Proverbs 6:1–11

Dangerous Promises

6 My son, aif you become 1surety for your friend,

If you have 2shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,

2 You are snared by the words of your mouth;

You are taken by the words of your mouth.

3 So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;

For you have come into the hand of your friend:

Go and humble yourself;

Plead with your friend.

4 bGive no sleep to your eyes,

Nor slumber to your eyelids.

5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,

And like a bird from the hand of the 3fowler.

The Folly of Indolence

6 cGo to the ant, you sluggard!

Consider her ways and be wise,

7 Which, having no 4captain,

Overseer or ruler,

8 Provides her 5supplies in the summer,

And gathers her food in the harvest.

9 dHow long will you 6slumber, O sluggard?

When will you rise from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to sleep—

11 eSo shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,

And your need like an armed man.