if you have been trapped by the words of your lipsThis phrase highlights the power and potential danger of spoken words. In biblical context, words are seen as powerful tools that can either build up or destroy (
Proverbs 18:21). The imagery of being "trapped" suggests a situation where one's own speech has led to unintended consequences, reflecting the wisdom literature's emphasis on careful speech. Historically, in ancient Israel, oaths and promises were binding, and breaking them could lead to severe social and legal repercussions (
Numbers 30:2). This phrase serves as a warning to be mindful of what one says, as words can create obligations that are difficult to escape.
ensnared by the words of your mouth
The term "ensnared" further emphasizes the idea of being caught or entangled by one's own speech. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of integrity and truthfulness (James 3:2-12). The mouth, as a source of speech, is often depicted in Scripture as a reflection of the heart's condition (Matthew 12:34). In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, verbal agreements were as binding as written contracts, and failing to fulfill them could damage one's reputation and relationships. This phrase underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in communication, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the significance of every word spoken (Matthew 12:36-37).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The Reader/ListenerThe intended audience of Proverbs, often referred to as "my son" in the text, representing anyone seeking wisdom and guidance.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where oral agreements and spoken words held significant weight.
Teaching Points
The Power of WordsOur words have the power to bind us, just as they can set us free. We must be mindful of what we say, as our speech can lead to unintended consequences.
Accountability in SpeechWe are accountable for the words we speak. Just as
Proverbs 6:2 warns about being ensnared by our words, we must take responsibility for our promises and statements.
Wisdom in CommunicationPracticing wisdom in our communication involves thinking before speaking and ensuring our words align with truth and integrity.
Avoiding Rash PromisesBe cautious about making promises or commitments hastily. Consider the implications and ensure you can fulfill what you say.
Seeking Forgiveness and ReconciliationIf you find yourself trapped by your words, seek forgiveness and work towards reconciliation. Humility and honesty can restore relationships and trust.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 6:2?
2.How can we avoid being "ensnared by the words of your mouth"?
3.What practical steps help guard against making rash promises?
4.How does Proverbs 6:2 connect with James 3:5-6 about controlling speech?
5.In what ways can we seek God's wisdom before speaking?
6.How can accountability partners help us with our speech commitments?
7.How does Proverbs 6:2 relate to the power of words in shaping our lives?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 6:2?
9.How does Proverbs 6:2 reflect the broader themes of wisdom literature?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 6?
11.What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?
12.What does the Bible teach about punctuality?
13.Why does Proverbs 6:16-19 say God hates certain behaviors if 'God is love' elsewhere (e.g., 1 John 4:8)?
14.Is it sinful to lie?What Does Proverbs 6:2 Mean
If you have been trapped“if you have been trapped…” (Proverbs 6:2)
• The setting is the previous verse, where someone has rashly guaranteed another’s debt. Such a promise can “trap” a person the moment it leaves the mouth (Proverbs 6:1; 11:15).
• Scripture presents this as a genuine, objective danger, not a mere feeling. Words create binding realities (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6).
• The verse assumes personal responsibility: no outside force is blamed. The snare is self-imposed, echoing2 Samuel 15:31, where David recognizes how human words can overturn plans.
by the words of your lips“…by the words of your lips…” (Proverbs 6:2)
• Speech is pictured as the direct cause of the trap. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).
• Lips reveal the heart (Matthew 12:34), so careless commitments expose an undisciplined heart (James 3:5-6).
• God’s standard never wavers: “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no” (Matthew 5:37). Rash pledges violate that standard.
ensnared“…ensnared…” (Proverbs 6:2)
• A second image reinforces the first: the speaker is caught like prey in a hunter’s net (Psalm 91:3).
• The doubling signals certainty of consequence. Once spoken, words tighten around the one who uttered them (Proverbs 12:13).
• Deliverance requires humble action, as the next verses urge: “Go, humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor” (Proverbs 6:3-5).
by the words of your mouth“…by the words of your mouth” (Proverbs 6:2)
• Repetition highlights accountability. The trap is not from another’s scheme but from “your mouth.” Compare “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).
• This exposes the folly of presumptuous speech—vows, guarantees, exaggerations—that bind the speaker (Proverbs 20:25;Acts 5:4).
• Wisdom therefore cultivates restraint: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3).
summaryProverbs 6:2 warns that a person’s own spoken commitments can fasten around him like a trap. Rash promises spring from undisciplined lips, tighten into unavoidable obligations, and leave no one to blame but the speaker. Scripture urges measured, truthful speech, for words carry real, binding power before both God and people.
Verse 2. -
Thou art snared with the words of thy month, etc.;
i.e. the inevitable consequence of an inconsiderate undertaking of suretyship is that you become entangled and involved by your own premises, and hampered by self-imposed obligations. The Authorized Version rightly regards this as the conclusion. So the Vulgate. Others, however, carry on the hypothesis, and insert
im, "if:" "If thou art snared," etc.; but without warrant (Zockler, Wordsworth, Plumptre). The LXX. throws the thought into the form of a proverb, as "a strong net to a man are his own words." A distinction is to be drawn between the verbs rendered "entangled" and "taken;" the former,
yakosh, signifying to be taken unwarily, off one's guard; the latter,
lakad, referring, as before observed (cf.
Proverbs 5:22), to the being stricken with the net. They are found in the same collocation in
Isaiah 8:15, "Many among them shall be
snared and
taken." The repetition of the phrase, "with the words of thy mouth," is not unintentional or purely rhetorical. It is made, as Delitzsch observes, to bring with greater force to the mind that the entanglements in which the surety is involved are the result of his own indiscretion.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
if you have been trappedנוֹקַ֥שְׁתָּ(nō·w·qaš·tā)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3369:To lay a bait or lureby the wordsבְאִמְרֵי־(ḇə·’im·rê-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 561:Something saidof your lips,פִ֑יךָ(p̄î·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toensnaredנִ֝לְכַּ֗דְתָּ(nil·kaḏ·tā)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3920:To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohereby the wordsבְּאִמְרֵי־(bə·’im·rê-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 561:Something saidof your mouth,פִֽיךָ׃(p̄î·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 6:2 You are trapped by the words (Prov. Pro Pr) 
