A Tale of Three Fools – Proverbs chapter 3, verses 1 to 19
The folly of being guarantor for a stranger
My son, if you have put up security for your neighbour,
Proverbs 6:1-2
if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,
2 you have been trapped by what you said,
ensnared by the words of your mouth.
The folly of laziness
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
Proverbs 6:9-11
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest –
11 and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.
The folly of deception
There are six things the Lord hates,
Proverbs 6:16-19
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.