Proverbs 6:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: save yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

NIV: Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

NASB: Save yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

CSB: Escape like a gazelle from a hunter, like a bird from a hunter's trap.

NLT: Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.

KJV: Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

NKJV: Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

The general context of this passage is that of being trapped in a bad loan, by cosigning or offering collateral for another person (Proverbs 6:1–4). Scripture doesn't forbid all forms of borrowing or lending, but it does speak against unfair interest (Deuteronomy 23:19–20) and other unreasonable approaches. Solomon tells his son in this verse to free himself from the trap he fell into by "[putting] up security" for an unreliable person.

In Bible times, a person in default of payment might become the creditor's slave and lose everything he had. Even his family members might be taken as slaves by the creditor. There are risks associated with cosigning loans today, but in most modern cultures, those pale in comparison to what happened to debtors in the past.

Solomon uses two similes to emphasize the speed with which a cosigner should act. Gazelles are the smallest antelope in Palestine, noted for beauty and speed (1 Chronicles 12:8). When a gazelle was aware of danger, it would dart away from the danger as quickly as possible. Similarly, when hunted, birds try to fly away as quickly as possible. A cosigner may not realize the danger involved in cosigning for a high-interest loan, but his lack of awareness does not reduce the risk.

Proverbs 6:1–5 is the first of two teachings on good financial health in this chapter of Proverbs. This passage refers to using one's own property as collateral, especially for someone else's loan. The emphasis seems to be on a situation where one has cosigned on high-interest or risky borrowing, on behalf of another person. The book of Proverbs often discourages this kind of gamble (Proverbs 17:18; 22:26–27). Solomon's advice for those caught in such an arrangement is to immediately seek resolution: remove yourself from that situation without delay. Exodus 22:25–27 and Leviticus 25:35–37 are companion texts regarding lending money. The next passage considers another aspect of money management: avoiding laziness.

This chapter provides teaching on two aspects of wealth management. The first is avoiding putting one's property in debt for the sake of some other person's risky investment. The other warns against laziness, indicating that it puts a person at risk for sudden ruin. Solomon then poetically explains attitudes and actions which God finds especially repulsive. Next, Solomon returns to the subject of adultery. He reiterates the inherent risks of sexual immorality, including the catastrophic consequences which it brings. That lesson continues into the following chapter.

This chapter of Proverbs continues the wise sayings Solomon addresses to his son. In chapter 5 he addresses adultery and marriage. In this chapter he addresses financial matters, work ethics, characteristics and conduct the Lord despises, and sexual immorality. A common theme of these lessons is to avoid the natural consequences of foolish choices. The next chapter describes the adulteress's ways and the pitfalls involved in committing adultery with her.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.