Proverbs 6:1-35 AMPC

[1] My son, if you have become security for your neighbor, if you have given your pledge for a stranger or another, [2] You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth. [3] Do this now [at once and earnestly], my son, and deliver yourself when you have put yourself into the power of your neighbor; go, bestir and humble yourself, and beg your neighbor [to pay his debt and thereby release you]. [4] Give not [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; [5] Deliver yourself, as a roe or gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler. [6] Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!- [7] Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest. [9] How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? [10] Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep- [11] So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless]. [12] A worthless person, a wicked man, is he who goes about with a perverse (contrary, wayward) mouth. [13] He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [to mislead and deceive] and teaches with his fingers. [14] Willful and contrary in his heart, he devises trouble, vexation, and evil continually; he lets loose discord and sows it. [15] Therefore upon him shall the crushing weight of calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken, and that without remedy. [16] These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: [17] A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, [19] A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren. [20] My son, keep your father's [God-given] commandment and forsake not the law of [God] your mother [taught you]. [21] Bind them continually upon your heart and tie them about your neck. [22] When you go, they [the words of your parents' God] shall lead you; when you sleep, they shall keep you; and when you waken, they shall talk with you. [23] For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life, [24] To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a loose woman. [25] Lust not after her beauty in your heart, neither let her capture you with her eyelids. [26] For on account of a harlot a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress stalks and snares [as with a hook] the precious life [of a man]. [27] Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? [28] Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned? [29] So he who cohabits with his neighbor's wife [will be tortured with evil consequences and just retribution]; he who touches her shall not be innocent or go unpunished. [30] Men do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry; [31] But if he is found out, he must restore seven times [what he stole]; he must give the whole substance of his house [if necessary-to meet his fine]. [32] But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks heart and understanding (moral principle and prudence); he who does it is destroying his own life. [33] Wounds and disgrace will he get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. [34] For jealousy makes [the wronged] man furious; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance [upon the detected one]. [35] He will not consider any ransom [offered to buy him off from demanding full punishment]; neither will he be satisfied, though you offer him many gifts and bribes.