (1-5), laziness (6-11), bad character (12-19), and lust (20-35). These four enemies can obliterate everything God has built in a man’s life and leave him morally, physically, relationally, financially, emotionally, and spiritually bankrupt. A man must know and practice God’s principles and boundaries when it comes to money, work, and sex or destruction is sure.

Solomon begins his warning by addressing bad financial habits. He mentions “put up security” and “shaking hands in pledge” to describe foolish financial commitments. Paul said the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, causing one to wander from the faith and much grief (1 Timothy 6:10). You can be content (6:6) without all the fleeting bells and whistles this world offers. Buying to impress or to bring significance is unwise. Bigger is not always better. That new “boy toy” may bring financial hardship. You are now “trapped” and “ensnared” (2). You must “free yourself” (3). Don’t just say, “Oh well, I shouldn’t have done that.” Return it, sell it, or create a debt-elimination plan. “Go to the point of exhaustion, and allow no sleep to your eyes and no slumber to your eyelids” (3-4).  It’s easy to get into debt, but hard work and discipline are needed to get out of it. Remember, “The borrower is a slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). 

When addressing laziness, Solomon illustrates how the ant prepares and works hard. We are told to “consider its ways and be wise”.  No one tells it to go out and get provisions as “It has no commander, overseer, or ruler” (7). It takes responsibility to gather and store what it needs (8). Twice, Solomon calls out the lazy, saying they are “sluggards” (6, 9). According to verse 10, a lazy man sleeps, plays too much, and does not put their hands to work. The result is poverty and scarcity that “Come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man” (11). For the lazy man, it may seem like lack “sneaks up” on them, but it is because they have not been hard working and preparing for themselves and their family all along. Scripture commands us to care for our families (1 Timothy 5:8).

Solomon addresses wicked character in verses 12-19. A Proverbs 6 man is not a troublemaker, villain, potty mouth, deceiver, does not plot evil, or stir up conflict (12-14). He quickly discovers that “disaster will overtake them in an instant, and they will be destroyed without remedy” (16). Proverbs 6 men know what character the Lord hates and detests: haughty eyes, lying, hands shedding innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, and stirring up conflict (18-19). A Proverbs 6 man has character in their eyes, hands, heart, feet, and mind! Godly character is shown in thought, words, actions, and every part of a man’s life!

Last, Solomon addresses lust in the man’s life again (see Proverbs 5 and 7). Pointing back to a father and mother’s wise instructions, he reminds us to hold them close in our hearts, keeping them in front of us (21). Wisdom from the Lord guides, oversees, corrects, instructs, and speaks life to us (22-23). This foundation of wise instruction and boundaries helps men steer clear of lust and sexual sin. You cannot play around with lust, as you will get burned (27-28)! In this section, he urges men to stay away from another man’s wife. Godly men do not talk to women who are not their wives as though they are their wives! That means flirting, intimate details, and even too close of friendship (especially where there is one-on-one time) should always be avoided. Sexual sin and lust of any form will destroy and bring disgrace, loss, shame, and harm.   

Questions to Ponder

1. Where do your financial dealings need to have integrity?
2. Where has laziness presented a problem in your life?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. List any “cracks” in your life in the four areas above.
2. Write down your first step to living more holy in each area.

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 6:32, 10:9, 13:4, 13:11

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, help me to be a man of character. I realize sin is crouching at my door, and I must resist temptation and obey your Word to overcome it. I want to be a righteous man in my finances and relationships. Help me walk out your Word in these areas for your glory.