Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
What does Proverbs 6:7 mean?
Diligence in business is every man's wisdom and duty; not so much that he may attain worldly wealth, as that he may not be a burden to others, or a scandal to the church. The ants are more diligent than slothful men.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Proverbs 6:6-8 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Proverbs 6:7
"Guide," better captain, as in Joshua 10:24 . The Septuagint introduces here a corresponding reference to the industry of the bee.
Context in Proverbs 6
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Proverbs 6 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as fatherly discourses on wisdom. Proverbs offers compact instruction on speech, work, wealth, friendship, sex, discipline, justice, and wisdom as a way of life before God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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