He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. But he who commits adulteryThe phrase "commits adultery" is derived from the Hebrew word "na'aph," which means to break wedlock. In the ancient Hebrew context, adultery was not merely a personal sin but a violation of a covenant, reflecting a breach of trust and faithfulness. The act of adultery was seen as a serious offense against God’s commandments, specifically the seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" ( Exodus 20:14). This phrase underscores the gravity of the sin, highlighting that it is not just a moral failing but a spiritual transgression that disrupts the divine order established by God for marriage. lacks judgment
The term "lacks judgment" translates from the Hebrew "chaser-lev," which literally means "lacking heart." In Hebrew thought, the heart is the seat of wisdom and understanding. Therefore, to lack heart is to be devoid of discernment and moral insight. This phrase suggests that adultery is not only a failure of moral character but also a deficiency in wisdom. It implies that the adulterer is acting irrationally, driven by base desires rather than sound judgment. In the broader scriptural context, wisdom is highly valued, as seen in Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom." Thus, lacking judgment is a significant spiritual and intellectual shortcoming. whoever does so
This phrase emphasizes the universality of the warning. It is not limited to a specific individual or group but applies to anyone who engages in adultery. The use of "whoever" indicates that the consequences of adultery are inevitable and impartial, affecting all who partake in it. This universality is a common theme in Proverbs, where wisdom and folly are presented as choices with clear outcomes for all people, regardless of status or circumstance. destroys himself
The phrase "destroys himself" comes from the Hebrew "shachath," meaning to ruin or corrupt. This destruction is both physical and spiritual, indicating that adultery leads to self-inflicted harm. In the historical context, adultery often resulted in severe social and legal repercussions, including the breakdown of families and communities. Spiritually, it signifies a separation from God’s will and a path toward moral decay. The self-destruction mentioned here is a poignant reminder of the inherent consequences of sin, echoing the biblical principle that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). This phrase serves as a sobering warning of the ultimate cost of unfaithfulness, urging believers to pursue righteousness and integrity. Persons / Places / Events 1. Solomon- Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and moral instruction. 2. Adulterer- The individual who engages in adultery, which is the act of being unfaithful to one's spouse. In the context of Proverbs, this person is depicted as lacking understanding and bringing harm upon themselves. 3. Ancient Israel- The cultural and historical backdrop of the Proverbs, where adherence to God's laws, including those concerning marital fidelity, was central to community life. Teaching Points Understanding and WisdomAdultery is a sign of lacking judgment. True wisdom involves recognizing the long-term consequences of our actions and choosing to live in accordance with God's commands. Self-DestructionEngaging in adultery is not just a sin against another person but a form of self-harm. It damages one's soul, relationships, and standing before God. Guarding the HeartThe root of adultery often lies in unchecked desires. Believers are called to guard their hearts and minds, aligning their thoughts with God's truth. Value of FidelityFaithfulness in marriage reflects God's faithfulness to us. Upholding this value strengthens families and communities, serving as a testimony to God's design for relationships. Repentance and RestorationFor those who have fallen into adultery, there is hope in repentance. God's grace offers forgiveness and the opportunity for restoration and healing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Proverbs 6:32 define the consequences of adultery, and why is it considered a lack of judgment? 2. In what ways does the commandment against adultery in Exodus 20:14 relate to the teachings of Proverbs 6:32? 3. How can believers guard their hearts against the temptation of adultery, as suggested by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-28? 4. What are some practical steps a married couple can take to strengthen their commitment to fidelity in light of Proverbs 6:32? 5. How does understanding the concept of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) influence our view of sexual purity and the warnings in Proverbs 6:32? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:14- The commandment "You shall not commit adultery" establishes the foundational law against adultery, which Proverbs 6:32 reinforces by highlighting the personal consequences of such actions. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20- Paul warns against sexual immorality, emphasizing that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. This connects to Proverbs 6:32 by underscoring the spiritual and physical self-destruction that adultery brings. Matthew 5:27-28- Jesus expands on the commandment against adultery, teaching that even lustful thoughts are equivalent to the act itself. This deepens the understanding of the heart's role in sin, as highlighted in Proverbs 6:32. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Adultery, Cause, Commits, Committeth, Destroy, Destroyeth, Destroying, Destroys, Destruction, Heart, Judgment, Lacketh, Lacking, Lacks, Man's, Sense, Soul, Takes, Understanding, Void, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 6:32 5947 shame
6188 immorality, sexual
8228 discernment, examples
8355 understanding Proverbs 6:30-35 5264 compensation Proverbs 6:32-33 5836 disgrace Proverbs 6:32-34 6242 adultery Proverbs 6:32-35 5238 bribery Library The Talking Book
A Sermon (No. 1017) Delivered on Lord's Day Morning, October 22nd, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."--Proverbs 6:22. It is a very happy circumstance when the commandment of our father and the law of our mother are also the commandment of God and the law of the Lord. Happy are they who have a double force to draw them to the right--the bonds of nature, and the cords of grace. They sin with a vengeance who sin both against …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on ProverbsAn Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
A sermon (No. 2406) intended for reading on Lord's Day, March 31st, 1895, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Lord's Day evening, March 27th, 1887. "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Talking Book
In order that we may be persuaded so to do, Solomon gives us three telling reasons. He says that God's law, by which I understand the whole run of Scripture, and, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be a guide to us:--"When thou goest, it shall lead thee." It will be a guardian to us: "When thou sleepest"--when thou art defenceless and off thy guard--"it shall keep thee." And it shall also be a dear companion to us: "When thou awakest, it shall talk with thee." Any one of these three arguments …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 24.) Differently to be admonished are sowers of strifes and peacemakers. For sowers of strifes are to be admonished to perceive whose followers they are. For of the apostate angel it is written, when tares had been sown among the good crop, An enemy hath done this (Matth. xiii. 28). Of a member of him also it is said through Solomon, An apostate person, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth, he winketh with his eyes, he beateth with his foot, he speaketh with his finger, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great A Jealous God
I. Reverently, let us remember that THE LORD IS EXCEEDINGLY JEALOUS OF HIS DEITY. Our text is coupled with the command--"Thou shalt worship no other God." When the law was thundered from Sinai, the second commandment received force from the divine jealousy--"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 9: 1863 How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 5.) Differently to be admonished are subjects and prelates: the former that subjection crush them not, the latter that superior place elate them not: the former that they fail not to fulfil what is commanded them, the latter that they command not more to be fulfilled than is just: the former that they submit humbly, the latter that they preside temperately. For this, which may be understood also figuratively, is said to the former, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: but to …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Preface to the Commandments
And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God,' &c. Exod 20: 1, 2. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments? The preface to the Ten Commandments is, I am the Lord thy God.' The preface to the preface is, God spake all these words, saying,' &c. This is like the sounding of a trumpet before a solemn proclamation. Other parts of the Bible are said to be uttered by the mouth of the holy prophets (Luke 1: 70), but here God spake in his own person. How are we to understand that, God spake, …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life "And Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"And watch unto prayer." "Watch." A Christian should watch. A Christian is a watchman by office. This duty of watchfulness is frequently commanded and commended in scripture, Matt. xxiv. 42, Mark xiii. 33, 1 Cor. xvi. 13, Eph. vi. 18, 1 Pet. v. 8, Col. iv. 2; Luke xii. 37. David did wait as they that did watch for the morning light. The ministers of the gospel are styled watchmen in scripture and every Christian should be to himself as a minister is to his flock, he should watch over …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 6:32 NIVProverbs 6:32 NLTProverbs 6:32 ESVProverbs 6:32 NASBProverbs 6:32 KJV
Proverbs 6:32 Commentaries
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