Proverbs 5:4
in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.
in the end
This phrase emphasizes the ultimate outcome or consequence of an action or choice. In the Hebrew context, the word "end" (אַחֲרִית, acharit) often refers to the final result or the latter days. It serves as a reminder that while certain actions may seem appealing or harmless initially, their true nature and consequences are revealed over time. This aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where the end result is determined by the choices made.

she is bitter as wormwood
"Wormwood" (לַעֲנָה, la'anah) is a plant known for its extremely bitter taste and is often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent sorrow, calamity, or divine judgment. The bitterness of wormwood serves as a powerful image of the regret and pain that follow sinful or unwise choices. Historically, wormwood was used in ancient times as a medicinal herb, but its bitterness made it a symbol of something undesirable. This phrase warns of the emotional and spiritual bitterness that results from engaging in immoral or foolish behavior.

sharp as a double-edged sword
The imagery of a "double-edged sword" (חֶרֶב פִּיּוֹת, cherev piyyot) conveys the idea of something that is not only dangerous but also capable of inflicting deep and lasting harm. In ancient warfare, a double-edged sword was a formidable weapon, able to cut in both directions. This metaphor highlights the destructive power of sin, which can pierce and wound the soul deeply. In the broader scriptural context, the Word of God is also described as a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), indicating that while God's Word can convict and correct, the path of sin can similarly cut and destroy. This serves as a stark warning to avoid the seductive allure of sin, which ultimately leads to spiritual and emotional devastation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and instruction.

2. The Adulterous Woman
In the context of Proverbs 5, she symbolizes temptation and the dangers of infidelity. Her allure is initially sweet but ultimately destructive.

3. Wormwood
A bitter herb often used in the Bible to symbolize bitterness and sorrow. It represents the ultimate outcome of succumbing to temptation.

4. Double-Edged Sword
A metaphor for something that is dangerous and can cause harm. It signifies the sharp and painful consequences of sin.
Teaching Points
The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often appears attractive and harmless at first, but its end is bitter and destructive. Believers must be vigilant and discerning.

The Consequences of Infidelity
Adultery and infidelity lead to personal and relational destruction. Faithfulness in marriage is a reflection of our faithfulness to God.

Guarding the Heart
Protecting one's heart from temptation requires intentionality and reliance on God's wisdom. Regular engagement with Scripture is essential.

The Power of God's Word
Just as a double-edged sword can cut, God's Word can penetrate our hearts, revealing sin and guiding us toward righteousness.

Seeking Wisdom
Pursuing godly wisdom helps us navigate life's temptations and avoid the pitfalls of sin. Prayer and community support are vital in this pursuit.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of "wormwood" and a "double-edged sword" in Proverbs 5:4 help us understand the consequences of sin?

2. In what ways can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 5 to modern-day temptations and relationships?

3. How does the description of the adulterous woman in Proverbs 5 compare to the portrayal of temptation in James 1:14-15?

4. What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against the allure of sin, as advised in Proverbs 5?

5. How can the power of God's Word, as described in Hebrews 4:12, help us resist temptation and make wise choices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 7
This chapter further elaborates on the dangers of succumbing to the seduction of the adulterous woman, emphasizing the destructive path of infidelity.

Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is described as sharper than any double-edged sword, highlighting the power of Scripture to discern and judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

James 1:14-15
These verses describe how temptation leads to sin, and sin, when fully grown, leads to death, paralleling the progression of temptation to destruction in Proverbs 5.
Caution Against Sexual SinsProverbs 5:1-14
Meretricious Pleasures and Their ResultsE. Johnson Proverbs 5:1-14
Victims of ViceW. Clarkson Proverbs 5:1-20
A Beautiful HellJohn Robertson.Proverbs 5:3-5
A Strange WomanAnon.Proverbs 5:3-5
Evil CompanionshipJ. Hamilton, D. D.Proverbs 5:3-5
The Consequences of ProfligacyT. Binney.Proverbs 5:3-5
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bitter, Double, Edged, Gall, Latter, Mouths, Sharp, Sword, Two-edged, Wormwood
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 5:1-4

     8281   insight

Proverbs 5:1-6

     5745   women

Proverbs 5:1-14

     5345   influence

Proverbs 5:1-23

     5276   crime
     5481   proverb

Proverbs 5:3-4

     4452   gall

Proverbs 5:3-5

     6188   immorality, sexual

Proverbs 5:3-6

     6250   temptation, sources

Proverbs 5:3-14

     5707   male and female

Library
The Cords of Sin
'His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.'--PROVERBS v. 22. In Hosea's tender picture of the divine training of Israel which, alas! failed of its effect, we read, 'I drew them with cords of a man,' which is further explained as being 'with bands of love.' The metaphor in the prophet's mind is probably that of a child being 'taught to go' and upheld in its first tottering steps by leading-strings. God drew Israel, though Israel did not yield
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Last Things
A sermon (No. 667) delivered on Sunday morning, December 31, 1865 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "At the last."--Proverbs 5:11. The wise man saw the young and simple straying into the house of the strange woman. The house seemed so completely different from what he knew it to be that he desired to shed a light upon it, that the young man might not sin in the dark, but might understand the nature of his deeds. The wise man looked abroad and he saw but one lamp suitable
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
A Sermon (No. 915) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 13th, 1870 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins." -- Proverbs 5:22. The first sentence has reference to a net in which birds or beasts are taken. The ungodly man first of all finds sin to be a bait, and charmed by its apparent pleasantness he indulges in it and then he becomes entangled in its meshes so that he cannot
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
The first sentence of the text also may have reference to an arrest by an officer of law. The transgressor's own sins shall take him, shall seize him; they bear a warrant for arresting him, they shall judge him, they shall even execute him. Sin, which at the first bringeth to man a specious pleasure, ere long turneth into bitterness, remorse, and fear. Sin is a dragon, with eyes like stars, but it carrieth a deadly sting in its tail. The cup of sin, with rainbow bubbles on its brim, is black with
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 16: 1870

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

"The Truth. " Some Generals Proposed.
That what we are to speak to for the clearing and improving this noble piece of truth, that Christ is the Truth, may be the more clearly understood and edifying, we shall first take notice of some generals, and then show particularly how or in what respects Christ is called the Truth; and finally speak to some cases wherein we are to make use of Christ as the Truth. As to the first. There are four general things here to be noticed. 1. This supposeth what our case by nature is, and what we are all
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Thirdly, for Thy Actions.
1. Do no evil, though thou mightest; for God will not suffer the least sin, without bitter repentance, to escape unpunished. Leave not undone any good that thou canst. But do nothing without a calling, nor anything in thy calling, till thou hast first taken counsel at God's word (1 Sam. xxx. 8) of its lawfulness, and pray for his blessings upon thy endeavour; and then do it in the name of God, with cheerfulness of heart, committing the success to him, in whose power it is to bless with his grace
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

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