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Proverbs Chapter 5 – A Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Faithfulness
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Overview
Proverbs 5 is a father’s passionate warning to his son about the dangers of adultery and sexual immorality. The chapter paints a vivid picture of temptation, the consequences of giving in, and the beauty of remaining faithful. It combines practical wisdom with moral guidance, framed by deep concern for a son’s well-being and future.
Verses 1–2: An Appeal for Attention
“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.”
The chapter opens with a tender, yet urgent appeal. The speaker (likely Solomon) urges his son to listen closely—not just hear, but truly pay attention. Why? Because what follows isn't just advice—it's a lifeline.
The words “wisdom,” “insight,” “discretion,” and “knowledge” are central themes in Proverbs. Here, they serve as armor against one of the most powerful and destructive temptations: adultery.
Verses 3–6: The Allure and Danger of the Immoral Woman
“For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.”
The writer vividly describes the seductiveness of the “adulterous woman” (or "strange woman" in some versions). Her words are sweet and smooth—designed to appeal to emotions and desires. But what begins as alluring ends in destruction.
The “double-edged sword” emphasizes that her charm is not only dangerous—it cuts deep and damages both body and soul. Her path leads to death; she neither considers nor understands the path of life.
This isn’t only about literal adultery—it also represents any seductive temptation that leads us away from God’s wisdom and into spiritual ruin.
Verses 7–14: The Consequences of Giving In
“Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house…”
Now the father gets even more serious. He widens the audience—“my sons”—and repeats his call to listen. The best defense? Don’t even go near temptation. Don’t flirt with danger. Distance is protection.
Then he lists the consequences of ignoring this wisdom:
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Loss of honor and years to the merciless
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Strangers benefiting from your wealth
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Regret in old age
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Pain over wasted discipline and rejected correction
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Disgrace in the eyes of the community
These warnings paint a picture of someone who once had potential, resources, and influence—but lost everything because of a series of poor choices. The regret is deep and personal. It's a haunting picture of a person saying, “If only I had listened…”
Verses 15–20: The Joy of Faithfulness in Marriage
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.”
Now the tone shifts. Having warned against the bitter trap of immorality, the father points to a better path: faithfulness and joy in marriage.
The metaphor of water speaks of refreshment, purity, and exclusivity. A “cistern” and “well” belong to the owner. The idea is to find satisfaction in your own spouse, not someone else’s.
Verses 18–19 are especially passionate:
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth… may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.”
These verses celebrate marital love—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Far from being cold or repressive, biblical wisdom encourages deep, joyful intimacy within marriage. The idea of being "intoxicated" or “enraptured” by love is powerful: God’s design for sexuality isn’t just functional—it’s beautiful and fulfilling within the right context.
Verses 21–23: The Lord Sees All and Judges Accordingly
“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”
After urging for marital faithfulness, the chapter ends with a reminder that nothing is hidden from God. Every choice, every hidden path, is seen. God is not a distant observer; He weighs and examines the direction of our lives.
And for those who reject wisdom and embrace wickedness, the consequences are dire:
“The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”
These closing words remind us that sin is not just an external trap—it becomes a prison we build for ourselves. The imagery of being caught in the "cords" of one’s own sin shows how addictive and binding sinful habits can become. The absence of discipline leads not just to regret, but potentially to spiritual death.
Themes and Reflections
1. Wisdom Requires Active Listening
Proverbs 5 starts and ends with the importance of listening. Wisdom isn't inherited—it must be pursued. The father’s repeated pleas show how easy it is to ignore wise counsel when temptation is strong.
Reflection: Am I actively listening to wisdom? Or do I only seek advice after making bad decisions?
2. Temptation Is Attractive But Deceptive
The seduction described in this chapter is meant to look appealing—that’s the point. If sin weren’t attractive, no one would fall for it. But Proverbs shows us the full picture: not just the initial thrill, but the inevitable crash.
Reflection: Do I consider the long-term consequences of my choices—or only the short-term pleasure?
3. Guardrails Are Better Than Rescue Missions
Proverbs encourages a “stay away” approach to temptation. It doesn't advise fighting close-range battles—it tells us to avoid the battlefield altogether. "Don’t go near the door of her house" is a principle of setting wise boundaries before temptation strikes.
Reflection: What doors am I getting too close to? What boundaries should I set to stay spiritually safe?
4. Regret Comes When We Ignore Correction
One of the saddest parts of Proverbs 5 is the imagined speech of the regretful man: “How I hated discipline!” His sorrow isn’t just about the consequences—it’s about how he refused to listen.
Reflection: When people offer correction or wisdom, do I listen with humility—or resist with pride?
5. Faithfulness Brings Fulfillment
Rather than just saying “no” to temptation, Proverbs 5 shows us a better “yes”: the joy of commitment, especially in marriage. This is one of the most affirming passages in Scripture about the beauty of marital love. It celebrates intimacy, passion, and satisfaction in a committed relationship.
Reflection: Am I nurturing the relationships in my life? Am I finding joy where God has called me to be faithful?
6. God Sees All and Judges Justly
The closing verses remind us that we live our lives “in full view of the Lord.” This isn’t meant to scare—it’s meant to sober us. God is not passive; He cares about how we live, and He desires that we walk in wisdom.
Reflection: Do I live like God is always present? What would I change if I truly believed He sees and cares?
Practical Application
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Guard your heart and eyes: Temptation often starts with a glance, a thought, a flirtation. Be intentional about what you allow in your heart and what you expose your mind to.
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Build strong boundaries: Don’t just resist sin—avoid the setup altogether. This might mean changing routines, conversations, or even relationships.
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Invest in your marriage: If you’re married, nurture intimacy with your spouse. Communicate, connect, and celebrate each other. If you're not married, seek God’s wisdom in relationships and honor others with integrity.
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Welcome correction: Whether it comes from parents, mentors, friends, or Scripture—value the voice of wisdom, even when it stings.
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Keep God in focus: Remember that your life is an open book before God. Let that inspire you to walk in integrity, knowing He sees your faithfulness and desires your good.
Conclusion
Proverbs 5 is both a warning and a celebration. It warns against the empty promises of sexual immorality and all forms of temptation that pull us away from wisdom. But it also celebrates the beauty of faithful love and the joy of living in alignment with God’s design.
In a world where so many messages cheapen intimacy and dismiss consequences, this chapter stands like a lighthouse—calling us away from dangerous shores and guiding us toward safe harbors. Wisdom isn’t just about knowing the right thing; it’s about choosing the right path, even when it's hard.
Let the words of Proverbs 5 sink deep. Whether you're single, married, young, or old—its truths are timeless. Choose the path of wisdom, and you'll find not only safety but joy, intimacy, and lasting fulfillment.
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