1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, [and] bow thine ear to my understanding:
2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and [that] thy lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:
4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell.
6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them].
7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.
8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel:
10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger;
11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13 And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!
14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.
15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.
16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, [and] rivers of waters in the streets.
17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee.
18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19 [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
21 For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 5
Proverbs Chapter 5 is a part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, focusing on the themes of fidelity, the dangers of infidelity, and the importance of adhering to moral integrity. The chapter is presented as a father’s advice to his son, urging him to avoid the temptations of an immoral woman and to embrace the blessings of a faithful marriage.
Key Themes
- Warning Against Adultery: The chapter opens with a strong admonition against the allure of an adulterous woman, emphasizing the seductive nature of her words and actions.
- The Consequences of Infidelity: It highlights the dire repercussions that come from engaging in sexual immorality, including loss of honor and destruction of one’s life.
- The Value of Fidelity: The text underscores the importance of remaining faithful to one’s spouse and cherishing the love and intimacy found within marriage.
- Divine Wisdom: The chapter reflects the belief that following God’s wisdom leads to a fulfilling and prosperous life, while straying from it leads to sorrow and regret.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-2: Introduction to Wisdom
The chapter begins with an appeal to listen to wisdom and understanding, setting the stage for the warnings that follow.
- Verses 3-6: The Allure of the Adulterous Woman
These verses describe the seductive nature of the immoral woman, emphasizing her enticing speech and the danger it poses to the unwary.
- Verses 7-14: The Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom
The father warns his son about the inevitable consequences of succumbing to temptation, including loss of honor and regret.
- Verses 15-20: The Blessings of Marital Fidelity
This section contrasts the dangers of infidelity with the joys of a faithful marriage, encouraging the son to find satisfaction in his own wife.
- Verses 21-23: The Path of Life and Death
The chapter concludes with a reminder that God’s ways are known and that straying from them leads to destruction.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: Introduction to Wisdom
The chapter opens with a call to pay attention to wisdom. This sets a tone of urgency and importance, indicating that the advice given is not merely casual but essential for a successful life.
Verses 3-6: The Allure of the Adulterous Woman
In these verses, the seductive nature of the immoral woman is vividly portrayed. Her words are described as sweet and enticing, drawing the unsuspecting into a trap. The imagery used emphasizes the danger of being lured away from moral integrity.
Verses 7-14: The Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom
These verses serve as a stark warning about the consequences of infidelity. The father recounts the potential loss of honor and the regret that follows such actions. This section emphasizes that the path of temptation can lead to a life filled with sorrow and shame.
Verses 15-20: The Blessings of Marital Fidelity
In contrast to the previous warnings, the text encourages the son to find joy and satisfaction in his own marriage. The imagery of a loving and faithful relationship is presented as a source of fulfillment and happiness, underscoring the value of commitment and loyalty.
Verses 21-23: The Path of Life and Death
The chapter concludes with a reminder of the omnipresence of God’s knowledge and the consequences of one’s actions. It reinforces the idea that wisdom leads to life, while folly leads to destruction, serving as a final exhortation to heed the advice given throughout the chapter.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 5 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fidelity and the dangers of infidelity. Through vivid imagery and practical advice, it highlights the value of wisdom in navigating the complexities of relationships and moral choices. This chapter stands as a timeless guide for those seeking to uphold integrity in their personal lives.
