Proverbs 6 in the early church

144 passages quote, allude to, or echo Proverbs 6, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 13 · 17 · 19 · 20 · 22 · 23 · 24 · 25 · 26 · 27 · 28 · 29 · 30 · 31 · 32 · 33 · 34

Proverbs 6:1

My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:1Miscellanies 2.15.70 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 6:1Fragments on Proverbs, column 175 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:1On Tobit 90 · Ambroseallusion, low confidenceca. 380-390

Proverbs 6:2

if you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:2Miscellanies 2.15.70 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 6:2Apostolic Constitutions 2.42.5 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380
Prov 6:2Apostolic Constitutions 7.4.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 6:2Explanation of Twelve Psalms 38.5.3 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 6:2Tractates on Matthew 14.6 · Chromatius of Aquileiaquotation, high confidenceca. 388–407

Proverbs 6:3

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.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:3On Tobit 89 · Ambrosequotation, medium confidenceca. 380-390
Prov 6:3Liber Orsiesii 9 · Orsiesiusquotation, medium confidenceca. 380-390

Proverbs 6:4

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

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:4Fragments on Job, column 83 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:4Fragments on Proverbs, column 175 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:4Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:4PG 12:1127 (Ps 3 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:4PG 12:1533 (Ps 75–76 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:4PG 12:1589 (Ps 118 LXX) · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:4Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 93 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Prov 6:4–5Letter 42 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 357–378
Prov 6:4–5Letter 119.7 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 6:4–5Letter 119.10 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 6:4Commentary on Jeremiah 5.64 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 414-419

Proverbs 6:5

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:5Fragments on Job, column 83 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:5PG 12:1127 (Ps 3 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:5Homilies on Psalms 36-38 4.2 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 6:5Commentary on the Song of Songs 3.221 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Prov 6:5Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 93 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Prov 6:5Homilies 3.1 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 6:5Hexameron (Exameron) 6.48 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-390

Proverbs 6:6

Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:6Miscellanies 1.6.33 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 6:6Miscellanies 4.3.9 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 6:6Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:6–8Against Celsus 4.81 · Origenecho, medium confidenceca. 248
Prov 6:6On the Anger of God 7.11 · Lactantiusecho, low confidenceca. 313–314
Prov 6:6–8Demonstration 14.16 · Aphrahatecho, low confidence337-345
Prov 6:6Catechetical Lecture 9.8 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
Prov 6:6–8Letters 8, 9 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 357–378
Prov 6:6Homilies on the Psalms 14.9 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 360-378
Prov 6:6Hexaemeron 9.3 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Prov 6:6–8Apostolic Constitutions 2.63.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 6:6Theological Oration 2 (Or. 28), On the Doctrine of God 25 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, medium confidence380
Prov 6:6Chapter 2 · Nicetas, bishop of Remesianaquotation, high confidenceca. 380–414
Prov 6:6Homilies on Matthew 7.6 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Prov 6:6Homilies on Matthew 17.7 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Prov 6:6Homilies on Matthew 21.1 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Prov 6:6–8Hexameron (Exameron) 5.70 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-390
Prov 6:6–8Hexameron (Exameron) 6.16 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-390
Prov 6:6Life of Malchus 7 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 390–392
Prov 6:6Sermon 38.6 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 6:6–8Against Adimantus, a Disciple of Mani 24 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 394
Prov 6:6Letters 9.2 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 6:6Letters 39.2 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 6:6Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 4 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, high confidenceca. 420-430
Prov 6:6On the Governance of God 4.43 · Salvian of Marseillesecho, low confidenceca. 439-451

Proverbs 6:7

Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:7Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:7PG 12:1599 (Ps 118 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 6:8

it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:8Miscellanies 1.6.33 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 6:8Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:8PG 12:1599 (Ps 118 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:8Homily on Isaiah 2 · Origenquotation, medium confidenceca. 235–250
Prov 6:8Homilies on Numbers 27.12 · Origenallusion, low confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Prov 6:8Commentary on the Song of Songs 0.81 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Prov 6:8Prophetic Extracts 1.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, medium confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Prov 6:8Catechetical Lecture 9.8 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
Prov 6:8Hexaemeron 8.4 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Prov 6:8Letter 125.11 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 6:8Apostolic Constitutions 2.63.3 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 6:8Exposition of Psalm 118 14.24.5 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 6:8Homily 9 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 6:8Homily 14 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, medium confidenceca. 390–394
Prov 6:8Letters 9.2 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 6:8Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 4 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, medium confidenceca. 420-430

Proverbs 6:9

How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep?

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:9Exhortation to the Greeks 8.80 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 6:9Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:9Oration 40.21 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 6:9–11Apostolic Constitutions 2.63.4 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 6:9–11Chapter 2 · Nicetas, bishop of Remesianaquotation, high confidenceca. 380–414

Proverbs 6:10

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:10Letters 9.2 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413

Proverbs 6:11

and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:11Exhortation to the Greeks 8.80 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, medium confidenceca. 190–200
Prov 6:11Oration 40.21 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 6:11Letters 9.2 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Prov 6:11Letters 21.5 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413

Proverbs 6:13

winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:13Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:13–14Commentary on John 32.275 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248

Proverbs 6:17

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:17Fragments on Proverbs, column 177 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:17–18On Saint Athanasius 1.26 · Lucifer of Cagliariquotation, high confidenceca. 356–361
Prov 6:17–18Apology against Rufinus 3.43 · Jeromequotation, medium confidenceca. 401–402

Proverbs 6:19

a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:19Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:19Demonstration 14.37 · Aphrahatallusion, medium confidence337-345

Proverbs 6:20

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:20Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 6:22

When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:22Didascalia 6.21 · Anonymousquotation, high confidencefirst half of the third century
Prov 6:22Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:22Apostolic Constitutions 6.27.1 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Prov 6:22Homily 1 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394

Proverbs 6:23

For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:23Miscellanies 1.29.181 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Prov 6:23Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:23Oration 40.6 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 6:23Tractates on Matthew 5.4 · Chromatius of Aquileiaquotation, high confidenceca. 388–407
Prov 6:23Tractates 8 · Gaudentius of Bresciaquotation, medium confidenceca. 397-410

Proverbs 6:24

to keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:24Fragments on Proverbs, column 159 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 6:25

Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:25Fragments on Proverbs, column 159 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:25–26Tractates on the Psalms 123.9 · Hilary of Poitiersecho, low confidenceca. 360–367
Prov 6:25Tractates on the Psalms 139.3 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, low confidenceca. 360–367
Prov 6:25Homilies 12.14 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, low confidenceca. 363-378
Prov 6:25–26On Cain and Abel 1.14 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 375-378
Prov 6:25On Cain and Abel 1.15 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 375-378
Prov 6:25On Noah 34 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 378-384
Prov 6:25Second Apology of David 12 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
Prov 6:25Exposition of Psalm 118 5.30.3 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 6:25Exposition of Psalm 118 8.37.1 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Prov 6:25Explanation of Twelve Psalms 1.27.3 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 6:25Tractates on Matthew 9.1 · Chromatius of Aquileiaquotation, high confidenceca. 388–407

Proverbs 6:26

For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:26On Proverbs, fragment 10 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, medium confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 6:26Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:26On the Singleness of Clerics 4 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 6:26Oration 8.9 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Prov 6:26Second Apology of David 12 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
Prov 6:26Sermon 37.20 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 391-430
Prov 6:26City of God 2.5 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426

Proverbs 6:27

Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:27To Autolycus 3.13 · Theophilus of Antiochquotation, high confidenceca. 180–185
Prov 6:27–28On Proverbs, fragment 13 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, high confidenceca. 200–235
Prov 6:27On the Singleness of Clerics 2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)
Prov 6:27Catechetical Lecture 2.1 · Cyril of Jerusalemquotation, high confidenceca. 350
Prov 6:27Letter 22.14 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 6:27Second Apology of David 13 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397
Prov 6:27Explanation of Twelve Psalms 1.27.4 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 6:27Explanation of Twelve Psalms 1.27.5 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Prov 6:27–28Against Jovinianus 1.7 · Jeromequotation, high confidence393
Prov 6:27–28Commonitorium 1.301–330 · Orientius of Auchallusion, medium confidenceca. 420-450

Proverbs 6:28

Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:28To Autolycus 3.13 · Theophilus of Antiochquotation, high confidenceca. 180–185
Prov 6:28Letter 22.14 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Prov 6:28Second Apology of David 13 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-397

Proverbs 6:29

So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:29To Autolycus 3.13 · Theophilus of Antiochquotation, high confidenceca. 180–185
Prov 6:29On the Singleness of Clerics 2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)

Proverbs 6:30

Men do not despise the thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:30Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:30Question 124, section 2 · Ambrosiasterallusion, low confidenceca. 370–384
Prov 6:30Homilies on Matthew 75.5 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Prov 6:30On the Governance of God 4.14 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Proverbs 6:31

Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:31Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254

Proverbs 6:32

He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.

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ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:32On Modesty 18 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 210–220
Prov 6:32Fragments on Proverbs, column 179 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Prov 6:32Part 1, chapter 36 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Proverbs 6:33

Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:33On Modesty 18 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 210–220

Proverbs 6:34

For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Prov 6:34On Modesty 18 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 210–220
Prov 6:34Homilies on Matthew 4.2 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390