6:1-5
These verses are not a plea against generosity, but against overextending one's financial resources and acting in irresponsible ways that could lead to poverty. It is important to maintain a balance between generosity and good stewardship. God wants us to help our friends and the needy, but he does not promise to cover the costs of every unwise commitment we make. We should act responsibly so that our families do not suffer.
6:6-11
Those last few moments of sleep are delicious; we savor them as we resist begining another work day. But Proverbs warns against giving into the temptation of laziness, of sleeping instead of working. This does not mean we should never have rest. God gave the Jews the Sabbath, a weekly day of rest and restoration. But we should not rest when we should be working. The ant is used as an example because it utilizes its energy and resources economically. If laziness turns us from our responsibilities, poverty may soon bar us from the legitimate rest we should enjoy.
6:20-23
It is natural and good for children, as they grow toward adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents. Young adults, however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents - to reject their advice just when it is needed most. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other adults who know you well. Their years of experience may have given them wisdom you seek.
6:25
Regard lust as a warning sign of danger ahead. When you notice that you are attracted to a person of the opposite sex or preoccupied with thoughts of him or her, your desires may lead you to sin. Ask God to help you change your desires before you are drawn into sin.
6:25-35
Some people argue that it is all right to break God's law against sexual sin if nobody gets hurt. In truth, somebody always gets hurt. In the case of adultery, spouses are devastated and children are scarred. Even if the partners escape disease and unwanted pregnancy, they may lose their ability to fulfil commitments, to feel sexual desire, to trust, and to be entirely open with another person. God's laws are not arbitrary. They do not forbid good, clear fun; rather warn us against destroying ourselves through unwise actions or running ahead of God' timetable.
These verses are not a plea against generosity, but against overextending one's financial resources and acting in irresponsible ways that could lead to poverty. It is important to maintain a balance between generosity and good stewardship. God wants us to help our friends and the needy, but he does not promise to cover the costs of every unwise commitment we make. We should act responsibly so that our families do not suffer.
6:6-11
Those last few moments of sleep are delicious; we savor them as we resist begining another work day. But Proverbs warns against giving into the temptation of laziness, of sleeping instead of working. This does not mean we should never have rest. God gave the Jews the Sabbath, a weekly day of rest and restoration. But we should not rest when we should be working. The ant is used as an example because it utilizes its energy and resources economically. If laziness turns us from our responsibilities, poverty may soon bar us from the legitimate rest we should enjoy.
6:20-23
It is natural and good for children, as they grow toward adulthood, to become increasingly independent of their parents. Young adults, however, should take care not to turn a deaf ear to their parents - to reject their advice just when it is needed most. If you are struggling with a decision or looking for insight, check with your parents or other adults who know you well. Their years of experience may have given them wisdom you seek.
6:25
Regard lust as a warning sign of danger ahead. When you notice that you are attracted to a person of the opposite sex or preoccupied with thoughts of him or her, your desires may lead you to sin. Ask God to help you change your desires before you are drawn into sin.
6:25-35
Some people argue that it is all right to break God's law against sexual sin if nobody gets hurt. In truth, somebody always gets hurt. In the case of adultery, spouses are devastated and children are scarred. Even if the partners escape disease and unwanted pregnancy, they may lose their ability to fulfil commitments, to feel sexual desire, to trust, and to be entirely open with another person. God's laws are not arbitrary. They do not forbid good, clear fun; rather warn us against destroying ourselves through unwise actions or running ahead of God' timetable.
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