◄ Proverbs 5 ►
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Avoiding Immorality (Leviticus 20:10–21; 1 Corinthians 5:1–8) 1My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, 2that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. 3Though the lips of the forbidden womana drip honey and her speechb is smoother than oil, 4in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol.c 6She does not consider the path of life; she does not know that her ways are unstable. 7So now, my sons, listen to me, and do not turn aside from the words of my mouth. 8Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, 9lest you concede your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel; 10lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner. 11At the end of your life you will groan when your flesh and your body are spent, 12and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! 13I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors. 14I am on the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.” 15Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. 16Why should your springs flow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? 17Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. 18May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth: 19A loving doe, a graceful fawn— may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivatedd by her love forever. 20Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress, or embrace the bosom of a stranger?e 21For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examinesf all his paths. 22The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. 23He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. Footnotes: 3 a Or the adulteress 3 b Or her palate 5 c Or lay hold of Sheol 19 d Or be led astray; also in verse 20 20 e Or a foreign woman or another man’s wife 21 f Or ponders or makes level Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Proverbs 5 Summary Avoiding Immorality Verses 1–2 – A Father’s Urgent Appeal Solomon pleads with his son to tune his ear to wisdom so that carefully guarded lips and a sensible heart will keep him from life-wrecking error. Verses 3–6 – The Seductive Stranger The immoral woman’s “lips drip honey” and her “speech is smoother than oil” (v 3), yet her end is “bitter as wormwood” and “sharp as a double-edged sword” (v 4). She does not ponder the path of life and drifts aimlessly, taking others with her. Verses 7–14 – Costs of Immorality Rejecting wisdom drains strength, wealth, honor, and even physical health. Too late the fool groans, “How I hated discipline!” (v 12), lamenting his shame before the community. Verses 15–19 – Celebrate Marital Faithfulness “Drink water from your own cistern” (v 15). Faithfulness is pictured as refreshing, life-giving water, while the wife’s love is described with joyful, even playful energy: “Let her breasts satisfy you always” (v 19). Verses 20–23 – Divine Accountability God sees every path. The wicked are “held fast by the cords of his sin” (v 22) and die for lack of discipline. Wisdom therefore calls for decisive loyalty to one’s marriage covenant and to God Himself. In Proverbs chapter 5, the wisdom literature takes on a profoundly personal tone as it explores the intimate dangers of falling into the trap of sexual immorality. The writer, presumably Solomon, uses the chapter to stress the importance of fidelity, understanding, and making wise decisions. He provides vivid illustrations of the dire consequences of immorality and contrasts them with the benefits of maintaining purity within the confines of marriage. Historical and Cultural Setting • Proverbs 5 reflects the court and family life of tenth-century BC Israel under Solomon. Royal sons were groomed for leadership, so moral failings threatened the stability of the entire kingdom. • Adultery violated the seventh commandment (Exodus 20:14) and could carry the death penalty (Leviticus 20:10). A father’s fierce warning was not mere prudery but a matter of national survival. • Ancient Near Eastern parallels—from the Egyptian “Instruction of Ani” to Mesopotamian wisdom tablets—also caution against the adulteress, showing that Israel’s moral teaching addressed a widespread social danger. Archaeological Glimpses • Marriage contracts from Elephantine, Nuzi, and Alalakh required sexual exclusivity, mirroring Proverbs’ insistence on fidelity. • Stone cisterns uncovered in Judean highlands illustrate the vivid metaphor “drink water from your own cistern.” In a semi-arid land, stealing someone’s well was as serious as violating a spouse. • Wormwood (Hebrew la‘anah) still grows in the Jordan Valley. Its intensely bitter taste makes verse 4 tangible: what starts sweet ends bitter. Literary Structure and Key Images 1. Father-Son Frame: “My son” opens and anchors the discourse (vv 1, 7). 2. Lips/Tongue Contrast: The adulteress’s lips (v 3) vs. disciplined lips (v 2). Sweet sound vs. guarded speech. 3. Path Motif: She “does not know” her way (v 6); the son must “keep to a path far from her” (v 8). 4. Water Metaphor: Faithful love = fresh water (vv 15–18). Runaway desire = wasteful streams in the streets (v 16). 5. Binding Imagery: “Cords of sin” (v 22) echoes Judges 16:21 where Samson is bound after sexual compromise. Legal and Social Consequences • Loss of honor (v 9): Shame before elders at the city gate (cf. Ruth 4:1-12). • Financial ruin (v 10): In Israel, a wronged husband could demand compensation (Deuteronomy 22:28-29 hints at financial settlements). • Bodily disease (v 11): Sexually transmitted illnesses were not unknown; Egyptian medical papyri record treatments for genital ulcers. • Public disgrace (v 14): Community discipline was swift; see Numbers 25 and Nehemiah 13:23-27. Connections to Other Scriptures • Job 31:1—Job’s covenant with his eyes mirrors Solomon’s call to guard the senses. • Psalm 119:9—“How can a young man keep his way pure?” fits the theme of Proverbs 5. • Malachi 2:14—God Himself is “witness between you and the wife of your youth,” echoing vv 18-19. • Matthew 5:27-30—Jesus internalizes the command against adultery, exposing heart-level lust. • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20—Paul argues that sexual sin is uniquely against one’s own body, resonating with the “flesh and body” loss in v 11. • Hebrews 13:4—“Marriage must be honored by all,” a concise New Testament restatement of Proverbs 5. Hebrew Word Notes • nokhriyyah (“immoral woman,” v 3) literally “foreign woman,” emphasizing outsider morals rather than ethnicity. • qahal (“assembly,” v 14) refers to the gathered community, stressing public disgrace. • ravah (“satisfy,” v 19) conveys abundance and intoxication—marital love is meant to overflow. Practical Wisdom for Today • Guard the entry points—ears, eyes, and heart. What one listens to and watches sets the stage for purity or downfall. • Cultivate delight, not mere duty, in marriage. Proverbs celebrates playful intimacy; modern couples can nurture that same joy. • Consider real-world costs: broken homes, financial strain, mental anguish. Solomon lists them so we can calculate beforehand. • Accountability still matters. Online anonymity, business travel, or private messaging all qualify as “paths” to keep far from (v 8). • Remember God’s omnipresence: “A man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD” (v 21). Living consciously before Him strengthens resolve. Echoes in the Early Church Early Christian writings—Didache 3, Barnabas 19—repeat Solomon’s call, warning believers against lust and teaching faithfulness. The first believers viewed Proverbs 5 as timeless counsel to honor Christ with body and soul. Conclusion Proverbs 5 presents more than prohibition; it offers a vibrant yes to covenant love, dignity, and divine joy. Wisdom shields, discipline preserves, and marital faithfulness becomes a fountain of life. Connections to Additional Scriptures 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 These verses echo the call to flee from sexual immorality and honor God with our bodies, reinforcing the message of Proverbs 5. Hebrews 13:4 This verse upholds the sanctity of marriage and warns against adultery, aligning with the teachings of Proverbs 5. James 1:14-15 These verses describe the progression of temptation to sin and death, paralleling the warnings found in Proverbs 5. Teaching Points The Danger of Immorality Proverbs 5:3-4 warns, Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. This highlights the deceptive nature of temptation and the ultimate bitterness it brings. The Call to Wisdom Verse 1 begins with a plea, My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding. This emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and valuing wisdom in our lives. Consequences of Infidelity Verses 9-11 describe the loss and regret that follow infidelity: lest you give your vigor to others and your years to one who is cruel... and you groan at your final end. This serves as a stark warning of the personal and relational costs of unfaithfulness. The Joy of Faithfulness Verses 18-19 celebrate marital fidelity: May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth... may her breasts satisfy you always. This underscores the joy and fulfillment found in a faithful marriage. God's Omniscience Verse 21 reminds us, For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. This assures us that God sees all and holds us accountable for our actions. Practical Applications Guard Your Heart Be vigilant in protecting your heart and mind from the allure of temptation. Regularly evaluate your relationships and influences to ensure they align with God's wisdom. Seek Accountability Surround yourself with godly mentors and friends who can provide guidance and hold you accountable in your walk with Christ. Invest in Your Marriage If you are married, prioritize your relationship with your spouse. Spend quality time together, communicate openly, and nurture your bond. Pursue Wisdom Make it a daily practice to seek God's wisdom through prayer and the study of His Word. Allow His truth to guide your decisions and actions. People 1. My Son The speaker addresses "my son" as a recipient of wisdom and instruction. This term is used to convey a personal and intimate relationship, often seen as a father imparting wisdom to his child. The Hebrew word for "son" is "בֵּן" (ben), which signifies a direct and personal address. 2. The Adulteress Referred to as a "forbidden woman" or "strange woman" in some translations, she represents temptation and unfaithfulness. The Hebrew term used is "זָרָה" (zarah), indicating someone who is foreign or outside the covenant community, symbolizing moral and spiritual danger. 3. The Wife of Your Youth This refers to the legitimate spouse, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and the sanctity of marriage. The phrase underscores the value of maintaining a lifelong commitment to one's spouse, as intended in the covenant of marriage. Places 1. The Lips of the Adulteress This metaphorical "place" refers to the seductive and deceitful words of an adulterous woman. The Hebrew root here is "נָכְרִיָּה" (nokriyah), meaning "foreign" or "strange," often used to describe a woman who is not one's wife. 2. The Path to Sheol Sheol is a Hebrew term often translated as the grave or the realm of the dead. In Proverbs 5, it symbolizes the destructive end that comes from following the adulteress. 3. The House of the Adulteress This represents the dwelling or domain of the adulterous woman, symbolizing a place of moral and spiritual danger. 4. The Paths of Life This phrase refers to the righteous and wise ways of living that lead to life and prosperity, contrasting with the paths leading to Sheol. 5. The Fountain of Life This metaphorical place symbolizes the source of life and vitality, often associated with wisdom and righteousness. Events 1. Warning Against the Adulteress The chapter begins with a warning to heed wisdom and understanding to avoid the temptations of an adulteress. The text emphasizes the importance of listening to wisdom to maintain discretion and guard knowledge. ^"My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge."^ (Proverbs 5:1-2) 2. Description of the Adulteress The adulteress is described as having lips that "drip honey" and a speech that is "smoother than oil," but ultimately, her end is bitter and sharp. This highlights the deceptive nature of temptation. ^"For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil. But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword."^ (Proverbs 5:3-4) 3. Consequences of Following the Adulteress The text warns of the dire consequences of following the adulteress, including loss of honor, years, wealth, and ultimately, one's life. This serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of infidelity. ^"Lest you give your vigor to others, and your years to one who is cruel; lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich the house of a foreigner."^ (Proverbs 5:9-10) 4. Call to Faithfulness The chapter advises rejoicing in the wife of one's youth and being satisfied with her love, emphasizing the importance of marital fidelity and the joy found in a faithful relationship. ^"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth."^ (Proverbs 5:18) 5. God's Awareness of Human Actions The chapter concludes with a reminder that God is aware of all human actions, and the wicked will be ensnared by their own sins. This underscores the belief in divine justice and accountability. ^"For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths."^ (Proverbs 5:21) Lessons from Proverbs 5 1. Guard Your Heart Against Temptation Proverbs 5 warns us about the dangers of temptation, particularly in the form of adultery. The chapter begins with a call to pay attention to wisdom and understanding, reminding us that "the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil" (Proverbs 5:3). This vivid imagery serves as a reminder to guard our hearts and minds against the allure of sin. By staying rooted in Scripture and prayer, we can resist the temptations that seek to lead us astray. 2. Consider the Consequences The chapter emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term consequences of our actions. Proverbs 5:4-5 warns, "But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to Sheol." This stark warning encourages us to think beyond the immediate gratification of sin and to consider the spiritual and relational damage it can cause. By keeping our eyes on the eternal, we can make choices that honor God and protect our well-being. 3. Stay on the Path of Righteousness Proverbs 5:8 advises, "Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house." This verse underscores the importance of setting boundaries and avoiding situations that could lead us into temptation. By staying on the path of righteousness and surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can maintain our integrity and live lives that reflect our faith. 4. Value Faithfulness in Relationships The chapter highlights the beauty and importance of faithfulness in marriage. Proverbs 5:15-18 encourages us to "Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well... May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth." This imagery celebrates the joy and fulfillment found in a committed, loving relationship. By valuing and nurturing our relationships, we honor God and experience His blessings. 5. Embrace Discipline and Instruction Proverbs 5:12-13 reflects on the regret of ignoring discipline: "How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors." This serves as a reminder to embrace correction and instruction as opportunities for growth. By being open to learning and change, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and folly. 6. Recognize the All-Seeing Eye of God The chapter reminds us that nothing is hidden from God. Proverbs 5:21 states, "For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths." This truth encourages us to live with integrity, knowing that our actions are always seen by our Creator. By living transparently and honestly, we honor God and build a life of trust and respect. 7. Avoid the Snare of Sin Proverbs 5:22 warns, "The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him." Sin can easily ensnare us, leading to a cycle of guilt and shame. By recognizing the traps of sin and seeking God's forgiveness and strength, we can break free and walk in the freedom that Christ offers. 8. Cherish Wisdom as a Lifelong Companion The chapter begins with a call to "pay attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding" (Proverbs 5:1). Wisdom is portrayed as a lifelong companion that guides and protects us. By seeking wisdom through Scripture and prayer, we can navigate life's challenges with discernment and grace. 9. Understand the Power of Words Proverbs 5:3-4 highlights the seductive power of words, reminding us that "the lips of an adulteress drip honey." Words have the power to build up or tear down, to lead us toward righteousness or temptation. By choosing our words carefully and speaking truth in love, we can reflect God's character and encourage others. 10. Live with Purpose and Intention The chapter concludes with a call to live purposefully, avoiding the aimlessness that leads to destruction. Proverbs 5:23 warns, "He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly." By living with intention and aligning our lives with God's will, we can fulfill our purpose and experience the abundant life He promises. Topics 1. Warning Against Adultery Proverbs 5 begins with a warning against the allure of adultery. The chapter emphasizes the importance of heeding wisdom and understanding to avoid the seductive words of the adulteress. The Hebrew root for "adulteress" (זָרָה, ^zarah^) implies a foreign or strange woman, highlighting the danger of engaging with those outside the covenant community. ^"For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil;"^ (Proverbs 5:3). 2. Consequences of Immorality The text outlines the severe consequences of engaging in immoral behavior, including personal ruin and regret. The Hebrew word for "end" (אַחֲרִית, ^acharit^) suggests a final outcome or destiny, underscoring the inevitable negative consequences of such actions. ^"But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword."^ (Proverbs 5:4). 3. The Path of Life The chapter contrasts the destructive path of adultery with the path of life, urging adherence to wisdom to maintain one's way. The Hebrew term for "path" (אֹרַח, ^orach^) conveys a journey or course of life, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right direction. ^"Lest you ponder the path of life, her ways are unstable; you do not know them."^ (Proverbs 5:6). 4. Avoiding Temptation Proverbs 5 advises maintaining a safe distance from temptation to preserve one's honor and avoid the loss of dignity. The Hebrew verb for "keep" (רָחַק, ^rachak^) means to stay far away, indicating the necessity of avoiding proximity to sin. ^"Keep your path far from her; do not go near the door of her house,"^ (Proverbs 5:8). 5. The Value of Fidelity The text extols the virtues of marital fidelity, encouraging satisfaction and joy within the bounds of marriage. The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, ^samach^) implies a deep, abiding joy, reflecting the fulfillment found in a faithful marital relationship. ^"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth:"^ (Proverbs 5:18). 6. Divine Observation The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's omniscience, noting that He observes all human actions. The Hebrew term for "ways" (דֶּרֶךְ, ^derech^) refers to one's conduct or manner of life, emphasizing accountability before God. ^"For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths."^ (Proverbs 5:21). Themes 1. Warning Against Adultery Proverbs 5 begins with a warning against the allure of the adulterous woman. The chapter emphasizes the deceptive nature of her words: "For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil" (Proverbs 5:3). The Hebrew word for "adulteress" (זָרָה, ^zarah^) can also mean "strange woman," highlighting the foreign and dangerous nature of such temptations. 2. Consequences of Infidelity The text outlines the severe consequences of engaging in adultery, including loss of honor and wealth: "Lest you give your vigor to others and your years to one who is cruel" (Proverbs 5:9). The Hebrew word for "vigor" (הוֹד, ^hod^) implies strength and splendor, indicating the personal cost of infidelity. 3. Call to Faithfulness The chapter encourages faithfulness to one's spouse, using the metaphor of drinking water from one's own cistern: "Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well" (Proverbs 5:15). This imagery underscores the importance of finding satisfaction and joy within the marriage covenant. 4. Joy in Marriage Proverbs 5 celebrates the joy and blessing of a faithful marriage: "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth" (Proverbs 5:18). The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, ^samach^) conveys a sense of gladness and delight, emphasizing the positive aspects of marital fidelity. 5. Divine Observation and Accountability The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's omniscience and the accountability of one's actions: "For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths" (Proverbs 5:21). The Hebrew word for "examines" (פָּלַס, ^palas^) suggests weighing or measuring, indicating God's careful scrutiny of human behavior. Prayer Points Pray for Wisdom Ask God to grant you wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist temptation in all its forms. Pray for Purity Seek God's strength to maintain purity in thought, word, and deed, honoring Him in all aspects of your life. Pray for Marriages Lift up marriages in prayer, asking God to strengthen and protect them from the attacks of the enemy. Pray for Accountability Request God's guidance in establishing and maintaining relationships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability. As we reflect on Proverbs 5, may we be ever mindful of the wisdom it imparts and the call to live lives that honor God in all our relationships. Answering Tough Questions 1. Proverbs 5:3–4: How can we verify the claim that enticing words inevitably lead to bitterness if there’s no tangible evidence for such moral cause-and-effect? 2. Proverbs 5:8: Why does the passage focus blame on the “immoral woman” without addressing mutual responsibility, and does this align with modern views on equality? 3. Proverbs 5:15–17: How does the “drink from your own cistern” analogy reconcile with the fact that polygamy was practiced in biblical times? 4. Proverbs 5:19: Does likening a wife to a “loving doe” and “graceful deer” suggest objectification, conflicting with broader biblical claims of respect for all? 5. Proverbs 5:21: If God truly sees every action, what empirical or scientific basis exists to support the notion of an omniscient observer? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Solomon describe the words of an adulterous woman in Proverbs 5, and what does this teach us about temptation in general? 2. How does the depiction of infidelity's consequences in this chapter inform your understanding of sin's effects? 3. What contrasts can you identify between the adulterous woman and a faithful spouse as described in this chapter? 4. Why is marital fidelity emphasized as a safeguard against adultery? 5. How does this chapter demonstrate the importance of heeding wise counsel? 6. In what ways can the lessons from Proverbs 5 apply to areas of life other than marital fidelity? 7. How can wisdom and understanding serve as a shield against immoral temptations in our contemporary society? 8. Discuss a situation where you have witnessed the consequences of poor choices as described in Proverbs 5. 9. How can you apply the lessons of this chapter to foster a healthier, stronger marital or romantic relationship? 10. How does the omnipresence and omniscience of God, as stated in Proverbs 5, affect your personal decisions? 11. How can the principles in Proverbs 5 help guide us in using social media and the internet responsibly? 12. Can you think of any examples where the media or popular culture glamorizes behavior similar to the adulterous woman? How can we counteract these influences? 13. How can you encourage friends or family members to make wise decisions in their relationships based on the principles in Proverbs 5? 14. How does Proverbs 5 underscore the value of listening to and learning from those who are older and wiser? 15. How does the book of Proverbs teach us to deal with our desires in a healthy way? 16. How can the warnings of Proverbs 5 help you approach temptation in your life? 17. How does the idea of divine accountability affect your actions, according to Proverbs 5? 18. How would you use the teachings of Proverbs 5 to counsel someone entangled in an affair? 19. In what ways does understanding the dangers of infidelity, as laid out in Proverbs 5, influence your thoughts about commitment and loyalty? 20. In the face of temptation, how can we develop the discipline to remember the long-term consequences of our actions, as suggested in Proverbs 5? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions