*Proverbs 5:1-23
Proverbs 5 warns against adultery and the dangers of temptation by a seductive woman.
- Warning Against Immorality:
- The passage begins with the fatherly admonition of King Solomon, urging his son to pay attention to his wisdom and understanding.
- He warns his son to be attentive to his words and to keep his ways far from the adulteress and her seductive speech.
- Consequences of Immorality:
- Solomon describes the consequences of immorality, warning his son that the lips of the adulteress drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil.
- He cautions his son that her end is bitter as wormwood, leading to the paths of death and destruction.
- Avoiding Temptation:
- Solomon advises his son to avoid the adulteress and not to go near the door of her house, lest he give his honor to others and his years to the merciless.
- He encourages his son to drink water from his own cistern and to rejoice in the wife of his youth, finding satisfaction and fulfillment in marital fidelity.
- Value of Faithfulness:
- Solomon extols the value of faithfulness and commitment in marriage, advising his son to be intoxicated with the love of his own wife and to always be enraptured with her affection.
- He warns against the allure of the adulteress, emphasizing that her ways lead to ruin and destruction.
- Conclusion:
- Solomon concludes by reminding his son that a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths.
- He warns that the evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them, and they are held fast by the cords of their sin, facing judgment and punishment for their transgressions.
Proverbs 5:1-23 warns us to stay away from temptation and make wise choices, especially in relationships. It reminds us that unwise decisions can lead to regret, but following God’s wisdom brings lasting joy and peace. This teaches us to be faithful, honest, and careful about who we listen to. When we choose to live with integrity and respect, we protect ourselves and others from harm. Staying close to God and seeking His guidance helps us make choices that lead to a fulfilling and honorable life.
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.