Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. New Living Translation Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. English Standard Version Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; Berean Standard Bible Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. King James Bible Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. New King James Version Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids. New American Standard Bible Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; NASB 1995 Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; NASB 1977 Do not give sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; Legacy Standard Bible Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; Amplified Bible Give no [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; Christian Standard Bible Don’t give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. Holman Christian Standard Bible Don’t give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. American Standard Version Give not sleep to thine eyes, Nor slumber to thine eyelids; Contemporary English Version Do this before you fall asleep or even get sleepy. English Revised Version Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. GOD'S WORD® Translation Don't let your eyes rest or your eyelids close. Good News Translation Don't let yourself go to sleep or even stop to rest. International Standard Version Don't allow yourself to sleep or even to close your eyes. NET Bible Permit no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. New Heart English Bible Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Webster's Bible Translation Give not sleep to thy eyes, nor slumber to thy eyelids. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAllow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. World English Bible Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionDo not give sleep to your eyes, "" And slumber to your eyelids, Young's Literal Translation Give not sleep to thine eyes, And slumber to thine eyelids, Smith's Literal Translation Thou shalt not give sleep to thine eyes, and slumber to thine eyelashes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGive not sleep to thy eyes, neither let thy eyelids slumber. Catholic Public Domain Version Do not grant sleep to your eyes, nor let your eyelids slumber. New American Bible Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids; New Revised Standard Version Give your eyes no sleep and your eyelids no slumber; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou shall not give sleep to your eyes nor slumber to your eyelids. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall not give sleep to your eyes neither slumber to your eyelids OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids. Brenton Septuagint Translation Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber with thine eyelids; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Warnings Against Foolishness…3then 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. 4Allow no sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. 5Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.… Cross References Proverbs 6:1-3 My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger, / if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, / 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. Proverbs 22:26-27 Do not be one who gives pledges, who puts up security for debts. / If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you? Proverbs 20:16 Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner. Proverbs 11:15 He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure. Proverbs 17:18 A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. Matthew 5:25-26 Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Luke 12:58-59 Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. / I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.” Romans 13:8 Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! Ephesians 5:15-16 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Colossians 4:5 Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. / Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving. Treasury of Scripture Give not sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Proverbs 6:10,11 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: … Psalm 132:4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Jump to Previous Allow Eyelids Eyes Rest Sleep SlumberJump to Next Allow Eyelids Eyes Rest Sleep SlumberProverbs 6 1. against indebtedness6. idleness 12. and mischievousness 16. seven things detestable to God 20. the blessings of obedience 25. the mischief of unfaithfulness Allow no sleep to your eyes This phrase emphasizes urgency and diligence. In the context of Proverbs, it is a call to action, urging the reader to address pressing matters without delay. The cultural backdrop of ancient Israel placed a high value on wisdom and prudence, often associating laziness with folly. This urgency can be seen in other biblical passages, such as Proverbs 24:33-34, which warns against the consequences of slothfulness. The call to avoid sleep until a task is completed reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and responsibility, reminding believers to be vigilant and proactive in their spiritual and daily lives. or slumber to your eyelids Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and instruction. 2. The Reader/Disciple The intended audience of Proverbs, often depicted as a young person or disciple seeking wisdom and guidance in life. 3. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was a key component of education and moral instruction. Teaching Points Urgency in Addressing MistakesThe verse emphasizes the importance of addressing mistakes or obligations immediately. In a spiritual sense, this can be applied to repentance and seeking reconciliation with God and others. Diligence and Responsibility The call to avoid sleep symbolizes the need for diligence and responsibility in our commitments. Christians are encouraged to be proactive in their duties and relationships. Spiritual Vigilance Just as physical sleep can lead to neglect of responsibilities, spiritual slumber can lead to neglect of one's faith. Believers are called to remain vigilant and active in their spiritual lives. Avoiding Complacency The verse warns against complacency. In a broader sense, it encourages believers to avoid becoming complacent in their spiritual growth and moral responsibilities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:4?2. How can Proverbs 6:4 guide us in addressing procrastination in our lives? 3. What does "give no sleep to your eyes" teach about urgency in action? 4. How does Proverbs 6:4 relate to the parable of the ten virgins? 5. In what ways can we apply Proverbs 6:4 to our spiritual disciplines? 6. How does Proverbs 6:4 encourage diligence in fulfilling our commitments to others? 7. What does Proverbs 6:4 mean by "Allow no sleep to your eyes"? 8. How does Proverbs 6:4 relate to personal responsibility and diligence? 9. Why is urgency emphasized in Proverbs 6:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 6? 11. What does Proverbs say about lazy people? 12. How do warnings against guaranteeing a neighbor's debt in Proverbs 6:1-5 align with Jesus's teachings on generosity (Matthew 5:42)? 13. Ecclesiastes 4:5-6 appears to favor quietness over hard work--how is this consistent with scriptures that commend diligence (e.g., Proverbs 6:6-8)? 14. Why does Proverbs 6:16-19 say God hates certain behaviors if 'God is love' elsewhere (e.g., 1 John 4:8)? What Does Proverbs 6:4 Mean Allow no sleep“Allow no sleep to your eyes” (Proverbs 6:4) pictures urgent, wholehearted action. Solomon has just warned against the danger of becoming surety—guaranteeing another’s debt (Proverbs 6:1-3). • The image is simple: do not rest until the problem is resolved. • In Scripture, decisive, prompt obedience is praised—think of Abraham rising early to obey God (Genesis 22:3) and David hurrying to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48). • Delay exposes the believer to greater harm; Paul echoes the same spirit: “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Truth calls for immediate response. to your eyes Eyes represent perception and focus (Psalm 101:3). • Solomon urges laser-like concentration on freedom from financial entanglement. • Jesus later warns, “If your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22-23); distraction blurs judgment. • Give no room for competing priorities until you are released from the obligation. or slumber “Slumber” intensifies the warning: even light drowsiness is dangerous. • Proverbs repeatedly connects slumber with poverty (Proverbs 6:10-11; 24:33-34). • Spiritual dullness accompanies physical laxity; Romans 13:11 calls believers to “wake up from your slumber” because salvation is near. • Laziness is not merely unwise—it is disobedience that invites loss. to your eyelids The final phrase emphasizes total vigilance. • Eyelids close involuntarily when weariness wins. Solomon says, “Do not let that reflex kick in.” • Like the watchmen on Jerusalem’s walls who “never be silent day or night” (Isaiah 62:6-7), we are to maintain continuous alertness until the trap is sprung open. • Freedom requires perseverance; Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap. summary Proverbs 6:4 presses believers to act immediately and relentlessly to escape unwise obligations. No pause, no complacency—clear your name, restore integrity, and guard your future. Such single-minded urgency reflects faith that trusts God’s wisdom above comfort, embracing prompt, tireless obedience until the matter is fully resolved. Verse 4. - This verse carries on the thought one step further. The appeal to the friend is not to be confined to one spasmodic effort and then relinquished. He is to be followed up pertinaciously and continually, with unwearied diligence, until prevailed upon to fulfil his engagements. Of this unwearied energy in the pursuit of an object in which cue is deeply interested, compare David's resolution, "I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob" (Psalm 132:4, 5).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Allowתִּתֵּ֣ן (tit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set no אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not sleep שֵׁנָ֣ה (šê·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8142: Sleep to your eyes לְעֵינֶ֑יךָ (lə·‘ê·ne·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain or slumber וּ֝תְנוּמָ֗ה (ū·ṯə·nū·māh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8572: Drowsiness, sleep to your eyelids. לְעַפְעַפֶּֽיךָ׃ (lə·‘ap̄·‘ap·pe·ḵā) Preposition-l | Noun - mdc | second person masculine singular Strong's 6079: An eyelash, morning ray Links Proverbs 6:4 NIVProverbs 6:4 NLT Proverbs 6:4 ESV Proverbs 6:4 NASB Proverbs 6:4 KJV Proverbs 6:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 6:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 6:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 6:4 French Bible Proverbs 6:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes (Prov. Pro Pr) |
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