Proverbs 6:1-35 VOICE

[1] My son, if you will risk your family's future to put up collateral for the debts of an acquaintance, if you seal a commitment with a handshake to someone without first knowing the value of his word, [2] Then your words may well be the trap that snares you, and your promise may seal your fate. You can't be sure to whom you hitched your future. [3] So, my son-save yourself! Here's what you need to do: go to that person who became your master with a handshake, humble yourself, and plead your case. [4] Do not sleep; don't even rest your eyes until you deal with this. [5] Get out as quickly as possible, as a gazelle runs from the hand of the hunter, as a bird takes off from the grip of the fowler. [6] Take a lesson from the ant, you who love leisure and ease. Observe how it works, and dare to be just as wise. [7] It has no boss, no one laying down the law or telling it what to do, [8] Yet it gathers its food through summer and takes what it needs from the harvest. [9] How long do you plan to lounge your life away, you lazy fool? Will you ever get out of bed? [10] You say, "A little sleep, a little rest, a few more minutes, a nice little nap." [11] But soon poverty will be on top of you like a robber; need will assault you like a well-armed warrior. [12] Someone who struts around taking advantage of unsuspecting souls and deceiving others is to be avoided. [13] With a wink of his eye, a quick shuffle of his feet, and a slight gesture with his hand, he signals his roguish treachery. [14] With a warped mind and twisted heart, he constantly looks for his own gain at others' expense, causing friction everywhere he goes. [15] But you watch: his actions will bring sudden disaster! In an instant, his life will be shattered, and there will be nothing to save him. [16] Take note, there are six things the Eternal hates; no, make it seven He abhors: [17] Eyes that look down on others, a tongue that can't be trusted, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] A heart that conceives evil plans, feet that sprint toward evil, [19] A false witness who breathes out lies, and anyone who stirs up trouble among the faithful. [20] So, my son, follow your father's direction, and don't forget what your mother taught you- [21] Keep their teachings close to your heart; engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck. [22] Their instruction will guide you along your journey, guard you when you sleep, and address you when you wake in the morning. [23] For their direction is a lamp; their instruction will light your path, and their discipline will correct your missteps, sending you down the right path of life. [24] They will keep you far from the corrupted woman, away from the smooth talk of a seductive woman. [25] Do not lose yourself in desire for her beauty or let her win you over with her painted eyes, [26] For you can buy a harlot with a loaf of bread, but sex with another man's wife will cost you your life. [27] Can you carry fire right next to your body and keep your clothes from burning? [28] Can you walk over fiery coals and keep your feet from blistering? [29] Take another man's wife, and you will find out- whoever touches her will be found guilty. [30] People don't despise a thief who only steals to fill his hunger; [31] Still if they catch him, he must repay seven times over- he could end up losing everything he owns! [32] By contrast only a fool would commit adultery since by his action he loses not only his possessions but also his own life. [33] He will suffer injury and be disgraced; dishonor will leave a permanent mark on his life. [34] For jealousy sparks a husband's rage- when he gets his revenge, he'll show no mercy. [35] He will not be paid off or appeased; no bribe or gift will set things right.