Proverbs 6:19

Contrast this verse with Psalms 133:1. ‘It is good when brothers live together calmly.’ The evil man wants to start an argument, or even a war.

‘Brothers’ does not only mean family members here. It can also mean neighbours and friends. It could even mean nations. Peace is good - it is God’s gift. Sometimes a war might be right, if, for example, one side does a terribly evil deed. However, even in war, we must look after people and try to work for peace. We should always pray for peace.

v20 My son, keep my commands!

Do not forget the things that your mother taught you!

v21 Always keep these words in your heart!

Wear these words about your neck!

v22 When you walk, my words will guide you.

When you sleep, they will protect you.

When you wake, they will speak to you.

v23 These commands are like a lamp.

This lesson is like a light.

Correction and discipline are the way to live.

v24 This lesson will protect you when a married woman tempts you.

It will protect you from her attractive words.

v25 Do not allow her beauty to tempt you!

Do not allow her pretty eyes to attract you!

v26 A man may hire certain women for sex.

These women will make him poor.

But if the man has sex with another man’s wife, it will cost him everything.

In the end it will lead to his death.

v27 Do not light a fire against your body! It will burn your clothes.

v28 Do not walk on hot coals! They will burn your feet.

v29 The same happens if you sleep with another man’s wife.

If you even touch her, that man will punish you.