What can we learn from chapters 6 and 7 of Proverbs?
- Should we loan money to others?
- Is napping all day worth it?
- What are the 7 things that God hates?
- Was my parents’ advice right?
The answer key is in Proverbs 6 and 7, more chapters written by King Solomon in the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs Chapter 6
If you have foolishly signed for a friend,
Pay off his debt, that the matter may end.
Theft, upon payment, may rightly be cleared;
But, an adulterer always is smeared.
– Alvy E. Ford
The Bible in Verse: A Bird’s-Eye View of Scripture as Observed through the Eyes of a Poet
As you read the collection of wise sayings in this chapter, zone in on one or two that speak to your current situation.
- If you need encouragement against laziness, start at Proverbs 6:6.
- If you need to know what repulses God, start at Proverbs 6:16.
- If you wonder about your parents’ teachings, start at Proverbs 6:20.
- If you’re tempted to cheat on your partner, start at Proverbs 6:25.
Which verse stands out to you? Write it down or print it out. Try memorizing it this week.
Here is one of my favorites about good teachings.
“When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”
Proverbs 6:22
Proverbs Chapter 7
Comes a young man who is empty of head:
There, is enticed by adultery’s bed;
There, for one evening he enters to dwell;
There, he is snared by the forces of hell.
– Alvy E. Ford
Have you noticed how often Solomon emphasizes staying faithful to your spouse? It’s a lot. He obviously struggled with it himself. In the end, his multiple wives led him away from God to worship idols (1 Kings 11:1-13). Juggling 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines might do that.
But even one stray affair also breaks hearts. Read Proverbs 7 to avoid being seduced.
Is there one verse that stands out to you from chapter 7? Any verse you’d like to memorize?
I choose this one.
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend.”
Proverbs 7:4
Come back tomorrow for Proverbs 8 and 9.
What’s your favorite verse from Proverbs 6 or 7? Please share your thoughts in the comments here. Also join our community Facebook group. We’re keeping up daily conversations there.
Our series so far:
Should we always follow, and never challenge, the teachings of our parents? Is that what these verses are telling us?
What a great question, David. I think one danger of Proverbs is to assume that they are hard-fast rules to follow instead of as guidelines that God wants us to use with discernment. Part of attaining wisdom is knowing how and when to apply the guidelines. While the underlying truths remain the same, their use in our lives may vary from person to person. And your question is a beautiful example of that. If our parents give us advice that turns us away from God and toward evil, God in Wisdom would say to turn away from that advice.
That’s my two-cents worth. :) I’d love to hear what others think about this, too.