Chapter six is another of Solomon’s wise lessons. Some points are new to the book of Proverbs, and some were already mentioned. This is the first time we see cosigning a loan mentioned. We are instructed to never cosign a loan and if we do, we must run like a gazelle and get our name off that debt. In today’s society, it seems like everyone knows someone who has made the mistake of cosigning either for a family member or a friend and gotten burned. They should have read Proverbs.

“My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt

    or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger”

Proverbs 6:1 NLT

We learn how much God hates laziness in this chapter. It seems that every man should be diligent in wisdom and work so that they are not a burden to society. If we are afraid of hard work and do not work like the ants, then poverty will overtake us. Instructions to work hard in the summer to guarantee there will be food for your family in the winter leads me to believe that we could take a break or a vacation if everything is in order. Winter is indicated, but not many individuals make their living off of the land in 2022.

God makes it very easy for his children in the next section by giving an easy-to-understand list of seven things he hates:

• Haughty eyes: the attitude of one’s heart to look down on others. It is very easy to do in today’s culture, especially when individuals have differing opinions on issues.
• Lying tongue: We all know happened in the Garden of Eden. Lie after lie and then the fall of mankind.
• Hands that kill the innocent: Murderers, terrorists, and abortionists all come to mind today.
• Heart that plots evil: We believe that evil is what we do to avoid living under God’s perfect rule. Any plan we concoct to avoid the life that God intends us to live.
• Feet that race to do wrong: Do not make quick choices. Some things feel right because they may quench our desire for something on earth, but does it glorify God?
• False witness who pours out lies: Lies come from a sinful heart. Jesus warns of this when he said that man is defiled by evil things that come from the heart.
• Person who sows discord in a family: We must be united in faith, and not divided.

The beauty of the rest of this chapter is felt uniquely to me. It is written by a father talking to a son, but when I read from chapter 20 to the end, I feel God speaking to me. He is my father and wants these words from him to guide me every day. If I listen to his wisdom, I will be safe from the lustful objects of this world and the temptations surrounding us on a daily basis. If for some reason, you start to waver, remember that our Father said it will cost you your life!