Proverbs 6:4
Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 6
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתֵּ֣ן
Give
H5414
תִּתֵּ֣ן
Give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְעֵינֶ֑יךָ
to thine eyes
H5869
לְעֵינֶ֑יךָ
to thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Historical Context
Sleep was highly valued in agricultural societies where dawn brought hard labor. Sacrificing sleep demonstrated extreme urgency and the seriousness of the threat posed by financial entanglement.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual 'entanglements' in your life demand this level of urgent attention?
- How does this passage inform your understanding of the relationship between physical and spiritual stewardship?
- In what areas of life do you need to stop 'sleeping' and take immediate action?
Analysis & Commentary
The urgency continues with vivid imagery—give no sleep to your eyes until the matter is resolved. This hyperbolic language (common in wisdom literature) emphasizes the gravity of financial bondage. From a Reformed perspective, this reflects the urgency required in dealing with sin and its consequences. Just as we should not rest while in spiritual danger, so we must not delay in addressing entanglements that could lead to ruin. The sovereignty of God over all of life includes vigilant stewardship.