Proverbs 6:1-19

My son, don’t promise to pay for what your neighbor owes. Don’t agree to pay a stranger’s bill. Don’t be trapped by what you have said. Don’t be caught by the words of your mouth. Instead, my son, do something to free yourself. Don’t fall into your neighbor’s hands. Go until you can’t go anymore. Don’t let your neighbor rest. Don’t let your eyes go to sleep. Don’t let your eyelids close. As a deer frees itself from a hunter, free yourself. As a bird frees itself from a trapper, free yourself. You people who don’t want to work, think about the ant! Consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander. It has no leader or ruler. But it stores up its food in summer. It gathers its food at harvest time. You lazy people, how long will you lie there? When will you get up from your sleep? You might sleep a little or take a little nap. You might even fold your hands and rest. Then you would be poor, as if someone had robbed you. You would have little, as if someone had stolen from you. An evil troublemaker goes around saying twisted things with his mouth. He winks with his eyes. He makes signals with his feet. He motions with his fingers. His plans are evil, and he has lies in his heart. He is always stirring up fights. Trouble will catch up with him in an instant. He will suddenly be destroyed, and nothing can save him. There are six things the LORD hates. In fact, he hates seven things. The LORD hates proud eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that kill those who aren’t guilty. He also hates hearts that make evil plans and feet that are quick to do evil. He hates any witness who pours out lies and anyone who stirs up conflict in the community.