SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 6
MEMORY VERSES:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
“Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.” (Proverbs 6:25-26)
“Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.” (Proverbs 6:27-29)
“But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32)
WARNINGS AGAINST FOLLY (vs. 1-19)
SIGNS OF A FOOL:
- He put up security for his neighbor and struck hands in pledge for another. (v. 1)
- His sayings trap him and his words ensnared him. (v. 2)
- He plots evil with deceit in his heart. (v. 14)
7 THINGS THE LORD HATES AND DETESTS (vs. 16-19)
- Haughty eyes
- Lying tongues
- Hands that shed innocent blood
- Heart that devise wicked schemes.
- Feet quick to rush into evil.
- False witness who pours out lies
- A man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
WARNINGS AGAINST ADULTERY (vs. 20-35)
CONSEQUENCES OF COMMITTING ADULTERY:
- He is cooping fire into his lap. (v. 27)
- He is walking on hot coals. (v. 28
- It cost him all the wealth of his house. (v. 31)
- He is destroying himself. (v. 32)
- Blows, disgrace and shame will be upon him. (v. 33)
- He may suffer revenge without mercy. (v. 34)
THOUGHTS:
PROMISES AND PLEDGE:
Be careful when you make promises. Learn to say NO. Otherwise, you will end up in bondage to pay a very high price. Do not overextend your finance resources that leads to poverty. Maintain a balance between generosity and good stewardship. God wants us to help our friends and the needy, but we should be wise in our commitment. Better to humble yourself and get free than to let your pride ruin you. Act responsibly so that you and your family will not suffer.
LAZINESS
Proverbs warn against giving in to the temptation of laziness, of sleeping instead of working. We should know when to work and when to rest. The ant is used as an example of using opportunity to prepare for the future. Learn to be industrious by storing up provisions for the future. Utilize your energy and resources economically. Do not let laziness end you up in poverty.
WICKEDNESS
Watch out for the wicked man who plot evil with deceit in his heart to stir up dissension. For disaster will overtake him and he will be totally destroyed.
OBEDIENCE
Children, as you grow toward adulthood, you should listen to your father’s command and mother’s teaching. Their advices will guide you as you walk, watch you as you sleep and speak to you when you are awake. Let those commands be a lamp and a light to your path. Regard their discipline as the way to your successful life.
ADULTERY
Guard yourself against lust as it will attract your desires and draw you into sin. Engaging in illegal and immoral sexual activities may result in diseases, unwanted pregnancy, broken family and ruin your entire life.