Proverbs 6:4

KJV

Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H5414} not sleep {H8142} to thine eyes {H5869}, nor slumber {H8572} to thine eyelids {H6079}.

Complete Jewish Bible

give your eyes no sleep, give your eyelids no rest;

Berean Standard Bible

Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids.

American Standard Version

Give not sleep to thine eyes, Nor slumber to thine eyelids;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:4 is a powerful and hyperbolic exhortation to address urgent matters with extreme diligence and immediacy, foregoing all rest until a critical situation is resolved. Positioned within a larger warning against the perils of foolish suretyship, this verse underscores the necessity of proactive and relentless effort to escape financial or personal entanglement, emphasizing that procrastination in such vital circumstances can lead to ruin. It champions a spirit of vigilance and decisive action over idleness and delay, serving as a timeless principle for navigating pressing responsibilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a specific admonition (Proverbs 6:1-5) concerning the dangers of becoming a guarantor for another's debt. The preceding verses vividly describe the precarious position of one who has "struck hands" for a neighbor, likening it to being "snared" or "trapped." [Proverbs 6:3](/proverbs/6-3 "Proverbs 6:3 - Act Quickly to Deliver Yourself") then delivers an urgent command to act immediately to free oneself: "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." [Proverbs 6:4](/proverbs/6-4 "Proverbs 6:4 - No Rest Until Free") directly follows this urgent call, intensifying the command by prohibiting any form of rest until the matter is resolved. This section then transitions seamlessly into a broader warning against laziness, contrasting the required diligence with the destructive habits of the [sluggard described in Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Sluggard and the Ant"). Thus, the verse functions as a climactic expression of the urgency demanded by the suretyship predicament and sets the stage for the subsequent lessons on diligence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in much of the ancient Near East, suretyship (acting as a guarantor for another's debt) was a common but highly risky practice. Unlike modern banking systems, there were often no formal bankruptcy laws, and failure to repay a debt could lead to severe consequences, including indentured servitude for the debtor and even their family, or the loss of land and possessions. The act of "striking hands" (Proverbs 6:1) symbolized a binding agreement, often a public pledge. Therefore, becoming a surety was not merely a financial risk but a matter of personal freedom and family welfare. The cultural emphasis on honor and community responsibility meant that such a pledge was taken very seriously. The advice to forego sleep highlights the extreme gravity of such a commitment and the dire need for immediate, relentless action to avert potential disaster, reflecting a society where personal industry and timely resolution of obligations were paramount for survival and well-being.
* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 6:4](/proverbs/6-4 "Proverbs 6:4 - The Call to Urgency and Diligence") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Urgency and Immediate Action**, particularly when faced with self-imposed or critical predicaments. It teaches that procrastination in serious matters, especially those involving financial or personal bondage, is not merely unwise but perilous. Secondly, the verse champions **Diligence and Industry**, contrasting sharply with the pervasive warnings against slothfulness found throughout Proverbs, such as the vivid descriptions of the [sluggard's ruin in Proverbs 24:30-34](/proverbs/24-30 "Proverbs 24:30-34 - The Field of the Sluggard"). It promotes a vigilant and active approach to life's responsibilities. Thirdly, it speaks to **Personal Responsibility and Accountability**, emphasizing that one must take swift and decisive steps to rectify one's own foolish choices or to fulfill commitments. This aligns with the broader wisdom tradition that links righteous living with prudent management of one's affairs and consequences. Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Freedom and Deliverance**, presenting diligent action as the path to liberation from entanglements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give," but used with the "greatest latitude of application," including to "put," "make," "allow," or "permit." In this imperative negative ("Give not"), it functions as a strong prohibition against allowing or yielding sleep to one's eyes. It implies an active withholding of permission for rest, emphasizing a conscious and determined effort to remain awake and engaged.
* **Sleep (Hebrew, _shênâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be old" or "to sleep," this word refers to natural, ordinary sleep. Its use here signifies any form of rest or unconsciousness that would impede the urgent task at hand. The command "Give not sleep" is a direct and absolute prohibition against indulging in even basic rest.
* **Slumber (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwmâh'_):** This term, from a root meaning "to nod" or "to be drowsy," denotes a lighter state of sleep or drowsiness, a nodding off. Its pairing with "sleep" (shênâh) creates a powerful synonymous parallelism, amplifying the command to abstain from *any* degree of rest, from deep sleep to mere drowsiness. The inclusion of "slumber" ensures the prohibition is comprehensive, leaving no room for partial or light rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give not sleep to thine eyes":** This clause issues a direct, emphatic prohibition against allowing oneself to fall into a state of sleep. The "eyes" are metonymically used for the entire person, signifying that the individual should not permit any form of rest to hinder their immediate and urgent task. It implies a conscious, determined effort to remain awake and focused.
* **"nor slumber to thine eyelids":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel, reinforcing and intensifying the command of the first. "Slumber" refers to a lighter state of drowsiness or napping, while "eyelids" are a metonym for the eyes themselves, and by extension, the person. By prohibiting even the slightest "slumber," the proverb emphasizes the absolute and total dedication required, leaving no room for any form of physical or mental disengagement until the pressing matter is resolved.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:4 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("nor slumber to thine eyelids") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first half ("Give not sleep to thine eyes"). This repetition, using slightly different but semantically related terms ("sleep" and "slumber," "eyes" and "eyelids"), serves to amplify the command and underscore its absolute nature. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "eyes" and "eyelids" stand in for the entire person, indicating that the individual should not allow themselves any rest whatsoever. Furthermore, the command itself is a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration not meant to be taken literally as a permanent state of sleeplessness, but rather to dramatically emphasize the extreme urgency and diligence required to resolve a critical situation. This hyperbolic language effectively communicates the grave importance of immediate action and the dire consequences of procrastination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:4, while rooted in a practical financial warning, resonates with profound theological principles concerning diligence, responsibility, and the nature of wisdom. It reflects a biblical worldview that values industriousness and prudent management of one's life, contrasting sharply with the spiritual and practical dangers of idleness. The urgency it demands echoes God's call for His people to be vigilant and active stewards of their time and resources, recognizing that delay can lead to greater entanglement and hardship. This principle extends beyond mere financial matters to encompass spiritual alertness, highlighting the need for believers to be awake to the Lord's calling and to the spiritual battles they face. The wisdom tradition consistently links diligent effort with blessing and deliverance, while associating sloth with poverty and ruin, underscoring that God's design for human flourishing involves active engagement and timely obedience.

* [Proverbs 24:33-34](/proverbs/24-33 "The Consequences of Sloth")
* [Romans 13:11](/romans/13-11 "Wake Up from Sleep")
* [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15 "Make the Most of Every Opportunity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless wisdom of Proverbs 6:4 transcends its immediate context of suretyship, offering a profound principle for navigating life's myriad challenges. It is a stark warning against the insidious nature of procrastination, particularly when faced with significant problems or critical responsibilities. Whether it's a looming deadline, a strained relationship requiring immediate attention, a health issue demanding lifestyle changes, or a spiritual discipline that has been neglected, this proverb calls us to decisive and relentless action. It challenges us to confront difficulties head-on, to exert maximum effort, and to resist the temptation to delay or to seek comfort before the crucial task is accomplished. Embracing this wisdom means cultivating a proactive mindset, understanding that timely diligence is not merely efficient but often essential for deliverance and well-being, both practically and spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "suretyship" or critical commitments in your life are currently demanding your immediate, undivided attention?**
* **In what areas of your life (financial, relational, spiritual, professional) are you prone to procrastination, and what are the potential consequences of continued delay?**
* **How can you practically apply the principle of "giving no sleep to your eyes" to a current pressing issue, ensuring you act with the necessary urgency and diligence?**
* **Beyond practical tasks, how does this proverb challenge you to be more spiritually vigilant and "awake" to the promptings of God or the needs of others?**

### FAQ
**Is Proverbs 6:4 a literal command to never sleep until all problems are solved?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 6:4 is not a literal command to abstain from sleep indefinitely. It employs **hyperbole**, a literary device that uses exaggeration for emphasis. The intent is to convey the extreme urgency and diligence required when one finds themselves in a precarious or binding situation, such as the "suretyship" described in [Proverbs 6:1-3](/proverbs/6-1 "The Danger of Suretyship"). The proverb is urging immediate, relentless, and focused action to resolve a critical problem, not advocating for chronic sleeplessness, which would be detrimental to one's health and effectiveness. It underscores that the matter is so serious that it should consume one's attention until it is resolved.

**How does this verse apply to modern financial debt or other commitments?**

Answer: The principle of Proverbs 6:4 is highly relevant to modern financial debt and other commitments. Just as in ancient times, accumulating debt or entering into binding agreements can create significant burdens. The verse advises against complacency and procrastination when such obligations become overwhelming or problematic. It encourages individuals to take swift, decisive, and diligent action to address their financial liabilities, pay off debts, or fulfill commitments before they spiral out of control. This might involve making a strict budget, seeking financial counseling, working extra hours, or making difficult sacrifices to gain freedom from the burden. The underlying message is that serious commitments demand serious, timely effort to prevent deeper entanglement and distress.

**What is the spiritual application of "giving not sleep to thine eyes"?**

Answer: Spiritually, "giving not sleep to thine eyes" can be understood as a call to spiritual vigilance, diligence, and immediate obedience to God's will. Just as physical sleep can lead to neglect of urgent matters, spiritual "sleep" can manifest as apathy, complacency, or procrastination in one's faith journey. The New Testament often uses the metaphor of being "awake" or "asleep" to describe spiritual readiness. For example, [Romans 13:11](/romans/13-11 "Wake Up from Sleep") exhorts believers to "wake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." This verse encourages believers to be alert to spiritual dangers, to actively pursue righteousness, to seize opportunities for ministry, and to be prepared for the Lord's return. It's a call to proactive engagement with one's faith, rather than passive indifference.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:4 directly addresses the urgency of escaping a financial snare, its underlying principle of diligent action and resolute purpose finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. Our Lord lived a life characterized by unwavering focus on His Father's will and an unparalleled sense of urgency in His mission. From His early declaration, "[I must be about My Father's business](/luke/2-49 "Jesus in the Temple")," to His relentless journey towards Jerusalem, He demonstrated a profound commitment to accomplishing the task set before Him. He "set His face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Resolves to Go to Jerusalem")), knowing the suffering that awaited Him, yet never wavering or delaying. The ultimate "suretyship" from which humanity needed deliverance was the bondage of sin and death. We were "ensnared" by our transgressions, unable to free ourselves. Christ, the perfect surety, stepped in on our behalf, taking upon Himself our immense spiritual debt. He "gave not sleep to His eyes" in His pursuit of our redemption, enduring the cross with resolute determination ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")) demonstrates His complete dedication to fulfilling the Father's will, even to the point of sweating drops of blood, refusing to "slumber" in His commitment to our salvation. Through His diligent and perfect work on the cross, He secured our freedom, paying the debt we could never repay, thus becoming the ultimate deliverer from our spiritual "snare" ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13 "Forgiveness and Victory in Christ")). His example calls us to a similar diligence in our spiritual lives, to be "awake" and purposeful in living out our faith, empowered by the freedom He has already secured for us.

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

Psalms 132:4

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, [or] slumber to mine eyelids,

Proverbs 6:10

[Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

Proverbs 6:11

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

Mark 13:35

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mark 13:36

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Matthew 24:17

Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

Matthew 24:18

Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.