Everett's notes on Proverbs 6 highlights

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Good morning, brothers and sisters. Please turn with me in your Bibles to the book of Proverbs, chapter 6.

The book of Proverbs is a treasure trove of divine wisdom, offering practical guidance for every aspect of our lives. As Everett's notes on Proverbs 6 highlight, the first nine chapters of this remarkable book form a crucial, extensive introduction to wisdom. These opening chapters aren't brief; they constitute nearly one-third of the entire book. This significant proportion isn't arbitrary; it underscores the considerable time and effort required for preparation – preparation for our journey in life and preparation for robust theological training deeply rooted in God's unchanging Word. Wisdom is not passive; she is personified throughout these chapters, actively "crying out," "uttering her voice," and "calling" – a representation of God's divine invitation to each one of us. She presents a path, a table of blessings, but Proverbs 1-9 also starkly contrasts this with the alternative – the dangerous, destructive paths that lead to death.

Proverbs 6 sits strategically within this lengthy introduction, offering a detailed look at some of these alternative paths. A central theme woven throughout the notes and the chapter itself is the progression of sin. Sin doesn't typically appear fully formed; it follows a pattern, a destructive journey that impacts the whole person. It begins subtly in the heart, influencing our desires and affections. From the heart, it corrupts the mind, distorting our thoughts, decisions, and understanding. Finally, having taken root in the inner person, sin manifests itself and defiles the body through actions. This profound understanding is explicitly supported by the notes, which reference Jesus' own teaching: He said in Matthew 15:11, “ Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man ”. And in Luke 6:45, “ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh ”. The notes contrast this downward spiral of sin with the upward path of wisdom, which brings transformation to our spirit, soul, and body.

Proverbs 6 specifically zeroes in on three distinct paths that lead to this progression of sin and ultimately, destruction: the path of the loose tongue, particularly concerning becoming surety; the path of laziness; and the path associated with the wicked person and, in significant detail, the adulteress.

Let’s examine these paths to destruction as outlined in the notes:

First, we encounter the danger of the loose tongue, specifically addressed in verses 1 through 5, concerning the practice of becoming surety or guaranteeing someone else's debt. This warning is particularly pointed when the promise is made for "strangers" who are not true friends. Proverbs 6:1 mentions the act of striking hands. The notes explain that this "handshake" symbolises making potentially harmful "covenants and agreements". Crucially, the notes link this warning to making such agreements with "unbelievers," drawing a parallel to 2 Corinthians 6:14, which instructs us, “ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ”. The danger lies in the potential for bondage and ruin resulting from these rash promises and bad decisions made with the mind. If you find yourself caught in such a commitment, perhaps thoughtlessly made, the command in verses 3-5 is urgent and demanding: "deliver thyself". You are instructed to humble yourself, to be persistent, to importune or press your neighbour with relentless effort. The notes vividly describe this necessary effort as akin to escaping a hunter's snare or a fowler's trap – like a "roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler". This is not passive advice; it's active, demanding wisdom to rectify a situation entered into foolishly.

Second, Proverbs 6 warns against the destructive path of laziness, or the sluggard, in verses 6 through 11. To highlight the virtue of diligence, the chapter directs us to observe the ant. This tiny creature serves as an exemplary model, demonstrating incredible diligence despite having "no guide, overseer, or ruler". The ant doesn't need external motivation; it simply "Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest". It works proactively, preparing for the future. In stark contrast, the sluggard is characterised by a love for sleep and inaction. The passage directly challenges this idleness, asking, “ How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? ”. The notes describe the sluggard's pattern: "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep". The consequence of this persistent slothfulness is severe and sudden. Proverbs warns that poverty and want will arrive forcefully and unexpectedly, like an "armed man". Laziness, the notes explain, is a path of destruction because it defiles the body through inaction and leads directly to the bondage of poverty.

Third, and given significant space in the notes, is the peril associated with evil people, focusing specifically on the wicked man and, in extended detail, the adulteress. The notes describe the "earthly wisdom" they embody as "earthly, sensual and devilish".

The wicked man, described in Proverbs 6:12-19, is identified primarily by the "perverse words that come out of his mouth". He is called a "person of Belial," equating him with Satan himself. Proverbs 6:13 uses vivid, symbolic language to describe his character through his actions: "He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers". The notes provide a powerful interpretation of these symbols, linking them to the three-fold nature of humanity:

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His eyes (winking) represent the heart. This signifies a proud, haughty heart that is full of mocking and despising others.

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His feet (speaking) represent the path or decisions originating from his mind, will, and emotions – the soul. The way a person walks through life, the direction of their steps, reveals their inner character.

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His fingers (teaching) represent the actions of the body. What a person does with their hands and body is a key indicator of who they are. Proverbs 6:14 reinforces this progression: "frowardness in his heart" leads to continually devising "mischief" in his mind, which in turn results in the action of sowing discord. The notes define "sowing discord" as deliberately planting seeds of disagreement that cause people's attitudes to harden against one another. The list of "seven pillars of wickedness" that the LORD hates in Proverbs 6:16-19 powerfully describes this evil: "a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren". The consequence for such a person is a sudden and irreparable calamity.

However, a significant portion of the notes, and indeed Proverbs itself (extending into chapter 7), is dedicated to the characteristics and cunning of the adulteress. This extensive treatment isn't arbitrary; the notes attribute it to the fact that this was an area that tragically ensnared King Solomon himself, despite his great wisdom. Furthermore, for a believer, the adulteress represents spiritual adultery – a love for the world and its allurements that rivals or overtakes one's love for God.

The notes provide a chilling, detailed outline of her cunning "devises" and her process of seduction. It's described almost like a dark, twisted contrast to a holy wedding ceremony. Her ultimate goal is not just fleeting pleasure, but to gain the man's wealth and eventually his life. She achieves this by first capturing his heart, and she does this by gaining control of his mind. How does she do this? By strategically attacking the "five sense-gates":

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She attacks through hearing with flattering and persistent words. Proverbs speaks of her smooth, enticing speech.

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She attacks through seeing by dressing seductively, revealing her body to arouse lust. Her appearance is designed to capture the eye.

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She attacks through touching by physically grabbing him. She invades his personal space, making a bold physical connection.

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She attacks through tasting with a bold kiss. This is not a kiss of affection, but a deliberate act of seduction.

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She attacks through smelling by wearing perfume, using fragrance to heighten the sensory experience and lure him in.

Once his senses are aroused and his body is stimulated, she moves to the next phase. She uses false "reason" and relentless persistence to wear down his resistance and overcome his will. Proverbs 7 details how she uses calculated arguments, pretending piety ("I have peace offerings with me..."). Her aim is to capture his mind and blind him to the devastating, fatal consequences of yielding to her. Proverbs 7:22-23 describes him following her like an ox going to the slaughter, utterly unaware that it will cost him his life. Having captured his mind and overcome his will, she then works to control his heart. The notes explain that this process leads him to yield his "strength" (his vitality, his moral fortitude) and his "wealth" (his resources, his future security) to her. The end result of this path is utter ruin and death.

So, faced with these very real dangers – the snare of rash promises, the decay of destructive laziness, the corruption of wicked influence, and the cunning, multi-sensory seduction of the adulteress – where do we find our defence? How do we navigate this treacherous world and find the path that leads to life?

Crucially, the notes point out something significant about the structure of Proverbs 6. Before detailing the cunning tactics of the adulteress in verses 24 onwards, the preceding verses, Proverbs 6:20-23, present God's Word as the essential remedy and means to avoid her seduction and, by extension, these other destructive paths. We are instructed to keep the "father's commandment" and the "mother's law". The notes explain this represents keeping God's Word deeply in our hearts. We are told to bind them "continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck". This is far more than a physical ritual; it symbolises the vital need for the deep internalisation of God's truth. The Word of God must be woven into the very fabric of our being.

When God’s Word is actively planted and nurtured in the heart, it doesn't remain dormant. It becomes an active, inner guide, speaking to us in various situations throughout the day and night. Proverbs 6:22 beautifully illustrates this transformative power:

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When you are navigating the decisions and activities of your day – "When thou goest," the Word in your heart will "lead thee," providing direction and guidance.

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While you are resting and sleeping – "when thou sleepest," it will "keep thee," offering protection and perhaps even spiritual understanding through dreams or visions.

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And upon waking, in the quietness of the morning – "when thou awakest," it will "talk with thee," quickened and brought to life by the Holy Spirit.

This dynamic interaction with God's Word leads directly to the powerful statement in Proverbs 6:23: “ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: ”. The Word that is hidden deep within our hearts, the Word we have internalised and meditated upon, becomes this "inner light". It illuminates our path, showing us where to step and helping us discern dangers. It provides "reproofs of instruction" – correction and teaching that are essential for staying on the "path that leads to abundant living". The notes strongly emphasise that daily meditation and diligent study of God's Word are absolutely necessary. This isn't optional. It is through this consistent engagement that we become truly established in God's truth. This is how we become sensitive to His voice amidst the overwhelming noise and incessant temptations of the world. It is this internalised Word that equips us with the discernment needed to recognise the subtle progression of sin, the allure of laziness, the danger of perverse words, and the cunning tactics of seduction.

Proverbs 6 delivers serious, urgent warnings about the dangerous, destructive paths that lie in wait for us. It lays bare the insidious way sin progresses from our inner desires to outward ruin. It shows us how easily we can become ensnared in bondage – through poor decisions born of rash promises, through the chains of poverty forged by laziness, or through the spiritual and physical death brought about by wicked influence and the cunning seduction of the world represented by the adulteress.

But thanks be to God, Proverbs 6 doesn't leave us without hope. It points us, with undeniable clarity and urgency, to the diligent study, meditation, and deep internalisation of God's Word as our vital defence and essential guide. The Word is not just a book of rules; it is our protection, our direction, and our living connection to the voice of God. It enables us to navigate life's complex journey, to avoid the well-disguised traps of sin and destruction. The principles laid out in this chapter, and highlighted in these notes, are not just theoretical; they are practical, real, and applicable to our lives today.

Let us heed the wisdom of Proverbs 6. Let us commit ourselves today, and every day, to making God's Word the lamp to our feet and the light to our path. Let us diligently bind it to our hearts and allow it, through the power of the Spirit, to lead us, to keep us, and to talk with us always, guiding us away from the paths of destruction and firmly onto the way of life.

Amen.