Proverbs 5 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Proverbs 5

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions attributed to King Solomon, the son of King David. Solomon’s words, as a renowned leader and philosopher, carry great weight and provide valuable guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life. Solomon addresses the dangers of adultery and the importance of marital fidelity in this chapter. He warns his listeners, likely his own sons, about the seductive nature of the “forbidden woman” and the devastating consequences that can result from succumbing to such temptations. The chapter emphasizes the beauty and joy of a faithful marriage, while cautioning against the ruin that can come from straying.

Throughout the passage, Solomon draws upon his own experiences and the wisdom he has gained over the years. He reminds his audience of the blessings that come from honoring one’s marriage vows, as echoed in the book of Ecclesiastes: “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:9).

Proverbs 5:1-6

The verse in Proverbs 5:1-6 can be broken down into two main parts. The first part, verses 1-2, focuses on the importance of listening and paying attention to wisdom, particularly when it comes to understanding discretion and the knowledge that comes from the heart. The speaker is addressing a young person, possibly a son, urging them to listen attentively to the father’s instruction and to incline their ear to his words of understanding. This emphasis on parental guidance and wisdom is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs and the Bible as a whole. The relationship between parents and children, especially in the passing down of wisdom and values, is highly valued in Biblical teachings.

The second part, verses 3-6, takes a more cautionary tone, warning against the enticing words of a seductive woman. The speaker describes this woman with flattering words, emphasizing the danger of her ways, especially her ultimate destination which leads to death and the grave. This cautionary tale serves as a metaphor for the temptation of worldly pleasures and the consequences of giving in to sinful desires. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous stories of individuals who fell into temptation and faced severe consequences, such as David’s affair with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11, which led to grave consequences and the loss of his son. Proverbs 5:1-6 conveys timeless messages about the importance of listening to wisdom, especially parental guidance, and the dangers of succumbing to temptation and sinful desires. It underscores the need for discernment and discretion in making choices, as well as the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. This verse encourages readers to seek wisdom and understanding, to heed the advice of those who have walked before them, and to be wary of the allure of worldly pleasures that can lead to destruction. The balance between heeding wisdom and avoiding temptation is a central theme in the Bible, reminding believers to stay steadfast in their faith and to make choices that align with God’s teachings.

Proverbs 5:7-14

The passage in Proverbs 5:7-14 warns against the dangers of falling into the temptation of adultery and the consequences that follow such actions.

1. “Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.”
   Here, the speaker, often assumed to be King Solomon, urges the youth to heed his advice and not stray from the wisdom he imparts. This verse sets the tone for the following verses, where the importance of listening to wise counsel and avoiding destructive behavior is emphasized.

2. “Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house.”
   The passage goes on to warn against getting too close to the temptations of adultery. It advises to stay away from situations or people that could lead one astray from their moral values. This is a valuable lesson about the importance of setting boundaries and being cautious of the environments that could potentially compromise one’s integrity.

3. “Lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel.”
   The consequences of succumbing to adultery are described here. Not only does it lead to betraying one’s own values and commitments, but it also results in giving away one’s energy, time, and ultimately, one’s life essence to someone who does not deserve it. This emphasizes the significant impact that immoral actions can have on an individual’s well-being and future.

4. “Lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another.”
   The passage further illustrates the detrimental effects of adultery by highlighting how it can lead to loss and exploitation. Engaging in such behavior can result in the squandering of one’s resources and the empowerment of those who do not have one’s best interests at heart. This serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of selfish desires and the importance of safeguarding one’s possessions and hard-earned gains.

5. The theme of adultery is a recurring one in the broader context of the Bible, with numerous examples of its consequences. For instance, the story of King David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12 serves as a powerful illustration of the devastating effects of adultery, including deceit, loss, and ultimately, death. It serves as a warning about the dangers of giving in to temptation and the importance of staying faithful to one’s commitments. Proverbs 5:7-14 provides timeless wisdom on the dangers of adultery and the importance of making wise choices to safeguard one’s integrity, relationships, and well-being. It serves as a reminder to listen to the counsel of the wise, set boundaries to protect oneself from temptation, and consider the long-term consequences of one’s actions.

Proverbs 5:15-20

Proverbs 5:15-20 states, “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love. Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman? The emphasis in this passage is on faithfulness and satisfaction within marriage. The analogy of water from one’s own cistern and well underscores the importance of cherishing and being content with one’s own spouse, instead of seeking pleasures outside of the marital bond. The imagery used of springs overflowing in the streets and streams in public squares conveys the idea that intimate relations should be kept within the confines of marriage and not shared with others.

The reference to being satisfied with the wife of one’s youth reflects the biblical view of the sanctity of marriage and the commitment to one’s spouse for a lifetime. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the covenant of marriage as a sacred and exclusive union blessed by God. The imagery of a loving doe and a graceful deer signifies the beauty, purity, and satisfaction that should be found in marital intimacy.

The cautionary tone in the latter part of the passage warns against being enticed by the allure of someone else’s spouse or by a wayward woman. It serves as a reminder to stay faithful and not to be swayed by temptation or lustful desires that can lead to broken relationships and painful consequences. This aligns with biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of fidelity and self-control in matters of the heart and relationships.

Throughout the Bible, the significance of marital faithfulness is reiterated in various verses. For instance, Hebrews 13:4 states, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” This highlights the gravity of maintaining purity and fidelity within marriage, as it is a reflection of one’s commitment to God and to the spouse they have chosen to be united with. Proverbs 5:15-20 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness, satisfaction, and commitment within marriage. It underscores the value of cherishing one’s spouse, finding contentment in the marital relationship, and resisting temptations that can lead one astray. This passage encourages individuals to honor their marriage vows, remain faithful to their partner, and find fulfillment in the love and companionship of their spouse.

Proverbs 5:21-23

The passage in Proverbs 5:21-23 can be broken down into three key sections. “For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”
2. “The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.”
3. “For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”

Beginning with the first section, it highlights the omniscience and omnipresence of God, emphasizing that nothing we do is hidden from Him. This serves as a reminder to the reader that God sees and knows everything we do, even when done in secret. This is a pivotal message in the Bible as it underscores the importance of living a life of righteousness and integrity, knowing that our actions are always under divine scrutiny. It echoes similar sentiments found in Hebrews 4:13, where it says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Moving on to the second section, it warns of the consequences of wickedness and sin. The imagery of being ensnared and held fast by cords of sin paints a vivid picture of the entrapment and bondage that sin creates in one’s life. This concept of being ensnared by sin is consistent throughout the Bible, with numerous examples such as Samson falling into the hands of Delilah due to his lack of self-control (Judges 16) or King David’s adultery with Bathsheba leading to a series of tragic events in his life (2 Samuel 11-12). These stories serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the destructive nature of sin and the importance of avoiding it at all costs.

Lastly, the passage concludes by emphasizing the role of discipline in avoiding the pitfalls of sin and wickedness. It warns that a lack of discipline ultimately leads to death, as one is led astray by their own folly. This ties back to the overarching theme in Proverbs of seeking wisdom and understanding to make righteous choices in life. Proverbs 3:11-12 reinforces this message, stating, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves. Proverbs 5:21-23 serves as a poignant reminder of the need to live a life that is pleasing to God, avoiding the trappings of sin and wickedness through discipline and wisdom. It underscores the timeless message of the Bible that our actions have consequences and that living a life in accordance with God’s will leads to blessings and fulfillment, while straying from His path leads to destruction and death.

After Proverbs 5

Proverbs 5 reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and loyalty in marriage. The chapter warns against the temptations of adultery and the destructive consequences it can bring upon individuals and families. It emphasizes the value of commitment and the blessings that come from honoring the marriage covenant. Let us heed the wisdom found in Proverbs 5 and strive to cultivate strong and faithful relationships in our lives. May we experience the peace and joy that come from living in accordance with His will as we continue to seek God’s guidance and follow His teachings. We now turn to the next chapter, eager to learn more about the ways in which we can lead righteous and fulfilling lives.