Proverbs 6:3
Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend.
Original Language Analysis
עֲשֵׂ֨ה
Do
H6213
עֲשֵׂ֨ה
Do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵפ֪וֹא׀
this now
H645
אֵפ֪וֹא׀
this now
Strong's:
H645
Word #:
3 of 13
strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then
בְּנִ֡י
my son
H1121
בְּנִ֡י
my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְֽהִנָּצֵ֗ל
and deliver
H5337
וְֽהִנָּצֵ֗ל
and deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
5 of 13
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
כִּ֘י
H3588
כִּ֘י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בָ֤אתָ
thyself when thou art come
H935
בָ֤אתָ
thyself when thou art come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְכַף
into the hand
H3709
בְכַף
into the hand
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
8 of 13
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
לֵ֥ךְ
H1980
לֵ֥ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
10 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
The phrase 'make sure thy friend' literally means 'storm' or 'importune' your neighbor. In ancient business culture, persistence and direct confrontation were expected when seeking release from obligations.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you needed to humble yourself to correct a mistake? How did God use that experience?
- Why is immediate action emphasized in dealing with financial or spiritual entanglements?
- How does this passage challenge modern notions of pride and saving face?
Analysis & Commentary
Solomon provides urgent counsel for escaping unwise surety: humble yourself, go immediately, and plead earnestly. The Hebrew 'raphash' (humble/abase yourself) demands swallowing pride—a key Reformed theme. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The threefold imperative (do this, go, make sure) shows the seriousness of the situation. This verse teaches that recognizing our foolish decisions and acting swiftly to rectify them demonstrates wisdom and humility before God.