KJV ORIGINAL
Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Can someone carry fire against their chest without their clothes catching on fire?
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is using a vivid image to show that certain actions will inevitably lead to harmful consequences - just like fire will always burn.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from King Solomon's collection of wise sayings, likely written around 950 BC. In the immediate context of Proverbs 6, Solomon is warning against adultery and showing how moral compromise leads to destruction. Ancient people would have been very familiar with fire as both a necessity and danger in daily life, making this metaphor instantly relatable.
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