Proverbs 6:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Do {H6213} this now {H645}, my son {H1121}, and deliver {H5337} thyself, when thou art come {H935} into the hand {H3709} of thy friend {H7453}; go {H3212}, humble {H7511} thyself, and make sure {H7292} thy friend {H7453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do this now, my son, and extricate yourself, since you put yourself in your friend's power: go, humble yourself, and pester your friend;

Berean Standard Bible

then do this, my son, to free yourself, for you have fallen into your neighbor’s hands: Go, humble yourself, and press your plea with your neighbor.

American Standard Version

Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, Seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbor: Go, humble thyself, and importune thy neighbor;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:3 serves as an urgent and direct paternal admonition, providing a clear and decisive pathway for extrication from the perilous snare of suretyship. Following a stern warning against the dangers of guaranteeing another's debt, this proverb shifts from caution to imperative action, prescribing immediate, humble, and diligent steps as the only wise course. It underscores the critical necessity of swift and proactive intervention to resolve a precarious obligation, demonstrating profound personal responsibility and an unwavering commitment to restoring integrity and relational harmony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal component of a larger, urgent admonition found in [Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1-5 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Suretyship"), which sternly cautions against the practice of suretyship, or co-signing a loan for another. The preceding verses vividly portray the one who has become surety as being "snared" by their own words, likening their predicament to a bird caught in a fowler's net, highlighting the self-imposed trap. [Proverbs 6:3](/proverbs/6-3 "Proverbs 6:3 - The Path to Deliverance") then transitions from a general warning to prescriptive action, offering the immediate and decisive steps essential to escape this perilous situation. It functions as a direct, imperative instruction, emphasizing the urgency of resolving such a precarious financial or relational commitment before it escalates into utter ruin, aligning perfectly with the practical and actionable wisdom characteristic of the book of Proverbs.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Suretyship was a prevalent, though inherently risky, practice in ancient Near Eastern societies, where formal banking institutions were absent. Individuals frequently relied on personal guarantees to secure loans or debts, often for family members, friends, or even those in dire need. While seemingly an act of communal generosity, the book of Proverbs consistently warns against it due to the severe repercussions for the guarantor if the principal debtor defaulted. Such an agreement could lead to the loss of one's property, social standing, or even personal freedom through debt slavery. The phrase "into the hand of thy friend" metaphorically signifies being under the power, control, or obligation of the creditor, whether the original friend or the one to whom the debt is ultimately owed. The counsel to "humble thyself" and "make sure thy friend" reflects the paramount importance of maintaining social honor, diligently working to resolve financial and relational breaches, and preserving the fabric of community trust.

* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 6:3](/proverbs/6-3 "Proverbs 6:3 - The Path to Deliverance") powerfully articulates several core themes central to the wisdom tradition. Firstly, it champions **Urgency and Decisive Action**, emphasizing that procrastination in addressing a poor commitment or dangerous obligation only exacerbates the problem, demanding a swift, self-initiated rescue. Secondly, the verse profoundly underscores **Humility and Reconciliation**, as "go, humble thyself" necessitates setting aside personal pride to earnestly approach the friend or creditor. This act is vital for repairing potential damage to the relationship and seeking an amicable resolution, acknowledging one's error and actively striving to rectify it, aligning with broader biblical principles of seeking peace and reconciliation, as seen in passages like [Matthew 5:25](/matthew/5-25 "Matthew 5:25 - Settle quickly with your adversary"). Thirdly, it promotes **Proactive Problem Solving**, urging active engagement rather than passive waiting for issues to dissipate. Finally, the instruction to "make sure thy friend" speaks directly to the theme of **Restoration of Trust and Integrity**, implying concrete and persistent steps to reassure the friend, settle the matter, and restore the relationship to a state of security and confidence, reflecting the high value placed on integrity in financial dealings throughout Proverbs, such as in [Proverbs 22:7](/proverbs/22-7 "Proverbs 22:7 - The borrower is servant to the lender").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** From H5337, this verb signifies "to snatch away," conveying a sense of urgent self-rescue from a perilous situation. It implies an active, decisive effort to pluck oneself free from a dangerous entanglement, rather than passively awaiting deliverance. In this context, it is a command to extricate oneself from the binding obligation of suretyship.
* **humble thyself (Hebrew, _râphaç'_):** From H7511, this word literally means "to trample" or "to prostrate." In the reflexive form used here, it denotes an intense, earnest act of humbling oneself, perhaps even to the point of abasing oneself or pleading with great urgency and sincerity. It suggests a proactive, rather than passive, humility, involving a willingness to set aside pride and earnestly seek resolution.
* **make sure (Hebrew, _râhab'_):** From H7292, this root means "to urge severely" or "to importune." While it can carry connotations of insolence, in this specific context, it signifies a persistent, diligent, and perhaps even insistent effort to settle the matter with the friend or creditor. It's about thoroughly working to secure the relationship and rectify the situation, leaving no stone unturned until the obligation is fully resolved and trust is reaffirmed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself,"**: This opening clause establishes the imperative and urgent nature of the advice. "Do this now" stresses the immediacy required, indicating that any delay will only exacerbate the predicament. "My son" frames the counsel within a loving, paternal relationship, imbuing the instruction with authority, wisdom, and deep concern. "Deliver thyself" highlights the personal responsibility inherent in the situation; the individual must actively work to free themselves from the self-imposed snare of suretyship.
* **"when thou art come into the hand of thy friend;"**: This clause precisely clarifies the perilous situation that necessitates the urgent action. To be "in the hand of thy friend" is a powerful metaphor signifying being under the power, control, or binding obligation of another, specifically the one to whom the debt is owed or for whom one has become surety. It underscores the vulnerable and dependent position the son finds himself in, emphasizing the loss of autonomy.
* **"go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend."**: This final clause provides the specific, multi-faceted actions required for deliverance. "Go" emphasizes proactive movement and initiation of the resolution process. "Humble thyself" demands a profound setting aside of pride and a willingness to approach the situation with earnestness, perhaps even supplication, acknowledging one's error. "Make sure thy friend" implies taking persistent, diligent, and effective steps to secure the relationship, settle the debt, and fully restore trust, ensuring that the friend is satisfied and the obligation is completely resolved.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent and practical message with maximum impact. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Do," "deliver," "go," "humble," "make sure") creates a sense of immediate command and undeniable necessity, underscoring the critical nature of the situation and demanding swift obedience. A powerful **Metaphor** is found in the phrase "come into the hand of thy friend," which vividly illustrates the state of being trapped, legally bound, or under the control of an obligation, much like being held captive. The address "my son" exemplifies **Parental Admonition**, framing the counsel within a context of loving authority, deep concern for the recipient's well-being, and the transmission of vital wisdom. Furthermore, the progression of actions—from immediate self-rescue to humble entreaty and persistent resolution—demonstrates a clear **Progression of Thought** that guides the listener through the necessary steps for extrication and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:3 transcends a mere financial warning, offering profound theological and thematic insights into human responsibility, the consequences of imprudent decisions, and the path to reconciliation. It underscores the biblical emphasis on integrity, promptness in addressing sin or error, and the transformative power of humility. The "father" in Proverbs consistently teaches that true wisdom involves not only avoiding pitfalls but also possessing the spiritual and moral fortitude to humbly and diligently rectify mistakes when they occur. This principle extends beyond financial dealings to all areas of life where one might find themselves "trapped" by poor judgment, broken promises, or relational conflict, highlighting God's desire for His people to live with integrity, seek peace, and pursue reconciliation, reflecting His own character of faithfulness and restorative justice.

* [Proverbs 22:26-27](/proverbs/22-26-27 "Proverbs 22:26-27 - Warning Against Suretyship")
* [Matthew 5:23-24](/matthew/5-23-24 "Matthew 5:23-24 - Reconciliation Before Worship")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:3 offers timeless wisdom that extends far beyond ancient financial practices, serving as a powerful call to proactive responsibility and humble reconciliation in all areas of life where we might find ourselves "trapped" by our own poor decisions, broken commitments, or relational missteps. The urgency implied by "do this now" challenges us to confront problems immediately rather than allowing them to fester and worsen. Whether it's a financial entanglement, a strained relationship, an unfulfilled promise, or a moral compromise, procrastination often exacerbates the issue and deepens the harm, mirroring the rapid decay that sin can bring. The command to "humble thyself" is a profound spiritual lesson, reminding us that pride is often the greatest barrier to resolution and restoration. True wisdom requires us to set aside ego, admit our faults, and earnestly seek to make things right, even if it means putting ourselves in a vulnerable or uncomfortable position, recognizing that God gives grace to the humble. Finally, "make sure thy friend" calls for persistent, diligent effort to fully restore trust and integrity. It's not enough to simply apologize; we must actively work to mend what is broken, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the well-being of others and the health of our relationships, reflecting the restorative work of Christ in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I realize I've made a poor decision or entered into a disadvantageous commitment? Do I act immediately, or do I tend to procrastinate and hope the problem resolves itself?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—personal, professional, or spiritual—might I need to "humble myself" and proactively seek reconciliation or resolution with others, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly?**
* **What does it truly mean to "make sure" a relationship or situation is fully restored, and am I willing to invest the persistent effort, sacrifice, and perhaps even inconvenience required for that complete restoration?**

### FAQ

**What is "suretyship" and why is it considered dangerous in Proverbs?**

Answer: Suretyship, as referenced in [Proverbs 6:1-2](/proverbs/6-1-2 "Proverbs 6:1-2 - Warning Against Suretyship"), refers to the act of co-signing a loan, guaranteeing a debt, or putting up collateral for another person's financial obligation. It means taking on legal responsibility for someone else's debt. Proverbs consistently warns against it because if the principal debtor defaults, the guarantor becomes fully liable for the debt, potentially leading to financial ruin, loss of property, or even debt slavery. The wisdom literature deems it imprudent because it places one's own financial security and even freedom at the mercy of another's integrity and financial stability, a risk that goes against the prudent stewardship advocated throughout the book.

**Does this verse only apply to financial situations, or does it have broader relevance?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Proverbs 6:3](/proverbs/6-3 "Proverbs 6:3 - The Path to Deliverance") is financial suretyship, the profound principles it espouses have broad and timeless relevance to many areas of life. The call for immediate action, humility, and persistent reconciliation can be applied to any situation where one has made a poor judgment, broken a promise, or caused harm to a relationship. Whether it's a relational conflict, a moral misstep, an ethical dilemma, or a spiritual compromise, the wisdom of Proverbs encourages us to swiftly acknowledge our error, humble ourselves before those we have wronged (or before God), and diligently work to make things right and restore trust. It provides a universal guide for responsible, redemptive, and integrity-driven living, emphasizing that true wisdom is practical and actionable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:3, with its urgent call to "deliver thyself" through humility and decisive action, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, by its sin, was not merely "come into the hand" of a friend's debt, but into the inescapable grip of spiritual debt, condemnation, and the power of death, utterly unable to "deliver thyself." Yet, the Father, in His infinite wisdom and love, sent His Son, Jesus, who perfectly embodied the very principles advocated in this proverb. Christ, though God, "humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His decisive action on the cross was the ultimate "deliverance," snatching us away from the dominion of sin and death, securing our freedom through His perfect sacrifice ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness")). He didn't merely apologize for humanity's fallen state; He proactively and persistently "made sure" the relationship between God and humanity was fully restored, becoming our great High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). The urgency of "do this now" echoes the gospel's call for immediate repentance and faith, for "now is the day of salvation" ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Acceptable Time")). Thus, Proverbs 6:3 foreshadows the divine wisdom that would fully manifest in Christ, who, through His unparalleled humility and decisive redemptive act, provides the only true and lasting deliverance, reconciling us to God and empowering us to live lives of humble, proactive obedience in His light.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Psalms 31:8

And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

2 Chronicles 36:12

And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD his God, [and] humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet [speaking] from the mouth of the LORD.

2 Samuel 24:14

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.

Exodus 10:3

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

2 Chronicles 12:5

Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and [to] the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.