These first 11 verses in Proverbs 6 give us some PRACTICAL WISDOM strategies on how not how to live SELF DISCIPLINED LIVES and how not to WASTE OUR TIME.
1. BEING THE MASTER OF OUR FINANCES
"My child, be careful about giving a guarantee for somebody else (a friend or stranger), security for a debt, a promise for what they owe. You might be trapped by what you say (an agreement). You might be caught by your own words. My child, you might be under somebody elses control (your friend's mercy). Folllow my advice: this is how you get free. Save yourself. Go to your neighbour and swallow your pride. Beg him for freedom from your debt - what you have promised - have your name erased." Proverbs 6:1-3 (ICB/NLT)
There are plenty of FINANCIAL TRAPS - especially ONLINE - Google investments and pledges. I have been been doing some work on my computer today, and I have had so many adds coming up interrupting my work - tempting me to "clean up my Tablet and Phone". At first it sounded a good idea. Then I realized it was just a SCAM and they wanted my MONEY!
When these come up, I usually check these SCAMS with my husband, because they are detrimental to my family. Even when it is something religious!! Even our friends and neighbours can at times lead us astray. We need to save ourselves from "foolish traps". You just don't know what might happen when you get into DEBT, even when you are just helping someone out of the kindness of our hearts.
Can you really afford it? Keeep yourself out of harms way. TRUST THE LORD! PRAY - and seek GOD'S GUIDANCE, and let Him be the "Master of your finances."
"Free yourself like a gazelle (a deer) running from a hunter. Like a bird from the snare of a the fowler (a trapper)." Proverbs 6:5 (NLT/ICB)
2. MASTER YOUR TIME - THR ART OF AN ANT
"Go to the ant, you sluggard (lazy person), consider its ways, watch what they do and be wise! It has no co commander, no overseer, leader, or ruler, yet it stores provisions in summer, yet it gathers its food (supplies) at harvest." Proverbs 6:6&7 (NIV/ICB)
"How long will you lay there and sleep, you lazy person? When will you wake up? To take a little extra sleep, a little more slumber (a nap).You fold your hands to rest." Proverbs 6:9&10 (NLT/ICB)
We can easily become lazy and waste our time. But it's also important to get enough sleep and not over do it. Both have "disastrous consequences".
a) We can learn from the ANTS who work extremely hard. They hardly ever sleep, and they spend time feeding the other ants. Solomon wants us to take notes of them: we don't want to waste our time , we need to use it wisely.
I love to spend my time productively in God's Word, doing my exercises and I love writing and studying. Mark loves the outdoors, fixing things and gardening. We both love to help help others, especially our young family.
b) But now, we are also at an age, where we need our sleep, Mark especially in the afternoon. Accordind to Dr Lee Warren, my online Neurosurgeon, this isn't a bad thing. Sleeping doesn't mean we are lazy!
"Sleep cleanses metabolic waste, consolidates positive memories, resets emotional circuits. Even one night of better sleep (or an afternoon nap in our case) can improve mental clarity and emotional steadiness. We need to protect our sleep and be consistent with bedtimes and morning wake ups. " Dr Lee Warren
I agree with both Dr Warren and Solomon. We need to get enough sleep and rest to stay healthy, but we don't want to waste our time with unproductive activity. If we ask God to help us, it's amazing how much He can use us.
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S BIBLE", 2015, Thomas Nelson
"GO TO THE ANT" - "Proverbs 6:1-11" (2025), Bible Songs/Worship Jesus, YouTube
"Warren, W.Lee, "Practical Ways to Care for Your Brain", 2026, YouTube
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