Proverbs 6:26

For the levy of the prostitute is poverty, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

Study Bible

For the levy of the prostitute
The word "levy" here can be understood as a cost or a price. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "כִּי" (ki), which often introduces a reason or explanation. The term "prostitute" is translated from the Hebrew "זֹנָה" (zonah), which refers to a woman who engages in sexual activity for payment. Historically, prostitution was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with pagan worship and idolatry. The "levy" implies a transactional nature, highlighting the tangible and intangible costs associated with engaging in such relationships. From a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase warns against the spiritual and moral degradation that accompanies such actions, emphasizing that the pursuit of illicit pleasures leads to spiritual poverty and a loss of integrity.

is poverty
The Hebrew word for "poverty" is "עַד־כִּכַּר־לָחֶם" (ad-kikkar-lechem), which literally translates to "a loaf of bread." This phrase metaphorically represents destitution or lack. In the context of Proverbs, it underscores the idea that engaging with a prostitute reduces a person to a state of need and want, both materially and spiritually. The imagery of a loaf of bread suggests basic sustenance, indicating that the pursuit of such sinful desires can strip one of even the most fundamental necessities. From a conservative viewpoint, this serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin, urging believers to seek fulfillment in God rather than in fleeting, worldly pleasures.

and the adulteress
The term "adulteress" is derived from the Hebrew "אֵשֶׁת אִישׁ" (eshet ish), meaning "a man's wife," but in this context, it refers to a woman who engages in adultery. Adultery, in biblical times, was considered a grave sin, violating the sanctity of marriage and the covenant relationship between husband and wife. The use of "adulteress" here serves to broaden the warning from mere financial ruin to the deeper, more destructive consequences of infidelity. It reflects the biblical principle that marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, and any violation of this covenant is not only a personal sin but an affront to divine order.

preys upon your very life
The phrase "preys upon" is translated from the Hebrew "תָּצוּד נֶפֶשׁ יָקָר" (tatzud nefesh yakar), which conveys the idea of hunting or capturing. The "very life" refers to one's soul or essence, indicating that the consequences of adultery are not merely physical or financial but deeply spiritual and existential. The imagery of a predator and prey suggests a deliberate and destructive pursuit, emphasizing the danger and severity of engaging in such sinful behavior. From a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the importance of guarding one's heart and life against the snares of sin. It calls for vigilance and reliance on God's wisdom to navigate the moral challenges of life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Prostitute
In the context of Proverbs, the prostitute symbolizes temptation and moral compromise. The Hebrew word used here is (zonah), which refers to a woman who engages in sexual immorality for gain.

2. Adulteress
This term refers to a married woman who engages in sexual relations outside of her marriage. The Hebrew word (nokriyah) can also imply a foreign or strange woman, emphasizing the danger of engaging with those outside the covenant community.

3. Poverty
This is not just financial destitution but also spiritual and moral impoverishment. The Hebrew root (resh) suggests a lack or neediness that results from poor choices.

4. Life
The Hebrew word (nephesh) is used here, which can mean life, soul, or self. It indicates the depth of the impact that engaging with an adulteress can have on one's entire being.

Teaching Points

The Cost of Sin
Engaging in sexual immorality leads to both material and spiritual poverty. It is crucial to recognize the true cost of sin, which often appears enticing but results in significant loss.

Guarding the Heart
Proverbs 6:26 serves as a reminder to guard one's heart and mind against temptations that can lead to moral and spiritual downfall.

The Importance of Wisdom
Seeking wisdom and understanding from God's Word helps believers discern and avoid the pitfalls of immorality.

Accountability and Community
Being part of a faith community provides support and accountability, helping individuals resist temptations and make righteous choices.

The Path to Restoration
For those who have fallen into sin, there is hope and restoration through repentance and God's grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Proverbs 6:26 illustrate the consequences of engaging with a prostitute or adulteress, and what does this teach us about the nature of sin?

2. In what ways can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 6:26 to modern-day temptations and relationships?

3. How do the warnings in Proverbs 6:26 compare to the teachings of Jesus on purity and righteousness?

4. What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against the temptations described in Proverbs 6:26?

5. How can the principles in Proverbs 6:26 be used to counsel someone struggling with sexual immorality, and what other scriptures might support this guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 5:3-5
This passage warns about the seductive words of the adulteress and the bitter end that follows, reinforcing the message of Proverbs 6:26.

1 Corinthians 6:18
Paul advises believers to flee from sexual immorality, highlighting the personal and spiritual consequences of such actions.

James 1:14-15
This passage describes how desire leads to sin and ultimately to death, paralleling the destructive path outlined in Proverbs 6:26.