#1315. Proverbs 6:1–5 – Don’t be trapped by foolish mercy (25/7/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘My son, if you have put up security for your neighbour, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth. So do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbour’s hands: Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbour no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.’ (Proverbs 6:1-5)
i. What does it mean to ‘put up security for your neighbour?
To ‘put up security’ means to guarantee someone else’s debt, promising to pay if they are unable to do so. It’s easy to see how risky this can be—imagine handing over your credit or debit card for someone to use when they’re short on funds.
ii. For a ’neighbour’ or ’stranger’
This proverb refers to a ’neighbour’ or ’stranger’. These two groups speak of anyone whom you don’t know intimately. While providing such a guarantee isn’t something that should never be done, it’s a step that should be taken rarely, and never for someone that you don’t know and thoroughly trust.
iii. Christians are to use words wisely and keep their word
We are taught the importance of our words. We are to be both wise and honest with our words. A Christian must not be quick to make rash promises, particularly in regard to financial dealings. Speaking of keeping the words we speak, we read in Psalm 15:
‘Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?… [He] who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind…’ (Psalm 15:1, 4b)
iv. Beware of getting trapped
I’m sure we can see that if we are quick, rash and unwise with our words, we can be trapped into taking responsibility for another’s needs. We can find ourselves enslaved to, quite often, the foolish debts and chaos of another’s life.
v. Free yourself
Proverbs 6:1-5 urges us to take immediate and decisive action to free ourselves if we have become entangled by rash promises or commitments—‘trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.’ The response is described in strikingly vivid terms: ‘Go—to the point of exhaustion—and give your neighbour no rest! Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.’ Just as a gazelle or bird will fight relentlessly to escape a trap, we, too, must do everything in our power to avoid getting ensnared in unwise financial obligations, and if we are, to work tirelessly to free ourselves.
Are we prayerfully stewarding our wealth and resources with wisdom? Are we quick to commit our time, money, or support to those who may be irresponsible? Could it be that others are taking advantage of our generosity? It’s worth reflecting: do you need to seek advice to address any "holes" that your well-meaning but impulsive words or actions may have got you into?
Let’s pray together as we finish
“Lord Jesus, I thank you for your mercy toward me and how I’m to model my own generosity upon you. Help me to be both wise and merciful. Help me to use what you provide in a way that honours you rather than wastefully. Help me not to snare myself with unwise offers of support and rash commitments. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #7: Proverbs 5:1-6:5. Pay attention and have healthy relationships.
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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