Psalms 6
Proverbs 6 teaches specifically the attitudes and practices to guard against in various areas of life. The passage is divided into four main themes: 1) the dangers of putting up collateral (verses 1–5), 2) warnings against idleness and lessons in diligence (verses 6–11), 3) the conduct of the wicked and its consequences (verses 12–19), and 4) warnings about adultery and improper relationships (verses 20–35).
1verseFor the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, upon the eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm by David. LORD, don’t rebuke me in your anger, neither discipline me in your wrath.
2verseHave mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint. LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
3verseMy soul is also in great anguish. But you, LORD—how long?
4verseReturn, LORD. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness’ sake.
5verseFor in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?
6verseI am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.
7verseMy eye wastes away because of grief. It grows old because of all my adversaries.
8verseDepart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
9verseThe LORD has heard my supplication. The LORD accepts my prayer.
10verseMay all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly.
Guarding Against Surety, Idleness, Evil, and Adultery
- The danger of becoming a surety: It warns about the risk of standing as surety for someone else’s debts, and advises living wisely in finances and relationships.
- Guarding against idleness: By learning from the diligence of ants, it emphasizes that you must take responsibility for yourself and live faithfully and conscientiously.
- The life of the wicked and its results: It condemns crafty behavior, lying, and actions that stir up strife, warning that such a pattern leads to ruin.
- The danger of adultery: It strongly warns of the fatal consequences that come from improper relationships outside the home.
Meditation Points
- In the relationships and responsibilities I have, am I truly choosing wisdom?
- I reflect again on what diligence and faithfulness mean for my life.
- Are there any evil actions in my life—such as small lies, quarrels, or jealousy? And what effect do they have on my life?
- How am I discerning temptations, relationships, and actions that lead me away from God’s will?
Apply It to Myself
Through Proverbs 6, I feel the need to live each day more responsibly, truthfully, and diligently. I can renew my mindset so that I judge wisely and act in my relationships with other people, in matters of money, and when facing temptation. Also, by guarding against even small acts of evil, I can make up my mind to bear the fruit of peace and faithfulness.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
