Staying on the Right Path (Proverbs 5:1-23)
Life is full of choices, and some of them can lead us down the wrong road if we’re not careful. Proverbs 5 is a heartfelt warning from a father to his child—a reminder to stay wise, be careful about temptation, and remain faithful in relationships. Let’s walk through this chapter together and see what we can learn.
A Father’s Urgent Warning
The chapter begins with a father saying, “Listen to me.” He pleads with his child to pay attention to wisdom and good judgment. Right away, he brings up a serious warning: beware of the “forbidden woman.” This woman represents temptation—something that may look attractive on the outside but leads to pain in the end.
Her words may sound sweet like honey, but her path leads to bitterness and destruction. The message here is clear: not everything that looks good is good for you.
The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
The father then continues with a stronger warning: stay far away from temptation. Don’t even go near its path. Why? Because the cost is too high. Giving in may lead to a life full of regret. A person might lose their honor, their time, their peace, and even their health.
In this section, we hear the voice of someone who didn’t listen to wisdom. They say, “How I hated discipline!” and now they’re left feeling ashamed. This is a powerful reminder: wisdom is something we need to follow before it’s too late.
The Blessing of Faithfulness
Instead of chasing after the wrong things, Proverbs 5 encourages us to stay faithful to the right ones. It paints a beautiful picture of joy and satisfaction found in loving and staying committed to one’s spouse or relationship.
The words are tender, almost poetic, as the father describes how much joy can come from a loving, faithful relationship. It’s a reminder that real happiness doesn’t come from chasing temporary thrills, but from building a life of trust and love.
God Sees Everything
The chapter closes with a serious truth: God sees every step we take. Nothing is hidden from Him. When we ignore wisdom and do whatever we want, we can easily become trapped by our own bad choices.
But there’s hope in this warning too. If we stay on the path of wisdom—making good choices, staying faithful, and listening to advice—we can avoid a lot of pain and heartache.
Final Thoughts
Proverbs 5 isn’t just an old lesson—it’s a message we still need today. Life will always offer shortcuts and temptations, but they often come with hidden costs. The better path is one of wisdom, self-control, and faithfulness.
By choosing what’s right and true, we set ourselves up for peace, joy, and long-lasting blessings. Let’s be people who listen to wisdom and walk in the right direction.
Proverbs 5:1-23 (WEB)
5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom.Turn your ear to my understanding,2 that you may maintain discretion,that your lips may preserve knowledge.3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey.Her mouth is smoother than oil,4 but in the end she is as bitter as wormwood,and as sharp as a two-edged sword.5 Her feet go down to death.Her steps lead straight to Sheol.6 She gives no thought to the way of life.Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it.7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me.Don’t depart from the words of my mouth.8 Remove your way far from her.Don’t come near the door of her house,9 lest you give your honor to others,and your years to the cruel one;10 lest strangers feast on your wealth,and your labors enrich another man’s house.11 You will groan at your latter end,when your flesh and your body are consumed,12 and say, “How I have hated instruction,and my heart despised reproof.13 I haven’t obeyed the voice of my teachers,nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,among the gathered assembly.”15 Drink water out of your own cistern,running water out of your own well.16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,streams of water in the public squares?17 Let them be for yourself alone,not for strangers with you.18 Let your spring be blessed.Rejoice in the wife of your youth.19 A loving doe and a graceful deer—let her breasts satisfy you at all times.Be captivated always with her love.20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress?Why embrace the bosom of another?21 For the ways of man are before the LORD’s eyes.He examines all his paths.22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him.The cords of his sin hold him firmly.23 He will die for lack of instruction.In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.